Secular approach

Definition

A secular approach refers to a worldview or method of analysis that is not based on religious beliefs or doctrines. It emphasizes reason, human experience, and empirical evidence as the foundation for understanding the world and human existence. This perspective became increasingly prominent during the Renaissance, influencing literature by shifting focus from religious themes to human experiences, individualism, and the exploration of secular subjects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The secular approach arose during the Renaissance as thinkers began to prioritize human reason and experience over religious authority.
2. Literary works from this period often explored themes like love, beauty, and nature instead of primarily focusing on moral or spiritual lessons.
3. Writers like Shakespeare and Milton incorporated secular themes, reflecting the complexities of human nature and society.
4. This approach laid the groundwork for later Enlightenment thinkers who further advocated for reason and individual rights over tradition.
5. The secularization of literature allowed for diverse genres to emerge, including drama, poetry, and prose that addressed contemporary social issues.

Review Questions

• How did the secular approach influence literary themes during the Renaissance?
  • The secular approach significantly influenced literary themes during the Renaissance by shifting focus from religious narratives to human experiences and emotions. Writers began to explore topics such as love, beauty, and individualism, which were less centered around spiritual or moral lessons. This shift allowed for a more diverse representation of human life in literature and fostered an environment where personal expression and observation became essential elements of storytelling.
• Discuss how the rise of Humanism was connected to the development of a secular approach in literature.
  • The rise of Humanism was closely tied to the development of a secular approach in literature as it emphasized the value of human beings, their experiences, and capabilities. Humanists celebrated classical texts that focused on human agency rather than divine intervention. This cultural shift encouraged writers to adopt a more secular viewpoint, leading them to create works that highlighted individual perspectives and achievements without relying solely on religious frameworks.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of adopting a secular approach in literature on modern writing practices.
  • Adopting a secular approach in literature has had profound long-term impacts on modern writing practices. It encouraged writers to engage with a broader array of subjects beyond religious contexts, fostering innovation in genres such as realism, existentialism, and postmodernism. Furthermore, this shift paved the way for exploring social issues, personal identity, and cultural critique in literature. As a result, contemporary writers are more likely to address diverse experiences and viewpoints without being constrained by religious conventions.

Related terms

Humanism: A cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance that emphasized human potential, achievements, and experiences over divine or supernatural matters.

Renaissance:

A period of renewed interest in art, science, and classical antiquity in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a shift toward secularism in many areas of life.

Empiricism: A philosophical theory that asserts knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, playing a key role in the development of modern science and secular thought.