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Transcript
Transcendentalism English 2 Dr. Maier What is it? ● Significant philosophical/literary current in early 19th century in America. ● Principal exponents: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau Core Beliefs Core Beliefs of Transcendentalism: ● Heavily influenced by German Idealism (especially Immanuel Kant), English Romanticism, and Indian spirituality/Hinduism. ● Knowledge is not based on experience or dogma but comes from within. ● The inner essence of the individual is the root of all meaningful knowledge. ● Organized religion and institutions corrupt mankind. (Similar to Rousseau’s caustic critique of “civilization”). ● Self-reliance (avoiding imitation) ● Return to nature (direct experience with nature teaches us more about ourselves than any book, professor, or holy man). German Idealism Arose in the 18th century out of a crisis in philosophy. Philosophers questioned the authenticity of all knowledge. A philosophical basis for science and all human knowledge was challenged by skeptics and radical empiricists who questioned the authenticity of all experience. #youinthematrixbro Immanuel Kant ● German Idealist and Enlightenment philosopher (considered greatest philosopher since Aristotle by many) ● Asserted that knowledge of the world originates in the structures of the human mind rather than in the essential properties of the world. ● Helped to resolve crisis of skepticism and allow for rational basis of human knowledge. English Romanticism Emphasized escape from the strictures of reason and the Enlightenment Celebrated the limitless powers of the imagination. Sought out a dialogue with nature. Nature and solitude inspire the imagination. Indian Philosophy Ancient tradition originating with the Vedas (1500 BC) The individual soul (“Atman”) is united with all creation. All knowledge must originate in self-knowledge. The soul is the source of all knowledge. The soul is united with all creation in a fundamental way. God is not separate from the world but immanent in all. Ralph Waldo Emerson Emerson Emerged as the leading exponent of Transcendentalist thought in America. Famous essays include: “Self Reliance,” “The American Scholar,” and “The Poet” Advocated a view that God is present in all things and can be known through experience in nature rather than formal religious services. The truth lies within us. Henry David Thoreau Thoreau at Walden Thoreau’s Cabin ” Walt Whitman