Final answer:
Renaissance humanism's faith in reason elevated the view of human nature by emphasizing human potential and dignity, integrating classical learning with Christian principles, and influencing the realistic and idealized depictions in art.
Step-by-step explanation:
The faith in reason during the Renaissance humanism had a profound effect on the view of human nature. Renaissance humanists revered the intellectual achievements of the ancient Greeks and Romans, believing that humans could improve themselves and society through the study of classical philosophy, history, and literature. Humanism placed importance on human potential and dignity, fostering a new outlook on human capabilities and responsibilities. This belief in the inherent worth and the potential for self-improvement contrasted with the more religiously-dominated perspectives of the Middle Ages. Humanists argued for a balanced education encompassing the humanities—grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy—which they felt would create a citizenry capable of rational thought and participating in civic life.
The influence of humanism extended into arts, leading to a rediscovery of artistic techniques like linear perspective, and the anatomical studies that contributed to the realism seen in Renaissance art. Artists such as Masaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo embraced this approach in their works, depicting the human form with greater realism and idealization, reflecting humanism's elevated view of humanity. Moreover, humanism did not stand in opposition to Christianity, instead integrating classical learning with Christian beliefs, particularly in the context of the Northern Renaissance where it contributed to the spiritual and religious life of individuals aiming to reform the church.