What inspired Renaissance thinkers to seek knowledge through human senses and reasoning?

The inspiration for Renaissance thinkers to seek knowledge through human senses and reasoning largely stemmed from the writings of ancient greats, particularly those from classical Greece and Rome. Thinkers such as Aristotle and Plato emphasized observation and rational thought, which encouraged a new wave of intellectual exploration during the Renaissance. This revival of classical ideas, often referred to as humanism, shifted the focus from purely religious or dogmatic perspectives to a more secular and empirical approach to understanding the world.

The influence of ancient texts helped shape the intellectual landscape of the Renaissance, prompting scholars to question established beliefs and to rely on human experience and reasoning as valid sources of knowledge. This led to significant advancements in art, science, and philosophy as scholars applied these principles to explore the natural world and human existence in new ways. By valuing empirical evidence and critical thinking, Renaissance thinkers laid the groundwork for modern scientific inquiry.