Explain with literary examples how Renaissance humanism of 16th cent Europe sought to fuse scholarship with ethics.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION(Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2024) Renaissance Humanism in 16th-century Europe marked a revival of classical learning and placed emphasis on the potential of human intellect and moral responsibility. Humanists sought to fuse scholarship with ethics by turning to classical texts, particularly those of ancient Greece and Rome, to guide moral and civic life. For example, Erasmus of Rotterdam , in works like The Praise of Folly , emphasized critical thinking and moral reform, advocating for education rooted in both intellectual rigor and ethical behavior. Sir Thomas More's Utopia depicted an ideal society grounded in justice, wisdom, and civic virtue, reflecting the humanist belief that scholarship should serve the public good. Michel de Montaigne’s Essays showcased personal reflection, merging philosophical inquiry with a focus on human values.