Which intellectual movement during the Renaissance emphasized the value of human beings and the study of classical texts?

The correct answer is humanism. This intellectual movement emerged during the Renaissance and played a pivotal role in reorienting culture and thought towards human values and experiences. Humanism stressed the importance of human potential and achievements and sought to revive classical learning, particularly the texts of ancient Greece and Rome. It promoted the study of subjects such as literature, philosophy, and history, which were seen as essential for developing a well-rounded and capable individual.

Humanists believed that engaging with these classical works could lead to a deeper understanding of human nature and society, and they emphasized the inherent dignity and worth of individuals. This focus on human experience and the empirical study of the world marked a significant departure from the medieval scholasticism that had dominated the preceding centuries.

In comparison, rationalism prioritizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, the Enlightenment centers around ideas of liberty and scientific reasoning, and Romanticism emphasizes emotion and individual experience, often in reaction to industrialization and rational thought. Each of these movements arose in different contexts and with different emphases, making humanism distinct in its celebration of human achievement and classical learning during the Renaissance.