As with all periods, there is a wide drift of dates, reasons for categorization and boundaries. In particular, the Renaissance, more than later periods, is thought to begin in Italy with the [[Italian Renaissance]] and roll through Europe. The [[English Renaissance]] is often thought to include Shakespeare, at a time when Italy had passed through [[Mannerism]] and to the [[Baroque]]. As importantly the [[16th century]] is split differently (see [[lumpers and splitters]]). Some historians see the Reformation and [[Counter-Reformation]] as being separated from the Renaissance and more important for philosophy, while others see the entire era as one sweeping period. | As with all periods, there is a wide drift of dates, reasons for categorization and boundaries. In particular, the Renaissance, more than later periods, is thought to begin in Italy with the [[Italian Renaissance]] and roll through Europe. The [[English Renaissance]] is often thought to include Shakespeare, at a time when Italy had passed through [[Mannerism]] and to the [[Baroque]]. As importantly the [[16th century]] is split differently (see [[lumpers and splitters]]). Some historians see the Reformation and [[Counter-Reformation]] as being separated from the Renaissance and more important for philosophy, while others see the entire era as one sweeping period. |