* Humanists: This term is often used for scholars who focused on the study of classical literature, history, and philosophy. They emphasized reason, observation, and human potential.
* Renaissance thinkers: This term refers to individuals associated with the Renaissance period, which spanned roughly from the 14th to the 16th centuries. They were known for their creativity, innovation, and rediscovery of classical knowledge.
* Reformation thinkers: This group included theologians and religious reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Erasmus, who challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and advocated for religious reform.
* Scientific Revolutionaries: While the Scientific Revolution is often considered to have begun in the 16th century, some of its key figures, like Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei, emerged during this period. These individuals were driven by a desire to understand the natural world through observation and experimentation.
* Philosophers: Many 16th-century thinkers, like Michel de Montaigne and Niccolò Machiavelli, are still considered significant philosophers today. Their work explored themes like human nature, ethics, politics, and the nature of knowledge.
It's important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive. Many scholars and thinkers of the 16th century might be categorized under multiple terms.
Therefore, the most appropriate term depends on the specific scholar or thinker you're referring to and the context in which you're discussing them.