SCHOLARSHIP AND HUMANISM IN DIFFERENT CULTURES.
Scholarship and Humanism can be traced in numerous cultures across the world. The scholarship is the academic study by a scholar who uses different methods and disciplines to acquire knowledge. Whereas, Humanism is a system of thought in which the human dignity, interests and values are of great significance.
In China, the concept of Humanism has its roots in the theory of Ren by Confucius. According to Rudebusch (2011), Ren means the ability of the people to love each other. Theory of ren emphasis of specific character traits such as tolerance, restfulness, generosity and knowledge. Therefore, this theory dictates on how individuals can relate to each other. In ancient China, scholars were the highest social class in the community. Consequently, a person has to perform well in the national examination to reach the highest level in the society. In this regard, the Chinese have a hierarchical system of education, as they believe getting higher degrees makes them successful in the community.
Philosophy of Humanism in the United States of America has its origin in the Enlightenment period. Philosophers who came up with this philosophy sought to purge the superstitious elements in religion and replace them with atheistic rationalism. Atheistic rationalism states that a rational God is responsible for the creation of the world, which is a religious belief, especially among Christians. During the 19th century, Humanism had a significant influence among the people, which led to the establishment of the Unitarian Church as a religious institution. Some of the scholarly work has its roots in the enlightenment period. For instance, the philosophers from the Deweyan tradition who were scientific naturalist are principal architects of Humanism in the 20th century.
In the Byzantine Empire, scholarship and Humanism have their roots in the Christian literature of the third and sixth centuries. Shepard (2016). Church fathers of Greek came up with literary values that were essential to the people. Additionally, an education system which entails subjects like rhetoric and classical Greek genres such as poetry and drama. Moreover, scholars led to the establishment of principal forms of writing, such as nonliturgical and liturgical poetry. Monasticism is a religious way of life whereby a person only concentrates on spiritual work. Monasticism rose in the 4th century in Greco-Roman. Rüpke & Spickermann (2012). It is responsible for the transmission of Latin and Greek literature. During the middle ages, there was the creation of rules in the monasteries. For example, in the Benedictine monasteries, the order of St Benedict was vital to the monks, and it is in use to date. Christian monks follow the virtues of Humanism. They try to live a good, truthful, and honest live to attain eternal life. In Hinduism, monasteries teach the individuals various attributes such as treating all with compassion and respect. The rules of the monastery institution are written in multiple books which is evidence of scholarly work.
Cultural renaissance in Islam has its origin during Buyid dynasty (945-1055). Islam renaissance embraced philosophical Humanism which focuses on education, philosophical and scientific heritage. In Islam, Humanism is characterized by upholding dignity and value of man. Further, its emphasis on the unity of the people and shows one destiny of humankind. Scholars and poets in the middle ages led to the creation of literary Humanism which was characterized by individualism in various aspects such as creativity in literature.
During the renaissance period in the 12th century, many scholars in Europe did not pay attention to faith and doctrines of the church. Palmer (2019). Humanists during the renaissance era emphasized on human values. They began to value the fact that people can think and form judgements. Consequently, scholars were able to create classical styles in architecture, art and literature.
The primary purpose of scholarship and Humanism across the cultures is to improve the lives of the people. Furthermore, the people were able to live peacefully as most of the values emphasized on respect to each other, and upholding human dignity. Humanism and scholarship brought new classical styles in literature, music, architecture, and art. Additionally, it led to the start of a new institution like the monasteries in numerous religions. They was the establishment of systems of education which provide insights in social, economic, and political aspects across different cultures.
REFERENCES.
Palmer, A. (2019). Lucretius Renaissance thought. Renaissance and Reformation. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780195399301-0423
Rudebusch, G. (2011). Yu, Confucius, and Ren. Dao, 10(3), 341-348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11712-011-9229-y
Rüpke, J., & Spickermann, W. (2012). Reflections on religious individuality: Greco-Roman and Judaeo-Christian texts and practices. Walter de Gruyter.
Shepard, J. (2016). Byzantine Empire: 2. 650-1204. The Encyclopedia of Empire, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118455074.wbeoe346