Essay on American Philosophy - 514 Words

American Philosophy In all its forms, American philosophy emphasizes freedom and the supreme importance of the individual. Indeed, an examination of four major American writers shows these concepts in all four main schools of American thought-- Epicureanism, Transcendentalism, Pragmatism, and Protestantism. Epicureanism is the pursuit of pleasure in order to avoid pain. This philosophy is very American. One of the most famous American-Epicureans is Walt Whitman. Whitman is, perhaps, Americas greatest poet. He was an ardent supporter of freedom and democracy. His poetry not only reflected his love and respect for America, but also the importance and the needs of the individual. Whitmans love for America stems from the†¦show more content†¦Many of Whitmans poems contain graphic sex scenes. By describing his own feelings, Whitman hoped to encourage other Americans to pursue their own feelings in a country that allowed it. Transcendentalism is another American philosophy that also deals h eavily with the individual. Transcendentalists believed formalized society oppressed the individual. Thus, they strove to create a doctrine that stressed the importance of the individual. Ralph Waldo Emerson suggested this idea in his book Nature. Emerson maintains that man is one with Nature and Nature is one with God, therefore giving the ordinary individual validity and worth. These two qualities are attributes that every American is familiar with and has a desire for. Another Transcendental concept is the phrase Trust Thyself. Transcendentalists believed that human nature is essentially good; thus, an individual should rely on his or her intuition. This concept may be the reason for Americans hating to admit that they are wrong. Pragmatism is also a philosophy that is deeply embedded in American culture. Pragmatism is a doctrine which tests truth by its practical consequences. William James was the most influential American-pragmatic philosopher. James used pragmatis m to solve the problems that interfered with the individuals feeling at home in the universe. James concluded that philosophy was only useful if one could use it to better his or her life. Americans today think theShow MoreRelatedThe American Enlightenment Philosophy784 Words   |  3 PagesThe American Enlightenment Philosophy developed for a period of almost a century starting in mid 18th century and continued till the latter parts of the 19th century. This was the same era in which the America gained independence and the nation was developing as a cohesive unit. It was on the rise and the people wanted to leave a mark o the international scene. Just like we saw an Age of Enlightenment in the European areas almost a 100 years back the same pattern was being followed and exhibitedRead MorePolitical Philosophy And American Political Thought981 Words   |  4 Pages I have applied to participate in the Hertog Summer Programs in Classical Political Philosophy and American Political Thought because of my passion for politics. This passion inspired me to become commit to the Major in Government at Georgetown University. A professor once gave me the following definition of politics as, â€Å"the resolution of conflict among the competing interests of individuals, groups, and or nations.† Therefore, the study of politics in my opinion is the study of how groups reachRead MoreTranscendentalism, An American Philosophy1640 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican philosophers during the early to mid-1800s embraced a new liberal movement known as transcendentalism that posed a silent threat to the current social and political institutions of the time period. Henry David Thoreau acted as the father of this new philosophy that would go on to transform the social structure of America into what it is and is still becoming today. 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The course pack talks about the differences of ideologies beingRead MoreMy Philosophy Of Education : Rita Pierson, An American Educator1301 Words   |  6 PagesRita Pierson, an Americ an educator, once stated, â€Å"Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be† (â€Å"Every Kid,† 2013). Her comment is reflected within my philosophy of teaching. One’s philosophy of education defines who they strive to be as an educator; it clearly forms the way one will teach and guides their expectations for their students. Children are the future ofRead MoreEarly American Literature Influenced by Religious Ideologies and Philosophies1769 Words   |  8 PagesIn the beginning times of American Literature, Puritan writers were prevalent which grew into the Age of Reason by way of scientists and philosophers, which eventually emerged into Romanticism and the Renaissance writers, which developed into Realism by the middle of 19th century. Throughout American Literature, religious ideologies and philosophies influenced the way tha t writers portrayed the time period, characters, feelings, and God. Through Puritan writers, literature is influenced by religiousRead MoreEducational Philosophies Influence Curriculum From The Establishment Of The American School Systems1133 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract Educational philosophies influence curriculum from the establishment of the American school systems. The five major philosophies that have influence American education are: 1) Idealism, 2) Essentialism, 3) Perennialism, 4) Progressivism, and 5) Experimentalism. Idealism, Essentialism, and Perennialism are all teacher-based philosophies putting the teacher at the core of the educational experience, with students being passive members of the classroom. In contrast, Progressivism and Experimentalism