In what ways have scholars define humanism? in what ways was the renaissance a break with the middle ages, and in what ways did it owe its existence to medieval civilization?

One of the most well-known and prominent distinguishing features of humanism is its interest in the "ancient", for the classical, interest in which the point of view oh philological research predominates. This interest causes the development of the historical perspective in the approach to another culture, because it can be affirmed that with humanism historicity is consolidated as the key to European thought. Humanism has breaking points with middle age in aspects as: The development of bourgeoisie, the penetration of Greek philosophy in the East, The development of science, such as discovery of America or the printing press.