TRASCENDENTALISM

Literary, religious and social movement in favor of individualism Relation between man and nature & oversoul pantheism Presence of God in each individual Positive movement Deep philosophical rules
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EMERSON (1803-1822)
Trascendalist writer. Talks about the awareness of the self & nature. Different perspective from Hawth&Poe&Melville. Positive view not in alienations. Nature&Individual seen as autonomous & self-reliant Romantic pantheism (God is everywhere, mostly in nature). This idea emerged during the Enlightenment, when the religious component was really significant. Nature occupies a fundamental place America was special because of its natural Cathedrals. Nature becomes the center of their transcendental speculations. Nature as a representation of God in the Earth (the oversoul) and men&women are part of nature and so of God. Nothing is as sacred as the integrity of humans mind (nature+individualism). The oversoul makes that everything changes and exists: the men are at the same level as God is. Damages done to nature in America (as the transport system creation) that contrast the care of nature. Most of the transcendentalists were involved in the anti-slavery movement + civil rights for women (Margaret Fuller) + social reforms.

Nature (1836)
Very long essay about the philosophy of the insight, inspiration + myths of America from a positive perspective. Goes beyond nature, he transcends very platonic idea Alludes also to science: transcendentalists believed in the adoption of a spirit; they were very suspicious about science because of technology. tension between science & transcendentalist beliefs. Nature symbolizes the problem with American civilization: Americans have been very harmful with nature. Emerson & Thoreau tried to change this relationship; for them theres no utilitarian relation, theres a relation between God and Men. With Nature, men establish a communion (divine relationship with men).

Introduction: rejection of the European ideas & past; Americans must develop their own philosophical & social system, they need to detach themselves from the origin. Americans have to fight other values such as NATURE (not based on the sepulchers of the fathers ) Emerson is promoting religious and cultural independence from Europe. [Line 1 page 35] He remarks the importance of experience & perception (Kantian thoughts). Nature also as a manifestation of ourselves: connection of the idea of childhood and nature; in nature, men renovate themselves idea of renovation and mystical union with nature, with air. Nature as a source of creativity and imagination perfect place for inspiration. It will also be seen in Thoreau writings. Transformation and natural cycles. Most of transcendentalists believed in natural innocence as a result of transformation. o Trascendence o Spiritual growth & exploration o Sin o Inspiration o Pantheism: nature as a revelation of the Oversoul (God)

The American Scholar

Very long essay about the philosophy of the insight, inspiration + myths of America. The American Scholar should be = independent + focused on America (not Europe) + creative reader + man of knowledge. More pragmatic than Nature. No should be any Fragmentation of knowledge; men are fragmented He asks for the holistic knowledge. Fear paralyzes us Fear always springs from ignorance. Self-reliance Manifest of the American individual = trust thyself Be independent & trust yourself and be non-conformist: social changes. Symbolism to express the intellect of America. He encourages people to be themselves and create their own thought (every man is unique). Criticism to the economical system of materialism & consumerism.

Individualism.