humanities module 2?
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School
Valencia College *
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Course
2232
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by BarristerBuffaloPerson824
1.
After reading both passages, discuss how you think della Mirandola
and Manetti’s views of human beings are similar. Include a passage
from each to support your point. I'm only looking for your informed
opinion - not an official 'right' or 'wrong' answer.
I think Della Mirandola and Manetti’s view of human beings are similar in the fact that they both
believed in the exceptional nature of humans and that humans had special thinking abilities. They
believed that people could become more spiritually advanced and control what happens in their
lives by making choices. For example, in Della Mirandola’s passage he writes “We have made
you a creature neither of heaven nor of earth, neither mortal nor immortal, in order that you may,
as the free and proud shaper of your own being, fashion yourself in the form you may prefer.” In
this passage, Mirandola emphasizes the fact that humans possess the unique ability to shape
themselves and show that they have the power to decide who they are and what they will become
in the future. Manetti writes “Although winds, planets and stars were made from air and fire they
are evidently without either sense or life. Man is more admirable than the fish and birds which
were made of the air and the beasts which had been created along with him as living things from
the earth.” In this part he is basically agreeing with Mirandolas view that humans are much more
special than fish, birds, and other animals. Humans are unique and intelligent and can make
choices which sets them apart from everything else in the world.
2.
Which author's view of human beings and human nature most closely
reflects your own? In your answer, demonstrate that you understand
both della Mirandola's and Manetti’s arguments in each of the assigned
passages, and include at least two quotes from either author or both
authors to support your points.
If I had to choose between both views of human beings and which one I
relate to more, I think it would be Manetti’s view. Manetti focuses more on
the pleasures and joys that humans derive from sensory experiences and
everyday life. He also goes over the values of appreciating and enjoying the
present moment and I think it is very important to do that because life does
not last forever, and you want to make the best of it. On the other hand,
Della Mirandola’s view focuses more on the potential for people to achieve
greatness through their choices and the exercise of their free will. He
emphasizes about the spiritual and intellectual parts of human nature.
Manetti writes in the passage “Words
cannot express the pleasure we
experience when we imagine, compare, make value judgments, remember
and understand those things we have already apprehended by a particular
sense.” Basically, it is hard to put into words how happy and satisfied we feel
when we use our imagination, compare things, decide what’s important,
remember past experiences, and understand things we’ve seen, heard,
smelled, and tasted, or felt with our senses. These mental things bring us so
much joy, but it is difficult to describe exactly how good they make us feel. I
love this because he is explaining how the best things in life in my opinion
cannot just simply be put in words. I also side more with his view because he
focuses more on positivity and reminds people that although one can
experience negative things in life, there is always a positive we can focus on.
In contrast Mirandola’s view like when he wrote “We have given you, O
Adam, no features or gifts that are specific and unique to you, so that
whatever place, whatever form, whatever gifts you may select, with
deliberate thought, you may have and keep through your own judgment and
decision.” He implies humans have responsibility to make their own destiny
and this can be overwhelming to some people or in my case I do believe that
sometimes even if you try to get a hold of your destiny fate is fate and some
things happen for a reason.
3.
As I've done with the painting above and Mirandola's Humanist
philosophy, I'd like you to choose one of the paintings listed below and
explain fully how you think it reflects at least one aspect of Gianozzo
Manetti's Humanist philosophy. With your answer you should include an
image of your chosen painting and at least one quote from the
assigned Manetti passage.
I felt that it was easier going through each passage 1-13 carefully and trying to find anything that
connected with the painting. I think multiple aspects of Gianozzo Manetti’s human philosophy
applies to the painting. Manetti emphasizes in number 2 pleasures of external senses the
pleasures that humans derive from their senses such as hearing, taste, smell, touch, and sight. He
writes “they derive partly from the ability to enjoy seeing beautiful bodies, partly from listening
to sounds and symphonies and even more delightful things, partly from smelling the odors of
flowers and such like, partly from tasting various sweet and succulent foods and, finally, partly
from the touch of the softest substances.”. In the painting, the angel offers a bowl containing
twelve ears of wheats and grapes. After doing some research I think this is a symbol of Eucharist
which is the sacrament commemorating the last supper. Which connects to sensory experiences.
Such as eating, drinking, and being involved in a spiritual ritual. This backs up with Manetti’s
idea that humans find pleasure through their senses. The painting also showcases the beauty of
the human form with the three-quarter view of Mary and the peaceful expressions on their faces
which aligns with Manetti’s idea of finding pleasure in seeing beautiful bodies. Also, Manetti
acknowledges the fact that life can be tough, but he also sees that it’s full of happy and enjoyable
moments. The painting shows a calm and happy picture of the Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, and a
happy angel. This painting celebrates the goodness of life and the joy we can find in everyday
things.
Painting 1: Sandro Botticelli,
Virgin and Child with an Angel
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