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Humanism and nature in the renaissance
Humanism in Renaissance Literature
Humanism and nature in the renaissance
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During the Renaissance, there were a variety of ways animals were used and thought about in culture. Human and animal relations contained an extreme anthropocentric view in regards to human hierarchy over all other species. However, animals studies were still extremely popular because they were considered helpful to man. By studying and retaining knowledge about the natural world, man was then able to obtain “more perfect knowledge” because it would stick in the their mind, therefore, it could be used as a manuscript for how one should behave (Barnett 548). Animals were often considered “beastly,” and if man was to act in a way that was not considered moral or ethical, he too was considered beastly. Animals like dogs and horses were categorized
Philosophers and scholars have long debated the human moral and ethical obligations towards non-human animals. The opposing paradigms of animal ethics a...
Animals and their actions appeared to be a physical representation of the path or right and wrong. They were a direct line to the heavens so their actions, which are natural for them are taken as a sign of virtue. In T.H. Whites translation of The Book of Beasts the fox and the dog, which both belong to the Canidae family, are painted so differently. The wildness of the fox in contrast to the obedient nature of the dog plays into emotional and logical aspect between these two animals. The fox’s intelligence and the dog’s loyalty are highly revered and are examples to live one’s life faithfully, and wisely so as to avoid the sinful workings of the Devil.
“I have from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men.”( Leonardo da Vinci)
The ethical treatment of animals is a hotly debated concept with many views on how animals should be treated varying across the spectrum. The primary concern behind the vast majority of these debates comes from how we view the moral standing of animals. Generally these can be grouped into three distinct categories, moral equality, direct but unequal, and finally indirect theories (Willson, 2015). In this paper I will attempt to briefly explore and give consideration to all of these areas and some of the differing viewpoints within them.
During the Dark Ages of Europe (otherwise known as the Middle Ages or Medieval Time), people had not created anything new and were stuck trying to move forward; however, many wonderful painting and artistic masterpieces came out of the depressing time. Animals and bestiary were a main point of interest for aspiring artists and renowned painters. The symbolic meaning of animals were the main use of them in art pieces. Many Christian artists used animals to symbolize heavenly and devilish figures. Bestiary animals was also used to express exoctic feelings and to inspire other artists for their own work. There were many exhilarating characters made up in the wondrous minds of the people of the Middle
The Medieval period also referred to as the Middle Ages was the period of time between the demise of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance era; this was the period from the 5th century to the 17th century in Europe. During this time, society conformed to the feudal system which was based on the hierarchy approach which upper class had control over the lower class. Included in this class structure were kings, lords, neighboring kings, peasants and church leaders.
The embodiment of humans’ flaws through the medium of anthropomorphic animals has for centuries demonstrated to be a preferred literary method by which to educate children and adults. Following the steps of Aristotle, The Complete Fables of Jean de La Fontaine juxtaposes the hierarchy in the animal world to the establishment of a human social hierarchy. Meanwhile, Mary Wollstonecraft’s Original Stories from Real Life relies heavily on dialogue and observation to present Wollstonecraft’s argument to practice benevolence towards helpless animals. Both La Fontaine and Wollstonecraft understood the extent to which the unjustified classification of inferior species exacerbates animosity, impedes rational thinking and behavior, and ultimately deteriorates
The shift between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance was characterized by great socio-economic, political, and religious changes. Politically, the feudal system of the Middle Ages was exchanged for a more stable centralized republic/monarchy system that gave the people more freedom and input. Religiously, secularism became more important as stability gave people a chance to concern themselves with the “here and now” rather than simply the “hereafter.” Socially, there was a shift from dogma and unshakeable belief to humanism and the ability to interpret things for oneself. The Middle Ages began around 400 CE and lasted until 1400 CE while the Renaissance began around 1200 and continued until 1600. The 200 years that overlap between these two periods contain many pieces of “transition” art in which it is obvious that the change is beginning to take place. These collective changes that took place in this period dictated change in art as well. There were changes in iconography, style, purpose, and patronage that facilitated the overall transformation of art from a sense of illustrating what you are told to believe is true to optical realism and conveying how you yourself interpret that “truth”.
The idea of rights to the animals was always debatable has now become more controversial. The substantial influence of using the animals for food and research has sparked the controversy over potential impact of this trend in recent years. It can be said that use of animals as a source of diet and for research is essential part. However, this kind of attitude of human beings towards animals results in pain and decrease number of animal species on the earth. This essay will elaborate both the view points and thus will lead to a logical conclusion.
Fleas were a popular subject of poetry in the Renaissance Era because poets were fascinated by the insects fearlessness and were inspired, soon becoming a popular subject among poets (Andy). Since the seventeenth century, the idea of “mingling of the blood” was an idea that Donne was interested, realizing that the courageous, tiny creature has drawn both of his blood and his mistress's blood which is something the woman wouldn't dare to do even to herself. As shown though analogy, tone, and symbolism, John Donne claims that there is no sin in being intimate in spite of marriage and that seduction is a powerful weapon.
Humans and animals have coexisted on Earth since the beginning of our existence. There is no doubt that our relationship to animals has inspired a plethora of ethical questions on how we should interact with them. German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) presents his account of our duty towards animals, based on his deontological ethics. His account, however, does not adequately answer the question of how we should treat animals. In this paper, I will explain the reasoning behind Kant’s account, as well as present objections to his reasoning. I will conclude that Kant’s account is not coherent or plausible.
“The greatest threat to people is ignorance. The greatest threat to animals is ignorant people.” This quote from an animal protection organization applies immensely to the ongoing relationship between animals and humans. Most people cannot imagine their lives without their pets, and treat them as if they are their own children. But where is the line drawn when it comes to which animals we should treat better than others? A cat is not considered a food source, but a cow is. A dog’s fur is not used as material for a boots, but one does not question the use of a sheep’s. Throughout history, arguments have been made regarding the treatment of animals. Most argue that animals feel emotion towards other things, but some philosophers did not agree
Flynn, Clifton P. "Acknowledging the "Zoological Connection": A Sociological Analysis of Animal Cruelty." Society and Animals 9.1 (2001): 71-87. Print.
We have raised animals, just to slaughter them and put them on a plate. We hunt animals for food and even for sport. Though, as years passed and as the knowledge of self-has increased, throughout the world, several individuals have begun to wonder if animals share the same emotions human beings feel. Do they know right from wrong? Are they knowledgeable of their surrounding as humans are? With different answers, these questions are, in part, dependent on specific experiences. Most of these theories illustrate that humans alone, have a moral compass. Other arguments pose that animals and even things can have
“Man is the highest rated animal, at least among all the animals who returned the questionnaire (Brault, 2009).” For years humans have been using animals for experimentation, food, clothing, sport and entertainment, manual labor, and let us not forget man’s best friend. The unethical treatment of animals can best be resolved by deontology contrasted with ethical egoism.