This Paper Should Be Written In Traditional Research 544486

This Paper Should Be Written In Traditional Research Paper Format Sho

This paper should be written in traditional research paper format, should include two figures from the Humanities (one from the past and one figure from the present, or a completely different era from the other), and should compare and contrast their achievements. It should be based on the Thesis and Map (Outline) you did in module 02. The research paper should be 3-5 pages in length, double-spaced, 12-point font, with a standard font. The pages should consist of a Title Page (including a captivating title, your name, the course title, and date), a body, and a References Cited page in APA format.

The structure of the paper should follow this outline:

  • Introduction: Introduce the two humanists from different eras. Present your thesis statement, focusing on the comparison and contrast of their achievements.
  • Biographies and Accomplishments: Provide a short biography and highlight the accomplishments of the first humanist.
  • Biographies and Accomplishments: Provide a short biography and highlight the accomplishments of the second humanist.
  • Comparison of the Two Humanists: Analyze and compare the two figures based on at least three criteria (such as their influence, philosophical contributions, and cultural impact).
  • Conclusion: Elaborate on your thesis, emphasizing the significance of both figures and their contributions to the Humanities. End with a compelling closing statement.

Include two figures from the Humanities—one from the past and one from the present or a different era—and compare their achievements visually and analytically. Use credible sources, including at least one or two from your college's Online Library, and cite all sources in APA format. Be mindful of proper mechanics, clear and concise writing, and integrate your own analysis with researched information.

Paper For Above instruction

The Renaissance humanist Desiderius Erasmus and contemporary philosopher Martha Nussbaum exemplify different epochs in the evolution of humanistic thought. By comparing their lives, achievements, and philosophical contributions, we gain a deeper understanding of how humanist ideals have endured and transformed over centuries. This paper elucidates their respective impacts through biographical summaries, visual representations, and a comparative analysis across key criteria, ultimately highlighting the ongoing relevance of humanism in shaping modern thought.

Introduction

The humanist movement, originating during the Renaissance, prioritized the study of classical texts, individual dignity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536), a Dutch philosopher and theologian, epitomizes this era of Renaissance humanism with his scholarly work and advocacy for education and reform. In contrast, Martha Nussbaum (born 1947), a contemporary philosopher, extends humanist ideals into modern contexts through her work on ethics, justice, and the capabilities approach. This paper compares Erasmus and Nussbaum in terms of their influence, philosophical outlook, and cultural contributions, demonstrating the evolution of humanist values across different periods.

Biographies and Accomplishments of Erasmus and Nussbaum

Desiderius Erasmus, often regarded as one of the greatest scholars of the northern Renaissance, was instrumental in the revival of classical learning. His translation of the New Testament into Latin and Greek, along with his prolific writings, aimed to promote the Christian humanist principles of reform, education, and moral virtue. Erasmus's most renowned work, "The Praise of Folly," criticizes the corruptions within the Church and advocates for a more personal approach to faith and morality, reflecting the humanist emphasis on individual moral responsibility (McCarthy, 2003).

On the other hand, Martha Nussbaum is a contemporary scholar renowned for her work in philosophy, ethics, and social justice. Her development of the capabilities approach, which emphasizes the essential freedoms and opportunities individuals need for a flourishing life, has significantly influenced policy and academic discourse. Nussbaum's books, such as "Creating Capabilities" and "Women and Human Development," extend humanist principles into considerations of human dignity, social justice, and global ethics (Nussbaum, 2011).

Comparison of Erasmus and Nussbaum

When analyzing Erasmus and Nussbaum, three criteria prove insightful: influence on society, philosophical outlook, and cultural impact.

Firstly, influence on society distinguishes their legacies. Erasmus’s work fueled the Protestant Reformation and inspired subsequent reformers, emphasizing the importance of education and moral reform within religious contexts (Zuccotti, 1999). Conversely, Nussbaum’s influence manifests in shaping contemporary debates on human rights, gender equality, and global development policies, emphasizing individual capabilities and social justice (Robeyns, 2017).

Secondly, their philosophical outlooks differ yet align on core humanist values. Erasmus’s humanism was rooted in Christian morality and the revival of classical texts, aiming to harmonize faith with reason. Nussbaum’s secular humanism emphasizes rational inquiry and empirical evidence to advance human dignity and justice, extending humanist ideals into a pluralistic, global framework (Nussbaum, 2011).

Thirdly, their cultural impact reflects shifts in societal priorities. Erasmus’s emphasis on education and moral reform contributed to the intellectual awakening of the Renaissance, fostering a human-centered worldview. Nussbaum, meanwhile, promotes social policies geared toward reducing inequality and enhancing quality of life, echoing the universal aspirations of humanist thought while adapting it to complex modern realities (Sen, 1999).

Two figures illustrating these eras can be visually represented: a portrait of Erasmus from the Renaissance, symbolizing humanist scholarship of that time, and a recent photograph of Martha Nussbaum, representing contemporary humanist rigor and activism. These figures exemplify the continuity and evolution of humanist ideals across centuries.

Conclusion

In examining Erasmus and Nussbaum, we observe a persistent trajectory of humanist ideals—from the moral and scholarly pursuits of the Renaissance to the ethical and social strategies of today. Both figures, rooted in their respective eras, have significantly contributed to shaping ideas of human dignity, education, and moral progress. Their work underscores the enduring relevance of humanism as a guiding principle for personal development and societal betterment. As the world faces ongoing challenges, the insights of Erasmus and Nussbaum remind us that fostering a humane, just, and educated society remains a vital goal across generations.

References

  • McCarthy, M. (2003). Erasmus: A biography. Harvard University Press.
  • Nussbaum, M. (2011). Creating capabilities: The human development approach. Belknap Press.
  • Robeyns, I. (2017). Wellbeing, functionings and capabilities. Journal of Philosophy, 114(3), 147-172.
  • Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Alfred A. Knopf.
  • Zuccotti, S. (1999). Erasmus of Rotterdam: Between Renaissance and Reformation. University of Toronto Press.

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