Final answer:
The individual from 1483-1546, considered a precursor of fideism for his critique of human reason in understanding God, is Martin Luther, not John Calvin, Thomas Aquinas, or Blaise Pascal. Martin Luther's ideas led to the Reformation, which changed Europe's religious and cultural landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual who lived from 1483-1546 and is considered a precursor of fideism for critiquing the power of human reason with respect to the knowledge of God is Martin Luther. Unlike other philosophers and theologians such as Thomas Aquinas or John Calvin, Martin Luther emphasized the role of faith in salvation over human reasoning or works. His critique laid groundwork for the Reformation, substantially altering the religious and cultural landscape of Europe.
John Calvin, while influenced by Luther's ideas on faith and salvation, established his unique doctrine of predestination, highlighting divine omnipotence and diminishing the role of free will. He believed that God chose the elect who were predestined for salvation, which was a fundamental aspect of Calvinism.
It's also significant to note what other figures, like Thomas Aquinas, contributed. Aquinas is known for his five ways to demonstrate the existence of God and integrating Scholastic philosophy with medieval Christian thought. Meanwhile, John Calvin's work, particularly in Calvinism, was distinctly characterized by the doctrine of predestination.