HIST 125: The Renaissance

Guide questions for discussion: Petrarch, Father of Humanism

General

1.      Why is Petrarch considered the ‘father’ of humanism?

2.      Arguably, Petrarch is not fully a Renaissance man.  What characteristics make him still ‘medieval’?

3.      How does Petrarch define himself?  What tasks does he set for himself?  (Use both his Self-Portrait and How a Ruler Ought to Govern His State.)

A Disapproval of an Unreasonable Use of the Discipline of Dialectic

1.      Who is Petrarch criticizing in this work?  Why?

2.      What are Petrarch’s main problems with the current use of dialectic?

How a Ruler Ought to Govern His State

1.      To whom is Petrarch writing?  Why is he writing?

2.      What is his relationship to his patron?  Why does he take it upon himself to instruct such a high-ranking person?

3.      What is Petrarch’s view of the ancients?  Does he see them as perfect examples?  Explain.

4.      What is Petrarch’s idea of the ideal ruler?  What are the main characteristics he defines as necessary of a good ruler?

5.      What is the best way to rule?  How does a good ruler achieve this?

6.      How does Petrarch define a citizen?