Which among the following is not true regarding 'Humanism'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The statement "Humanism ended all kind of exploitation from the society" is not true regarding Humanism, making it the correct choice for this question. Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, focusing on critical thinking and evidence over dogma or superstition. While it championed human dignity and reform, the Renaissance Humanist movement (which laid its groundwork) was primarily an intellectual and cultural shift, not a radical socio-economic revolution. It did not possess the political or economic power to abolish widespread societal problems like slavery, serfdom, or class exploitation, which continued long after the Renaissance period. The persistence of socio-economic inequality and various forms of exploitation throughout the Renaissance and modern history confirms that Humanism, as a philosophy, did not achieve universal social liberation.

The incorrect option is 1:
Humanism is indeed a human-centric philosophy. It represents a fundamental shift from the medieval focus on the divine and the afterlife to emphasizing the capabilities, potential, and significance of human beings (the concept of 'Man is the measure of all things'). This anthropocentric focus is the defining feature of the movement.

The incorrect option is 2:
The Renaissance, beginning in 14th-century Italy, is globally recognized as the period that gave birth to modern Humanism in Europe. This movement sparked a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman studies (the *studia humanitatis*), which encouraged the use of logic, rationality, and critical inquiry to understand the world and human nature, directly challenging the predominantly theological worldview of the Middle Ages.

The incorrect option is 3:
Humanism profoundly influenced the literature of the Elizabethan era, and it found deep expression in William Shakespeare's works. Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies are characterized by complex human psychology, moral dilemmas, and intense emotional exploration, placing human ambition, conflict, and character flaws at the center of the narrative, perfectly embodying the humanistic spirit.