N.1/2025 Confini in discussione. L’essere umano di fronte alle sfide contemporanee
Tra due "rinascite". Itinerari dell'umanesimo dall'XII al XV secolo
Roberto Melisi
Published in June, 2025
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Tra due "rinascite". Itinerari dell'umanesimo
dall'XII al XV secolo
Abstract
The essay offers some research paths on the meaning of “human” between the 12áµ—Ê° and 15áµ—Ê° centuries. After a brief historical analysis of “humanism” and “anthropocentrism”, the essay reflects on the idea of human dignity starting
from the study of the most similar concepts (humus, humilitas): through the thought of William of Saint-Thierry and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, the paper explores anthropocentrism in the light of the theory of deification. Far from constituting a defence of “theocentrism”, can deification represent the highest form of humanization of mankind? Can man define himself as truly such only if he exercises the virtue of humanitas? In Marsilio Ficino’s opinion, since true unity among men is in danger, it is compulsory to promote “humanistic” knowledge and take charge of love for others (“philanthropy”).
Keywords
Humanism, Dignity of Man, Deification, Anthropocentrism, Philanthropy.
DOI
10.53129/gcsi_01-2025-03