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

The choice of Humanism as the correct answer is well-founded, as this intellectual movement was central to the Renaissance period and characterized by a focus on human potential and the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome. Humanists believed in the value of individual achievement and the importance of education, particularly in literature, philosophy, and history, which they felt were vital for realizing personal potential and improving society.

Humanism marked a shift away from the medieval emphasis on religious themes to a more secular and human-centered approach. This movement encouraged the exploration of human experiences and identities beyond the confines of traditional religious interpretations, thus fostering advancements in art, science, and literature that celebrated the human condition.

The other intellectual movements mentioned do not align as closely with the Renaissance emphasis on the classical and humanistic studies. Empiricism focuses on knowledge derived from sensory experience, which developed later, while Rationalism emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, and Romanticism arose in the late 18th century and focused on emotion and individualism, rejecting the previous emphasis on reason and classical ideals.