Courtesy, Renaissance Concept of

Abstract

The transformations of the Renaissance involved a gradual but irreversible passage from a theocratic society to a more secular society that deftly harmonized respect for the teachings of the Christian Church with an appreciation of emerging secular philosophies and practices that, without apology, paid homage to the human manifestations of God’s divinity. While medieval courtesy standards were built around the duty to God and the monarch, Renaissance humanism gave birth to a more modern conception of courtesy as an interaction standard designed to facilitate exchanges between citizens who, despite social and economic inequality, were deserving of consideration and respect.

This article discusses how secular humanism played a vital role in creating a Renaissance courtesy tradition that was to inspire Western civilization for many centuries to come. Included is a review of the seminal conduct books of the period and how they helped form a new conception of human agency while providing subsequent eras with valuable guidance on ideal manners.