What does the term "humanism" in Renaissance context primarily refer to?

In the context of the Renaissance, humanism primarily refers to the emphasis on human potential and achievements. This intellectual movement marked a departure from the medieval focus on religious doctrine and the afterlife, redirecting attention to the capacities of individuals and their accomplishments in various fields such as art, literature, and philosophy.

Humanists advocated for the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome, highlighting the value of human experience, rational thought, and the pursuit of knowledge. Renaissance thinkers believed that through education and the cultivation of personal abilities, individuals could achieve greatness, leading to advancements in cultural, artistic, and scientific endeavors.

This focus on human potential contrasted with other aspects of life during that time, such as strict adherence to religious doctrines or the pursuit of agricultural advancements, which did not capture the essence of humanistic thought. Moreover, while scientific developments were important during the Renaissance, they were often intertwined with the broader humanist philosophy rather than being its central tenet.