Expert: S. Molina - 6/25/2009

Question
What is humanism and how was it reflected in Greek culture and art?

Answer
Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appealing to universal human qualities, particularly rationality, without resorting to the supernatural or alleged divine authority from religious texts.  That is the dictionary definition of what humanism is.

If you look at the classical Greek philosophers, like Thales, Xenophanes, Anaxagoras, Pericles, Protagoras, Democritus and Epicurus, you'll see that their philosophies were very humanist, promoting man as the measure of all things.  They took a critical view on the the beliefs in gods and the supernatural, and promoted rational thinking and the use of logic to solve everyday problems.

If you look at the Greek sculptures, you notice that most are nude men, strong, defined muscles.  This, again, promoting the human as the measure of all things.  They male nude sculpture are given an almost superhuman physique, emphasizing the beauty of man. The art, especially sculpture is more naturalistic.  

I hope this helps, do not hesitate to ask any follow-up questions

S. Molina