La época que cambió la historia: el renacimiento | VII Filosofía moderna 02 | T07 E02

Name: La época que cambió la historia: el renacimiento | VII Filosofía moderna 02 | T07 E02
Uploaded: 2022-10-15T23:00:07.000Z
Duration: 52 min 51 s

Introduction

The video introduces the topic of the Renaissance as the first stage of modern philosophy and emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context to comprehend philosophers like Descartes.

The Renaissance and its Historical Context

The Renaissance marks the beginning of modern philosophy and brought about significant changes in society globally.

Understanding the historical context is crucial for comprehending philosophers like Descartes, as they were deeply influenced by their cultural and societal surroundings.

Exploring the historical circumstances and changes that occurred during this period is essential before delving into specific philosophers.

The Transition from Medieval Era to Modernity

The Renaissance served as a transition between the medieval era and modernity, leading to profound societal changes with a global impact.

Impact on Society

The Renaissance was a time of immense transformation that affected not only Europe but also had worldwide implications.

It marked a shift from a society centered around God and social institutions, such as the Catholic Church and feudal lords, which had maintained stability for nearly 1000 years.

Factors like colder winters, prolonged famines, and events like the Black Death led to demographic shifts, causing significant loss of life.

These calamities resulted in higher wages for surviving peasants due to reduced labor supply, transforming their socio-economic status.

The role of knights and feudal lords changed with the emergence of paid mercenaries who fought for economic gain rather than honor or loyalty.

Military Changes

New military technologies, such as long-range weapons like longbows used in battles like Agincourt, followed by muskets and cannons fueled by gunpowder discovered in China but reaching Europe through trade routes like Silk Road, rendered castles obsolete.

Feudalism gradually declined by 1500 in Western Europe, making way for a new socio-economic era and the beginnings of capitalism.

Prosperity among merchants and artisans led to the rise of bourgeoisie, who lacked noble titles but gained social recognition through their economic resources.

Cities became centers of trade and commerce, with fortified walls losing significance as societies adapted to prioritize commercial adaptability.

Rise of the Nation-State

The consolidation of capital and the prosperity of new social classes like the bourgeoisie contributed to the emergence of nation-states, leading to a shift in political organization.

Centralization and State Formation

The centralization of capital allowed for population concentration in cities, leading to professionalized military forces like mercenaries and eventually national armies.

This development gave rise to nation-states organized around shared cultural identity, language, religion, and customs.

Loyalty shifted from individual figures of authority like kings or feudal lords towards loyalty to the nation itself.

Hegel considers the consolidation of nation-states as a defining characteristic of the Modern Era.

Conclusion

The video concludes by highlighting how understanding historical context is crucial for comprehending philosophers from this period. It also emphasizes that patronage by new social classes played a role in promoting arts and sciences.

Understanding Philosophers

To comprehend philosophers from this period like Descartes, it is essential to consider their historical context.

Patronage by emerging social classes like the bourgeoisie provided recognition and support for artists and scientists in lieu of noble titles.

Timestamps are approximate.

The Byzantine Empire and the Migration of Scholars

This section discusses the importance of the Byzantine Empire's closure of the Silk Road, which led to the immigration of scholars, architects, and artists to Christian Europe. The influx of Greek intellectuals brought new knowledge and revived interest in classical texts.

The Impact of the Byzantine Empire's Closure of the Silk Road

The closure of the Silk Road by the Turks had significant consequences.

It halted trade between Christian Europe and the Far East.

This event is known as the Byzantine Empire's closure of the Silk Road.

Immigration of Greek Scholars to Christian Europe

Many Greek intellectuals sought refuge in Christian Europe.

They brought with them their knowledge and expertise.

These Greek masters introduced new arts and previously unknown knowledge to Western Europe.

Cities like Florence, Pisa, Rome, Venice, and Genoa became centers for these Greek scholars.

Patronage by the Medici Family

The Medici family, prominent bankers from Florence, played a crucial role during this period.

They supported poets, scientists, artists, and philosophers who would not have been able to create their works without their financial backing.

Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were sponsored by this influential family.

Philosophers such as Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola also received support for their studies and translations.

The Rise of Humanism

This era was marked by a philosophical movement known as humanism.

Humanism prioritized studying all aspects related to humanity rather than focusing solely on theology or God.

It shifted emphasis towards human-centered studies.

The Invention of Printing Press: Revolutionizing Knowledge Dissemination

This section highlights Johannes Gutenberg's invention of movable type printing press in 1450. This revolutionary machine transformed the production of texts, books, and ultimately, the entire culture. It allowed for the dissemination of ideas from artists, philosophers, and scientists.

Johannes Gutenberg's Invention

In 1450, Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press.

This invention was a significant breakthrough in printing technology.

Gutenberg devised a method to print pages by using movable letters that could be rearranged as needed.

This innovation enabled the printing of complete pages rather than individual characters.

Impact on Text Production and Cultural Transformation

The printing press revolutionized text production and book creation.

It drastically reduced the time required to produce texts compared to traditional methods like manuscript copying.

The availability of printed materials increased rapidly.

Information was no longer controlled solely by ecclesiastical authorities who had previously monopolized copywork through monasteries.

European merchants could now acquire printing machines and produce texts of various kinds.

The Age of Exploration: New Trade Routes and Cultural Exchange

This section explores how inventions like the compass and astrolabe facilitated long-distance navigation. The search for new trade routes due to Ottoman blockade led to Europe's discovery of America. This discovery resulted in an unprecedented exchange of products between continents.

Search for New Trade Routes

The Ottoman blockade in Constantinople (now Istanbul) closed off traditional trade routes with the Far East.

European explorers sought alternative routes to access valuable goods from Asia.

Inventions such as the compass and astrolabe aided navigation over long distances.

European Discovery of America

Controversially, Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1492 led to Europe's discovery of America.

This event initiated an unprecedented exchange of products between Europe and America.

Europeans encountered new plants and animals such as beans, cocoa, maize, pineapples, potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes, turkeys (guajolotes), while Americans were introduced to cattle, chickens, citrus fruits, coffee, grapes, horses, onions, peaches, pigs, rice, sugarcane, and wheat.

This discovery revolutionized international trade and accelerated the development of capitalism.

Consequences of European Expansion: Inequities and Cultural Shifts

This section discusses the consequences of European expansion and colonization. It highlights the devastating impact on indigenous populations due to diseases brought by Europeans. The colonial exploitation of African cultures through slavery is also mentioned.

Devastating Impact on Indigenous Populations

The arrival of Europeans in America led to the spread of new diseases like smallpox and measles.

These diseases were previously unknown to indigenous populations.

As a result, approximately 90% of the native population was decimated by these infections.

Colonial Exploitation and Slavery

European powers exploited African cultures through slavery.

Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas to work as laborers in mines and plantations.

Many European nations engaged in evangelization alongside conquest during this period.

Challenges Faced by the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church faced challenges during this time.

Corruption within the church hierarchy led to crises such as the Western Schism in 1378 when there were three rival popes simultaneously.

The sale of indulgences for fundraising purposes further undermined its credibility.

Martin Luther's Reformation

Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk from Germany, protested against the sale of indulgences.

In 1517, he famously posted his 95 Theses on a church door in Wittenberg.

Luther's actions sparked the Protestant Reformation movement.

Many nations in Northern Europe separated from the Catholic Church due to corruption and sought to establish new doctrines based on their own interpretations.

The Translation of the Bible by Martin Luther

This section discusses how Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German in 1534 marked a significant shift in Europe, as it challenged the exclusive authority of the Catholic Church and gave rise to a new identity for the German people.

Martin Luther's Translation of the Bible

Martin Luther translated the Bible into German in 1534, making it accessible to the common people.

This translation not only allowed for a wider understanding of scripture but also established German as a standard language throughout Europe.

The Protestant Reformation led by Luther questioned faith and institutions, leading to a shift in power dynamics.

The Shift in Philosophy and Politics

This section explores how philosophy and politics shifted from being centered around Mediterranean regions to more northern areas, where freer thinking was permitted. It also highlights the emergence of realpolitik and diplomacy as key factors in maintaining political power.

Philosophy and Political Change

Philosophy began moving away from its traditional stronghold in the Mediterranean region towards more northern areas that allowed for freer thinking.

The concept of philosophy serving theology as its servant started to break down during this period.

In 1532, Niccolò Machiavelli published "The Prince," which emphasized effectiveness over virtue or ancient values when it came to acquiring and maintaining power.

Diplomacy and intelligence became crucial for rulers to retain power, shifting away from divine right or ideology.

Protestantism and Political Astuteness

This section examines how Protestantism combined with political astuteness resulted in significant changes during this era. King Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church is highlighted as an example.

Protestantism and Political Astuteness

Protestantism, combined with political astuteness, led to significant transformations in this era.

King Henry VIII of England sought to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, leading to the separation of England from the Catholic Church and establishing himself as the head of the Anglican Church.

This exemplifies how rulers separated from the Catholic Church to consolidate their own power.

Secularization of Politics and Scientific Revolution

This section discusses how politics became less dependent on religious institutions for justification, leading to a secularization of politics. The scientific revolution is also highlighted, particularly Nicolaus Copernicus' heliocentric model.

Secularization of Politics and Scientific Revolution

Bolívar Echeverría referred to this period as the "secularization of politics," where governments relied less on the church to justify their power.

In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus published "On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres," proposing a heliocentric model that contradicted religious scriptures.

Empirical observations and mathematical calculations made it impossible to sustain the old geocentric model supported by religious institutions.

Galileo Galilei's discoveries further challenged traditional beliefs but faced opposition from religious authorities.

Transformation in Society and Culture

This section explores how society and culture underwent significant transformations during this period. Feudalism gave way to capitalism, art shifted towards human-centered themes, communication improved through printing press technology, and military tactics evolved.

Transformation in Society and Culture

Feudalism transitioned into capitalism socioeconomically.

Art moved away from predominantly religious themes towards more human-centered representations.

The invention of the printing press allowed for mass production of books, granting widespread access to reading and knowledge.

Military tactics and city structures transformed, focusing more on communication, trade, and modern metropolises.

Popularization of Vernacular Languages

This section discusses the popularization of vernacular languages in literature and the emergence of national identities during this period.

Popularization of Vernacular Languages

In contrast to the Middle Ages' dominance of Latin as the scholarly language, poets and playwrights began writing in their own vernacular languages.

This shift aimed to make literature more accessible to the general population and contributed to the formation of national identities.

Notable examples include Miguel de Cervantes in Spain, Dante Alighieri in Italy, and William Shakespeare in England.

Overview of the Period

In this section, the speaker discusses the important milestones and changes in philosophy during a specific period.

Key Points:

This period represented an explosion of authors and philosophical currents.

Notable thinkers during this time include Nicolás de Cusa, Giordano Bruno, Tomaso de Campanella, Nicolás Maquiavelo, Pico della Mirandola, Marcilio Ficino, and Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Some of the most important classical works in literature were developed during this period.

While literature is considered an art form, it is worth mentioning some notable names in philosophy such as Petrarch, Dante Alighieri, Miguel de Cervantes, Michel de Montaigne, and William Shakespeare.