Final answer:
Chesterton views St. Francis and St. Thomas Aquinas as humanists because of their focus on human potential and understanding. St. Thomas Aquinas integrates humanism through his philosophical model based on Aristotle's teachings, focusing on rational reasoning and human nature. Similarly, St. Francis emphasized personal spirituality and humanity's value, aligning him with early humanist principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
G.K. Chesterton sees St. Francis and St. Thomas Aquinas as humanists because their thoughts incorporate key elements of humanism, including a focus on human nature and achievements. In his view, St. Francis and St. Thomas Aquinas recognized the dignity and beauty of humanity contrary to dominant views of their time.
Focusing on St. Thomas Aquinas, he constructed a philosophical model based on Aristotle's teachings, which greatly valued rational reasoning and the study of humanity. He reshaped these teachings within a Christian context and provided a comprehensive explanation of the human nature from a religious perspective, resonating strongly with the principles of humanism.
Conversely, St. Francis, akin to early humanists, focused on individual piety and saw the potential for human growth and dignity in the spiritual realm. His humble approach to understanding humanity's place within the world correlates to humanist principles of acknowledging human worth outside divine influence. Both Saints, by focusing on human potential and understanding, essentially exemplified the tenets of humanism in their teachings.
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