Humanistic Background of Writers and Thinkers in 15th and 16th Centuries

The Renessaince humanists, according to the author of the presented paper, were aware of the double meaning of the word 'Humanism', i.e., its philosophical-worldview meaning and education-cultural meaning. This duality contributes to the fact that, like in old Latin word 'humanitas', it refers to specifically human properties, especially to gentleness but also to refinement, polish or good manners that stem from education or erudition. That is why these humanists who wanted to restore the genuine meaning of the word did not shun away from this duality. The author of the paper not only shows it on example derivatives of 'humanitas' but also illustrates the practical application of humanist formation in 15th and 16th century, by showing Erasmus' 'philosophia Christi' and 'bonae litterae'.