What impact did the Renaissance have on European society?

The Renaissance had a profound effect on European society, particularly in encouraging individuals to scrutinize and question established beliefs and doctrines, including traditional religious teachings. This period, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century, was marked by a revival of interest in classical learning, humanism, and the exploration of individual potential and critical thinking.

As thinkers, writers, and artists began to emphasize reason and empirical evidence, there was a notable shift away from reliance solely on the church's authority. Humanist philosophies championed the idea that individuals could seek knowledge through inquiry and observation, which naturally led them to reassess the interpretations of religious texts and the practices of the church. This questioning attitude contributed to the wider Reformation movement, where calls for reform in Christianity itself gained momentum.

Overall, the Renaissance essentially laid the groundwork for modern thought by fostering an environment where questioning and exploration were valued, leading to significant changes in how society approached religion, philosophy, and education.