Chapter 5
The Renaissance
1. The term Renaissance means
a. stagnation.
b. the rebirth.
c. a middle period.
d. discovery.
Answer: b. the rebirth.
Rationale:
The Renaissance, originating from the French word meaning "rebirth," refers to a period in
European history characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning, art, literature, and
culture, marking a transition from the medieval period to the modern era.
2. According to the text, the Renaissance covers a period of time that includes
a. the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries.
b. the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries.
c. the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
d. the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Answer: a. the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries.
Rationale:
The Renaissance spanned approximately from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries,
encompassing the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, marking a significant cultural, artistic, and
intellectual revival in Europe.
3. As the plague swept Europe, ________ were often blamed and persecuted as scapegoats.
a. Jews
b. Muslims
c. Christians
d. racial minorities
Answer: a. Jews
Rationale:
During outbreaks of the plague in Europe, Jews were often scapegoated and faced
persecution, including false accusations of spreading the disease, leading to violence and
discrimination against Jewish communities.
4. The plague contributed to doubts about the adequacy of authorities and institutions because
a. institutions were powerless to protect people from the plague.
b. authorities were relatively untouched by the plague.
c. only those who devoutly followed the directives of authorities remained safe.
d. all of the above.
Answer: a. institutions were powerless to protect people from the plague.
Rationale:
The devastating impact of the plague led to doubts about the effectiveness of institutions and
authorities, as they were unable to provide protection or control the spread of the disease,
undermining faith in established systems.
5. All of the following were true of the Renaissance period EXCEPT
a. expansion of geographic boundaries
b. tremendous improvement in the social status of women
c. rediscovery of the Greek classics
d. growth of empirical studies
Answer: b. tremendous improvement in the social status of women
Rationale:
While the Renaissance saw significant advancements in various fields, including exploration,
the revival of classical learning, and the growth of empirical studies, it did not lead to a
tremendous improvement in the social status of women, as gender inequalities persisted
during this period.
6. The key figure in the initiation of the Reformation was
a. Leonardo da Vinci.
b. Michael Servetus.
c. Martin Luther.
d. Andreas Vesalius.
Answer: c. Martin Luther.
Rationale:
Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, is considered the key figure in initiating the
Protestant Reformation with his Ninety-five Theses in 1517, challenging the practices of the
Catholic Church and advocating for reform.
7. Which of the following, best captures the conclusion in the text regarding the effects of the
Reformation on the development of science?
a. Science gained nothing from the Reformation, the Protestants were as intoxicated on
authority as the Catholics.
b. Science gained much because the Protestant dogma of the individual priesthood of the
believer was consistent with the spirit of empiricism which was to investigate for oneself.
c. The role of the Reformation in Renaissance science remains subject to interpretation.
d. Science was fueled by the Reformation. It was the key factor in the development of
modern science.
Answer: c. The role of the Reformation in Renaissance science remains subject to
interpretation.
Rationale:
The impact of the Reformation on the development of science remains a topic of debate, with
some arguing that Protestant principles of individual interpretation of scripture fostered a
spirit of inquiry and empiricism, while others emphasize the complex relationship between
religious reform and scientific progress.
8. According to the text, research on human anatomy flourished during the Renaissance in
large part because
a. restrictions and prohibitions on certain scientific methods were reduced
b. new tools were invented
c. the Church commissioned work on dissection
d. research in other areas was stagnant
Answer: a. restrictions and prohibitions on certain scientific methods were reduced
Rationale:
Research on human anatomy flourished during the Renaissance due to the relaxation of
restrictions and prohibitions on scientific methods, allowing for increased opportunities for
anatomical dissection and empirical study.
9. Mathematics during the Renaissance
a. was largely derivative from other periods and thus unimaginative.
b. was regarded as relatively unimportant.
c. was almost nonexistent.
d. was original and distinctive and a subject of great interest.
Answer: d. was original and distinctive and a subject of great interest.
Rationale:
Mathematics during the Renaissance witnessed significant innovation and originality, with
scholars making groundbreaking contributions to various branches of mathematics, including
algebra, geometry, and calculus.
10. Development of the geocentric cosmology is attributed to ________, whereas the
development of the heliocentric cosmology is attributed to ________.
a. Ptolemy . . . Luther
b. Copernicus . . . Kepler
c. Kepler . . . Galileo
d. Ptolemy . . . Copernicus.
Answer: d. Ptolemy . . . Copernicus.
Rationale:
The geocentric cosmology, which posited that Earth was the center of the universe, was
developed by Ptolemy, while the heliocentric cosmology, proposing that the Sun was the
center of the solar system, was developed by Copernicus.
11. ________ was the Polish astronomer often regarded as the founder of heliocentric theory
and the author of On the Revolution of the Celestial Spheres.
a. Nicolaus Copernicus
b. Johannes Kepler
c. Galileo Galilei
d. Leonardo da Vinci
Answer: a. Nicolaus Copernicus
Rationale:
Nicolaus Copernicus is credited with formulating the heliocentric theory, challenging the
geocentric model by proposing that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. His
work "On the Revolution of the Celestial Spheres" laid the foundation for modern astronomy.
12. ________ was the German astronomer and mathematician who added to heliocentric
theory with his discovery that the planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun.
a. Nicolaus Copernicus
b. Johannes Kepler
c. Galileo Galilei
d. Petrarch
Answer: b. Johannes Kepler
Rationale:
Johannes Kepler contributed to heliocentric theory by formulating three laws of planetary
motion. His discovery that planets move in elliptical orbits around the Sun, rather than in
perfect circles as previously believed, revolutionized astronomical understanding.
13. ________ was the astronomer who was the first to systematically employ the telescope in
the study of astronomy. With the telescope he discovered imperfections on the moon, rings of
Saturn, moons of Jupiter, and sunspots.
a. Nicolaus Copernicus
b. Johannes Kepler
c. Galileo Galilei
d. Leonardo da Vinci
Answer: c. Galileo Galilei
Rationale:
Galileo Galilei is renowned for his pioneering use of the telescope in astronomy. His
observations, including the discovery of celestial phenomena such as the moons of Jupiter
and sunspots, revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and provided evidence in
support of the heliocentric model.
14. Astronomers’ challenges of geocentric cosmology helped introduce empirical knowledge
into a culture whose primary source of knowledge was
a. authority.
b. reason.
c. science.
d. aesthetics.
Answer: a. authority.
Rationale:
In challenging the geocentric cosmology, astronomers relied on empirical observations and
evidence, which contrasted with the prevailing reliance on authority, particularly the
authority of ancient texts and religious doctrines, as the primary source of knowledge during
that time.
15. ________ found Medieval scholasticism to be limited and brought forward Greek and
Roman concerns with the immediate quality of this life.
a. Leonardo da Vinci
b. Francesco Petrarch
c. Juan Luis Vives
d. Julius Caesar Scaliger
Answer: b. Francesco Petrarch
Rationale:
Francesco Petrarch, known as the "Father of Humanism," criticized Medieval scholasticism
and advocated for a revival of classical literature and philosophy. He emphasized the
importance of secular human concerns and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.
16. ________ was one of the first to emphasize a purely descriptive and objective social
science that rejected moralistic approaches to human behavior.
a. Leonardo da Vinci
b. Niccolo Machiavelli
c. Juan Luis Vives
d. Andreas Vesalius
Answer: b. Niccolo Machiavelli
Rationale:
Niccolo Machiavelli, a Renaissance political philosopher, emphasized empirical observation
and analysis of human behavior in his works, particularly "The Prince." He advocated for a
pragmatic and realistic approach to politics, devoid of moralistic considerations.
17. _____ provided an intellectual groundwork for modern social psychology
a. Leonardo da Vinci
b. Niccolo Machiavelli
c. Juan Luis Vives
d. Andreas Vesalius
Answer: c. Juan Luis Vives
Rationale:
Juan Luis Vives, a Spanish humanist, made significant contributions to psychology and social
science. He emphasized empirical observation and analysis of human behavior, laying the
groundwork for modern social psychology.
18. One could reasonably argue, that in terms of methods employed and problems
investigated, _____ is the true originator of modern psychology.
a. Juan Luis Vives
b. Paracelsus
c. Martin Luther
d. Andreas Vesalius
Answer: a. Juan Luis Vives
Rationale:
Juan Luis Vives's emphasis on empirical observation and descriptive social science aligns
closely with modern psychological methods and approaches, making him a significant figure
in the early development of psychology.
19. ________ was deeply interested in the functions and workings of memory; he also
investigated such topics as association and learning.
a. Francesco Petrarch
b. Juan Luis Vives
c. Girolamo Savanarola
d. Paracelsus
Answer: b. Juan Luis Vives
Rationale:
Juan Luis Vives's interest in memory, association, and learning reflects his pioneering
contributions to psychology and education during the Renaissance period.
20. ________ gained a place in the history of psychology predominantly due to his
contributions to knowledge of the senses, particularly the anatomical, physiological, physical,
geometrical, and psychological properties of vision.
a. Paracelsus
b. Leonardo da Vinci
c. Juan Luis Vives
d. Niccolo Machiavelli
Answer: b. Leonardo da Vinci
Rationale:
Leonardo da Vinci's studies of the human senses, including vision, demonstrated his
interdisciplinary approach to understanding anatomy, physiology, and psychology,
contributing to advancements in our understanding of sensory perception.
21. ________ argued against demonology and for harmony with nature, and also believed in
an interplay between mental and physical health.
a. Paracelsus
b. Leonardo da Vinci
c. Juan Luis Vives
d. Niccolo Machiavelli
Answer: a. Paracelsus
Rationale:
Paracelsus was a Renaissance physician and philosopher who rejected demonology and
emphasized the importance of harmony with nature for both mental and physical health. His
holistic approach to medicine considered the interconnectedness of mind and body.
22. The expression Renaissance Person is used to describe
a. any person who has had a religious or political rebirth.
b. any person who displays old-fashioned attitudes.
c. a versatile person with knowledge in many areas.
d. a thinker with a narrow perspective.
Answer: c. a versatile person with knowledge in many areas.
Rationale:
A Renaissance Person, or polymath, is characterized by their wide-ranging knowledge and
expertise in various fields, reflecting the Renaissance ideal of human potential and
intellectual curiosity.
23. _____ contributed to our understanding of visual perception, including his work
describing effects of contrast and perspective on perception
a. Paracelsus
b. Leonardo da Vinci
c. Juan Luis Vives
d. Niccolo Machiavelli
Answer: b. Leonardo da Vinci
Rationale:
Leonardo da Vinci's contributions to visual perception, including his studies of contrast,
perspective, and the anatomy of the eye, advanced our understanding of human vision and
influenced subsequent developments in art and science.
24. The expression Renaissance Humanism refers to
a. the denial that God plays any role at all in the world.
b. new interest in human anatomy, human problems, secular music, etc.
c. the denial of the existence of God.
d. agnosticism.
Answer: b. new interest in human anatomy, human problems, secular music, etc.
Rationale:
Renaissance Humanism emphasized the study of human experience, culture, and potential,
including subjects such as anatomy, literature, music, and philosophy, reflecting a shift away
from medieval religious dogma.
25. The founder of modern skepticism was
a. Montaigne.
b. Descartes.
c. Bacon.
d. Hobbes.
Answer: a. Montaigne.
Rationale:
Montaigne is often considered the founder of modern skepticism due to his influential essays,
which questioned human knowledge, beliefs, and certainties, paving the way for subsequent
philosophical skepticism.
26. In “Apology for Raimond Sebond,” Montaigne attacks those who claim knowledge based
in
a. reason
b. experience
c. both a and b
d. none of the above
Answer: c. both a and b
Rationale:
Montaigne criticizes those who claim knowledge based solely on reason or experience,
arguing that both avenues are inherently limited and subject to uncertainty and error.
27. The original human malady according to Montaigne is
a. original sin or the obsession with sexuality.
b. original sin interpreted as the quest for knowledge .
c. timidity.
d. presumption, arrogance, or unjustified vanity.
Answer: d. presumption, arrogance, or unjustified vanity.
Rationale:
Montaigne identifies presumption, arrogance, or unjustified vanity as the original human
malady, suggesting that these traits lead individuals to overestimate their own knowledge and
capabilities.
28. When comparing humans and animals, Montaigne argued that
a. humans are intellectually, but not morally superior to animals.
b. humans are intellectually and morally superior to animals.
c. humans are superior to animals in all ways.
d. there are no grounds for our claims that we are superior to the animals.
Answer: d. there are no grounds for our claims that we are superior to the animals.
Rationale:
Montaigne rejects the idea of human superiority over animals, arguing that such claims lack
justification and fail to acknowledge the complexity and capabilities of non-human species.
29. Which of the following is true of the claims of the text regarding Montaigne's influence?
a. his influence pervaded three centuries and four continents and he had extensive influence
on subsequent philosophers
b. he had almost no influence during his life, but 100 years after his death his works were
rediscovered
c. He was influential in Protestant but not Catholic countries
d. He was influential during his life, but his ideas quickly lost favor after he died
Answer: a. his influence pervaded three centuries and four continents and he had extensive
influence on subsequent philosophers
Rationale:
Montaigne's influence extended over several centuries and across continents, shaping the
thinking of subsequent philosophers and intellectuals. His essays continue to be studied and
admired for their insights into human nature and skepticism.
30. According to Montaigne, children should find learning and education to be
a. pleasurable
b. painful
c. irritating
d. cruel
Answer: a. pleasurable
Rationale:
Montaigne advocated for a pleasurable approach to learning and education for children,
believing that enjoyment and curiosity are essential for effective learning and intellectual
development.
31. Montaigne would most likely endorse which of the following statements
a. “Faith should be justified through reason”
b. “Strive for perfection in all you do”
c. “Rely on habit and tradition to guide your actions”
d. “Appreciate life, but question and critique your experiences”
Answer: d. “Appreciate life, but question and critique your experiences”
Rationale:
Montaigne's philosophy emphasizes skepticism and critical inquiry into one's own
experiences and beliefs. He valued the questioning of established ideas and encouraged
individuals to engage in self-reflection and examination of their experiences.
32. Oliva Sabuco, a Renaissance Spanish scholar and apparent author of New Philosophy on
the Nature of Man, emphasized the importance of
a. unconscious processes.
b. equilibrium or balance as a key to health.
c. challenging authority.
d. history as a theory of progress.
Answer: b. equilibrium or balance as a key to health.
Rationale:
Oliva Sabuco's work emphasized the concept of equilibrium or balance as essential to
maintaining health, reflecting Renaissance ideas about the interconnectedness of physical and
mental well-being.
33. This Renaissance scholar was one of the first to write on individual differences, aptitude
and temperament. He was
a. Thomas Aquinas.
b. Paracelsus.
c. Juan Huarte.
d. Machiavelli.
Answer: c. Juan Huarte.
Rationale:
Juan Huarte's writings on individual differences, aptitude, and temperament were pioneering
during the Renaissance, contributing to the early development of psychological theories on
personality and human variability.
34. The Renaissance period served as a foundation for all of the following EXCEPT
a. advances in philosophical epistemology
b. intellectual advancement through technology and discovery
c. questioning authority
d. advancements in the social status of all genders
Answer: d. advancements in the social status of all genders
Rationale:
While the Renaissance fostered significant advancements in various fields such as
philosophy, science, and exploration, it did not lead to immediate advancements in the social
status of all genders. Gender equality and social reforms were not primary focuses of the
Renaissance period.
Test Bank for A History of Psychology: Ideas and Context
Brett D. King, Wayne Viney, William Douglas Woody
9780205987184
