Who is not considered a key proponent of Humanism?

Thomas Aquinas is not considered a key proponent of Humanism primarily because he lived during the Scholastic period, which preceded the Humanist movement. His work focused on reconciling faith and reason, emphasizing the integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. While he contributed significantly to medieval philosophy and theology, his approach was more aligned with Scholasticism rather than the Humanist ideals that prioritize human experience, individual potential, and classical studies.

In contrast, Francesco Petrarch is often referred to as the "father of Humanism" due to his emphasis on classical literature and the revival of antiquity. Lorenzo Valla is known for his critical philological work that laid the groundwork for modern textual criticism, which resonated with Humanist principles. Erasmus similarly championed Humanist thought through his advocacy for educational reform and the study of classical texts. Hence, Aquinas stands apart from these figures, who are central to the Humanist tradition.