Final answer:
Modernism is closely linked to the Renaissance, which began in the 14th to 17th centuries and laid the groundwork for modern thought through its embrace of classical antiquity, humanism, and individualism. Option A) 1500 is the correct answer, as it denotes the Renaissance period most aligned with the early developments that would influence modernist philosophy and arts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The start of Modernism is often associated with the cultural and philosophical movement that gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the foundations for modern thought can be traced back to the Renaissance, a period typically dated from the 14th to the 17th century, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent changes in science, art, mathematics, engineering, and cultural advancement. The Renaissance not only embraced a revival of classical antiquity but also marked a significant shift towards humanism and individualism.
Considering the options provided, the 1500s can be seen as a defining moment, identifying the Renaissance's significant role in early modern philosophy and subsequently, the emergence of modernist thought. Chronologically, modernism in the arts arose around 1900, but its philosophical roots extend back to earlier times, starting with the Renaissance's cultural changes. Therefore, the best choice among the options is A) 1500, as this date aligns with the broader understanding of when the fundamental shifts that would later influence modernist ideas began to take shape.