Final answer:
Humanism in the fifteenth century was an intellectual movement emphasizing the potential and dignity of the individual, by studying classical literature and philosophy from ancient Greece and Rome to enhance individual and societal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humanism was a way of thinking that was popular in the fifteenth century and influenced much of Italian culture.Humanism emerged as a significant intellectual movement during the Renaissance, particularly in 14th and 15th-century Italy. It was a response to the medieval scholastic education that emphasized pre-professional and practical studies for job preparation. Humanist scholars placed a high value on the dignity of individuals, advocating for a rounded educational curriculum, which included the studia humanitatis - the humanities subjects such as grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.
These subjects were believed to enrich the individual and society by reviving and embracing the wisdom and cultural achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. Francesco Petrarca, often known as Petrarch, is considered the father of humanism. This philosophy was rooted in the belief that human beings had significant potential and that the ancient civilizations represented the pinnacle of human accomplishment. The movement was not only literary; it had profound effects on Italian culture, influencing art, architecture, and politics of the era.