Chapter 3 of James Burke’s  The Day the Universe Changed,  “Point of View”  You can download it here

Chapter 3 of James Burke’s  The Day the Universe Changed,  “Point of View”  You can download it here

There is the video that goes with the chapter in the book:  https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2cjjme It’s not enough for the quiz, which is based on the book, but it you watch it and read the chapter, you’ll find it to be very good review. It’s not required, but it may help prepare for the quiz.

This video discusses the unique technology that Filippo Brunelleschi used to complete the dome for the cathedral in Florence:  http://ctcproxy.mnpals.net/login?url=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=105843&xtid=68830  (about 52 minutes)

This is an interview I did with the curator at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. It’s about a half hour long. He has some interesting things to say about motorcycles, form, and function.  https://mediaspace.minnstate.edu/media/The+Mechanics+of+the+Humanities++-+Form+and+Function/0_9w0jis4g

Be sure to read all the content in this module.

What is Humanism? Burke suggests that humanism, the philosophy that put people at the center of the universe again, was responsible for new art, architecture and technology. Is the same thing happening today? If so, what does humanism look like today? If not, what kind of world view, other than humanism, explains our technological society? Does our place as humans interact with our place as users of technology?  

ANSWER

Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism, empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition. According to Burke, humanism was responsible for the new art, architecture, and technology during the Renaissance.

It’s difficult to say whether the same thing is happening today, as the world view and cultural context are different. However, some aspects of humanism, such as the emphasis on individual agency and critical thinking, continue to influence contemporary society.

Today, our technological society can be explained by a combination of factors, including humanism, scientific and technological advancements, globalization, and capitalism. Our place as humans interacts with our place as users of technology in complex ways, with technology shaping our lives and society, and humans shaping technology through their choices and actions.