Renaissance Research Articles

Philosophical and logical study of the European Renaissance Historiography in the XIV-XVI centuries

The article outlines and systematizes the fundamental historical and philosophical concepts of European, in particular, the Italian, Renaissance of the XIV–XVI centuries. The paper emphasizes the principles and structure of the research methodology of the Renaissance philosophy historiography. It clarifies the logic and principal priorities of the internal concepts and external assessments of the Renaissance and offers the author’s opinion on the study of the Renaissance philosophy historiography.

Clear enigmas and hidden meanings: the perpetuum mobile of the ‘machine of the world’ motif in recent interartistic activity in Brazil

Out of its European Renaissance origins in the writings of Dante and Camões, the metaphor of the machina mundi first came to the fore in Brazilian literature in the canonical poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade: the quintessential work of Brazilian modernism in its broadest sense, “A Máquina do Mundo”. The aim of this article is to explore the multiple, shifting possibilities inherent in the complex literary-cultural motif of the ‘machine of the world’ in current Brazilian art and literature. The text begins by looking at the comic epic poem Por mares nunca dantes by Geraldo Carneiro, before focusing on the different creative practices and appropriations of a series of paradigmatic variations on the theme from the opening decades of the 21st century: hybridity and interdisciplinarity in the poems A máquina do mundo repensada by Haroldo de Campos and “A quarta parede” by Marco Lucchesi; and interartistic intersectionality and creative duality in Laura Vinci’s verbal-visual sculptural installation “A máquina do mundo”, and Nuno Ramos’s photo-illustrated poetry collection Junco. The aim of this exploration is to interpret each of the works within the discursive historical-cultural context of the motif, and to analyse critically its presence in these rewritten and reconceptualised forms.

“The delights of intellectual vagrancy, of the improvised chase after a fleeting allusion”: Edith Wharton’s A Son at the Front

Abstract A Son at the Front was an underrated novel at the time of publication and consigned to the margins of World War I literature for many years. A number of contemporary reviewers failed to appreciate the depth of the novel, particularly with regard to Wharton’s complex use of allusions, and faulted it for being out of touch with modern fiction and being published at the wrong time. The years covered by the narrative had been consigned to history and events that had overtaken the period of American neutrality for those who sought retreat into isolationism. Memorialization of those who had fought and died in the war was, however, very much an ongoing process, particularly in the public erection of monuments among participant countries, and they have remained to this day the sites for public ceremonies of commemoration. This article focuses on Wharton’s reference to a knight’s effigy, Luca Signorelli, and a painting of the Inquisition attributed to Juan de Borgoña, to the Christian iconography of medieval and early Renaissance art, as a way of understanding how her novel probed the contestation over how to memorialize the death of soldiers in World War I amid a polarized response to American involvement.

(Un)Know Thy “Self”: Interconnected Consciousness and Different Ways of Knowing

This paper draws on preliminary data from a qualitative study in curriculum and pedagogy, “Stories of Teaching about Consciousness: An Inquiry into Worldviews and Wellbeing.” An emerging theme is the concept of the self and how it entwines with perspectives on consciousness. Analyzing consciousness and the self through The Five Contexts framework reveals assumptions at the heart of research and education that often go unquestioned. We wonder, what might alternative perspectives on consciousness and the self offer to researchers and educators? The study aims to inform a larger project of “consciousness education,” defined as education about perspectives on the source and nature of consciousness and their implications for ways of being, knowing, teaching, and learning. The broader inquiry uses narrative methods to collect and interpret stories of teaching experiences from eight scholars from different cultural and philosophical perspectives, including Indigenous, Eastern, and Western. This paper uses The Five Contexts (autobiographical, historical, political, postmodern, and philosophical) as an analytical framework to interpret theory and data related to the concept of the self from different perspectives. This five-context analysis reveals the modern concept of the individual, material self as a theoretical construct that emerged from the cosmological context of the European Renaissance, influenced the historical development of Western science and education, and continued to be reproduced for political purposes. Different cultural, philosophical, and scientific perspectives on consciousness, both ancient and recent, challenge this theoretical construct. Instead, they offer an understanding of consciousness and the self as interconnected and existing beyond the material. Researchers and educators may benefit by becoming aware of their assumptions about consciousness and the self, and of the different perspectives that challenge their assumptions. Such awareness may open possibilities for ways of knowing that transcend the disconnected “self” and foster a more profound sense of interconnectedness.

Life Education from Montaigne's Perspective on Death

Michel de Montaigne was a humanist thinker in the 16th century Renaissance. At the same time, he was also the writer who is most passionate about the proposition of death in this period. In his Essays "Les essais de Michel de Montaigne", He took the study of himself as a starting point and then extended to all human beings, seeking the meaning of life from the research of death, and trying to dissolve the avoidance of death. This paper takes Montaigne's philosophy of death as a reference sample to explore the cognition of death concept applicable to life education.

O legado clássico de Horácio em Sá de Miranda e Ricardo Reis

In Portuguese literature, revisitations of Classical Antiquity, particularly the Greek philosophical doctrines of Stoicism and Epicureanism, as well as the literary genres cultivated in Latin literature by Horace, are projected onto Sá de Miranda, in the Renaissance period, and onto the modernist avant-garde heteronym of Fernando Pessoa, Ricardo Reis. Themes such as carpe diem, exegi monumentum, and non usitata, in the manner of Horace, are reactualized in the works of Portuguese poets. The aurea mediocritas, the awareness of the inexorable passage of time, and the conception of utile et dulce are constant thematic and theoretical elements that resonate in Sá de Miranda and Ricardo Reis, although modified by the reasons of time. To carry out this study, hermeneutic and comparative methods of analysis are applied to the works of Sá de Miranda and Pessoa in order to scrutinize the similarities and differences of the authors with Horace.

Francisco de Melo’s theory of vision

ABSTRACT As a complement to his version of Euclid’s Optics, the Portuguese mathematician Francisco the Melo (1490-1536) wrote a short treatise on the principles of vision that also included a summary description of the components of the eye. Combining arguments of geometric and anatomical nature, that text helps us to understand some of the conflicting ideas of the Renaissance period, before Kepler, but it also invites us to reread the contributions of a number of authors from the Middle Ages, with a particular focus on Alhacen and Witelo. Although Melo's theory of vision cannot be classified as exactly groundbreaking, it presents many interesting and singular peculiarities. In particular the way in which Melo justifies the existence of rays emitted by the eye while incorporating, at the same time, some elements of the intromission theories, and the clear steps he gives to single out the perpendicular ray in the mechanism behind a faithful and distinct vision.

Printing and Misprinting: A Companion to Mistakes and In-House Corrections in Renaissance Europe (1450–1650). Ed. by Geri Della Rocca de Candal, Anthony Grafton, and Paolo Sachet

Printing and Misprinting: A Companion to Mistakes and In-House Corrections in Renaissance Europe (1450–1650). Ed. by Geri Della Rocca de Candal, Anthony Grafton, and Paolo Sachet

From ancient to modern: Astronomy in medieval Islam

Abstract This paper firstly summarises the main reasons for the huge development of astronomy in the medieval Islamic world. Then it explores the intrinsic connections of the discipline with the society of the time through some of its main practical applications which proved useful for both civil and religious needs. Finally, it examines the influence and the main consequences of this scientific development, recalling a common traditional debate on the role of medieval Arabic astronomy in the European Renaissance.

Early Renaissance Concepts of Time and the Invention of Mechanical Clocks

Mechanical clocks appeared in Europe at the end of the thirteenth century and became widespread during the fourteenth century. Clocks utilized a periodic process – the oscillation of a verge – for accurate time measurement, which is consistent with the Aristotelian concept of time defined by motion. The concept was at the center of debates among scholastics and theologians, which culminated in the Church's Condemnation of Aristotelian teaching in 1277. The debate also led to the discovery of Impetus (inertial motion) by Buridan and Oresme. Sand clocks became a popular device at about the same time. The pendulum clocks invented by Huygens in the 1650s utilized linear oscillations, which, unlike the earlier verge mechanism, had their natural frequency. Both mechanisms are analyzed to explain why the introduction of the linear oscillator led to a 30-times accuracy improvement of the clock.

Usury enforcement as an alternative to capital taxation in pre-modern states

AbstractAll governments have an obligation to protect their territory and the wealth within that territory from external predation. In fact, since war has historically resulted in the plunder and destruction of wealth, it seems straightforward to suggest that the cost of providing adequate defense of one’s territory is a function of the accumulated wealth within the territory. Suppose that all wealth in society is capital. The accumulation of capital conveys a private benefit to its owner, but imposes an external cost on society. As with any externality, the optimal tax policy would be to tax capital. The revenue from capital taxation could then be used to finance defense. Such a taxation scheme, however, requires the state has an appropriate level of bureaucratic capacity. During the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, this sort of state infrastructure did not exist. Yet the rulers of those states faced the same constraint. In this paper, I argue that the enforcement of usury laws during this period replicate the outcome of the optimal capital tax. Lending at interest was prohibited. However, rulers often allowed certain groups to lend in society in exchange for a license fee. This granted monopoly status to lenders. At the same time, rulers imposed binding price ceilings on interest rates. The combination of these three characteristics of enforcement replicate the long-run restriction on capital accumulation of the optimal capital tax and generate revenue that is possibly equivalent to the tax as well. I then model ruler behavior given these incentives. Finally, I use historical evidence from England, Italy, and France to support my argument.

In silico assessments of the small molecular boron agents to pave the way for artificial intelligence-based boron neutron capture therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a highly targeted, selective and effective technique to cure various types of cancers, with less harm to the healthy cells. In principle, BNCT treatment needs to distribute the 10boron (10B) atoms inside the tumor tissues, selectively and homogeneously, as well as to initiate a nuclear fission reaction by capturing sufficient neutrons which releases high linear energy particles to kill the tumor cells. In BNCT, it is crucial to have high quality boron agents with acceptable bio-selectivity, homogeneous distribution and deliver in required quantity, similar to chemotherapy and other radiotherapy for tumor treatment. Nevertheless, boron drugs currently used in clinical trials yet to meet the full requirements. On the other hand, BNCT processing has opened up the era of renaissance due to the advanced development of the high-quality neutron source and the global construction of new BNCT centers. Consequently, there is an urgent need to use boron agents that have increased biocapacity. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation technologies have been utilized to develop new medicines. In this work, the in silico assessments including bioinformatics assessments of BNCT related tumoral receptor proteins, computational assessments of optimized small molecules of boron agents, are employed to speed up the screening process for boron drugs. The outcomes will be applicable to pave the way for future BNCT that utilizes artificial intelligence. The in silico molecular docking and dynamic simulation results of the optimized small boron agents, such as 4-borono-l-phenylalanine (BPA) with optimized proteins like the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LTA1, also known as SLC7A5) will be examined. The in silico assessments results will certainly be helpful to researchers in optimizing druggable boron agents for the BNCT application. The clinical status of the optimized proteins, which are highly relevant to cancers that may be treated with BNCT, has been assessed using bioinformatics technology and discussed accordingly. Furthermore, the evaluations of cytotoxicity (IC50), boron uptake and tissue distribution of the optimized ligands 1 and 7 have been presented.

Lorenz Fries on the defense of Avicenna, the prince of physicians: Addressed to the medics of Germany (1530).

During the 14th century CE, a pivotal shift took place in the world of medicine as its epicenter transitioned from the Middle East to Europe. The emergence of the European Renaissance sparked skepticism regarding the significance of Avicenna's contributions to the advancement of medicine. This paper explores how the rise of secularization and the Renaissance in Europe marked significant cultural transformations, fostering the spread of literacy. These societal shifts influenced the trajectory of medical thought, and Avicenna's "Canon of Medicine" received both praise and condemnation amidst the evolving intellectual landscape. In this context, Lorenz Fries composed his "Defense of Avicenna," a testament to his profound admiration for Avicenna's legacy. This paper presents an English translation of Fries' 1530 work, and introduces Fries and Avicenna's "Canon," contextualizing Fries' defense within the broader rejection of Arab-language medical texts in the 16th century. It also explores Avicenna's influence on European medicine and anatomy during the Renaissance and highlights the enduring relevance of his contributions to the annals of science. Fries' defense underscores Avicenna's methodological acumen and emphasizes the importance of a robust theoretical foundation in medical practice. Avicenna's integration of Aristotelianism with Platonism highlighted the necessity of a rigorous method informed by theory in medical analysis. Fries' defense remains relevant today, particularly in advocating for systematic medical analysis against subjective approaches. Avicenna's medical philosophy seems nested within a larger, hopeful attempt to resolve the tensions between science or naturalism and religion or spiritualism. The rejection of Avicenna reflects broader conflicts between Aristotelian and Neoplatonic traditions, suggesting a complex interplay of secularization and theological influences in shaping medical thought during the Renaissance.

Pioneers and Populists: Sutton E. Griggs, Oscar Micheaux, and Independent Black Publishing at the Turn of the Century

Abstract: Recent scholarship on Black print cultures has paid close attention to self- and independent publication. These studies tend to center writer-publishers from the antebellum and Harlem Renaissance periods, arguing that Black authors published their works out of either financial necessity or desire for editorial independence. However, the causes and meanings of Black independent publishing changed during the postbellum, pre-Renaissance period. In this essay, I focus on Sutton E. Griggs and Oscar Micheaux, two early twentieth-century novelists who labored outside of and in opposition to both the Black press and white, mainstream publishers. Ultimately, I argue that Griggs's and Micheaux's use of commission presses carved new paths for Black writers to dissent against emerging trends in political and literary culture: US expansionism and the early corporatization of literary publishing. This essay urges scholars to treat turn-of-the-century commission presses as neglected archives of radical texts.

THE THIRD RENAISSANCE MOVEMENT IN UZBEKISTAN

This article examines the periods of rapid development in science and culture in Central Asia, specifically the First and Second Renaissance periods and their essence. It also addresses the activities, exemplary lives, and unique works of the great thinkers who lived and worked during those times. The article provides analytical insights into the glorious history of Mavarannahr, the gradual decline of science in the region, the processes leading to the end of statehood, and their causes and consequences. It offers relevant information on the scientific study of the great past, the lives and spiritual legacy of the scholars of the First and Second Renaissance periods, and the historical foundation for the Third Renaissance, as well as its relevance to real life, along with appropriate conclusions and suggestions.

Narrative aesthetics in Giorgione's paintings

The research dealt with the study of (narrative aesthetics in Giorgione’s paintings), the nature of narration, its aesthetics, and the diversity of its concepts during the Renaissance period in general and the works of the artist Giorgione in particular. Through the research, questions were raised, such as: What is the aesthetics of narration in Giorgione’s paintings, and is narration an important part of Giorgione’s works because of its importance in identifying one of the figures of the Renaissance period, since few researchers paid attention to narration in painting, but they did not expand the analysis of Giorgione’s works, which A void form in the Arabic library. The study focused on the time period from (1500 - 1510) for Giorgione’s works executed on canvas, wood, or panel. The research dealt with the concepts of beauty and narrative in a philosophical manner through the concept of (beauty philosophically and artistically, and beauty in the Renaissance between religion and realism). A sample was collected. Research from a group of international sources and websites with the aim of analyzing them and obtaining answers to the research questions. The research concluded with a set of results and recommendations about narrative in the works of the artist Giorgione.

The Integration of Computer Science in the Study of Central Asian Scientific-Spiritual Heritage and Eastern Peripatetic Philosophy

This study examines the integration of computer science into the analysis of Central Asian scientific-spiritual heritage, with a focus on the contributions of Eastern Peripatetic philosophers such as al-Farabi and Ibn Sina during the First Eastern Renaissance (9th-12th centuries). The research highlights how these scholars developed comprehensive philosophical frameworks that bridged the intellectual traditions of the East and West, contributing significantly to the development of European Renaissance thought. By applying contemporary computational methods to the study of these ancient texts, this research aims to enhance our understanding of their philosophical and spiritual insights. The study underscores the relevance of these historical contributions to modern scientific and philosophical discourses, emphasizing the importance of preserving and systematically analyzing this heritage through innovative technological approaches.

The Outsider-Within Representations in Zora Neale Hurston’s and Georgia Douglas Johnson’s Folk Drama

The study aims to explore the shared experiences of Georgia Douglas Johnson and Zora Neale Hurston, incorporating the elements of African-American folklore in American theatre to negotiate the circumstances of black women. In addition, it scrutinizes how Johnson and Hurston utilize folk drama to navigate the political and artistic conflicts in the early 20th century, delving into the intricate interplay of ethnicity, gender, politics, and aesthetics. The study examines two folk plays from the Harlem Renaissance era: Johnson’s Plumes (1927) and Hurston’s Color Struck (1926). Both plays illustrate that the African-American drama probes into the struggles of black women as outsiders-within, challenging the prevailing racism and classism faced by black women in the Southern states. By analyzing the construction of identity in the experiences of black women through Patricia Hill Collins’s Black feminist theory, the study shows how Hurston and Johnson successfully depicted the position of women as ‘outsiders’ in their literary works, with their folk drama centering on women’s experiences and culture, employing black folklore to highlight the social protest of Black feminist theatre.

National Literature Education in Scottish Universities during the Renaissance Period

During the Renaissance period, Scottish universities made significant achievements in the field of national literature education. This paper first reviews the origins and development of Scottish universities, exploring the educational philosophies of the Renaissance, particularly the impact of humanism on education. It then analyzes the curriculum and teaching methods of literary education in Scottish universities, and examines the status of national literature within these institutions by introducing key writers and works of the period. The paper further elaborates on the specific measures, achievements, and challenges faced in the implementation of national literature education at Scottish universities. Finally, it summarizes the influence of Renaissance-era Scottish university literature education on modern literary education and proposes insights for contemporary educational reform. This study aims to provide valuable experiences and references for modern education through the examination of national literature education at Scottish universities.

Da Pacem Domine by Arvo Pärt. The Stylistic and Interpretative Analysis – Conductor’s Guide

The piece “Da pacem Domine” (Give us peace, O Lord), by Arvo Pärt was inspired by a Gregorian antiphon from the 9th century. Written in the original tintinnabuli style, the piece uses numerous compositional techniques belonging to the early Renaissance period called Cantus firmus, parallel organum, faux bourdon, Landini cadence or anticipations, but also and even a modern way of vocal scoring: the “pointillistic polyphony”. The work is divided into four sections, corresponding to the four verses of the prayer and the gravitational centre of the music is D. To impart expressive meaning to the musical performance, the interprets, both the conductor or singers can consider the following elements: homogeneity in individual voices and ensemble performance, different singing modalities (legato/non-legato) alternating between moments of cadence and the rest of the piece, the technique of attack and sound placement, finding and maintaining an appropriate inner state reflecting the ideas of the text and the general character of the piece. Keywords: Da pacem Domine, Arvo Pärt, style, interpretation, analyse, conductor, guide