Transcript 06_RenaissanceMan

What’s a Renaissance
man?
Idea developed in 15th-cent. Italy
One of first representatives was Leon
Battista Alberti (1404-72), who said that “a
man can do all things if he will”
Alberti was architect, poet, painter,
scientist, inventor, skilled horseman, etc.
Inspiration & example


basic ideas of Humanism; that men should
embrace as much knowledge as possible
gifted figures of Renaissance like Leonardo
da Vinci sought to develop skills in all areas
of knowledge, such as history, art, physics,
mathematics, sports, etc.
Precursor


polymath of classical age, who was skilled
in many areas
e.g., Aristotle’s student Archimedes, who
mastered several subjects like mathematics,
physics, engineering, and philosophy
Differences




Renaissance man, like polymath, skilled in several areas
and possesses strong knowledge in those areas
genius possesses highly specialized knowledge usually in
one area of study
generalist has limited knowledge in many areas
dilettante is amateur who dabbles in many areas of
knowledge
Suspicions


some debate as to whether or not many
Renaissance men only dilettantes
such questioning product of 19th cent., when
age of modern specialization and
“professionalism” began