Which philosophical movement emphasized individualism during the Renaissance?

The philosophical movement that emphasized individualism during the Renaissance is Humanism. This intellectual movement focused on the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome, promoting ideas that highlighted the potential of human beings, their dignity, and individual achievements. Humanism encouraged people to engage in critical thinking, self-expression, and the exploration of human experience, which were considered essential aspects of an individual's identity and worth.

Humanism marked a shift from the predominantly religious perspectives of the medieval period, wherein the focus was more on the collective beliefs and dogmas of the Church. Instead, Humanists believed in the capacity of individuals to shape their own lives and contribute to society through art, science, philosophy, and literature. This celebration of individual potential had a profound impact on various fields, leading to advancements in art (like the works of Michelangelo or da Vinci), science, and the development of more secular forms of inquiry.

Other movements mentioned, while influential in philosophy, do not primarily center on the themes characteristic of Renaissance thought. Stoicism, for instance, emphasizes acceptance and virtue in accordance with nature, which contrasts with the self-assertion of individualism. Existentialism, developed much later, focuses on personal freedom and choice, often in the context of the absurd