The methods of learning described in this passage contributed most directly to which change in thinking?

The methods of learning referred to in the passage are likely connected to the Renaissance revival of classical texts and philosophies from ancient Greece and Rome, which fostered a secular approach to knowledge and inquiry. This movement encouraged the re-examination of human experiences, rational thought, and individual agency, paving the way for a transformation in educational practices and the spread of humanist ideas. Such an intellectual resurgence led to a questioning of established norms, which are hallmarks of the period.

While the other options hint at significant shifts in thought, option D distinctly captures the essence of this transformation by emphasizing the importance of reviving ancient secular ideas. The emphasis on reason and empirical evidence rooted in classical antiquity provided the groundwork for numerous cultural and intellectual advancements that stemmed from this renewed interest in ancient philosophies.