Transcendentalism

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Transcendentalism
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History of Transcendental Thought
The Mind

• Began with a scientist by the name of Locke.
• Believed that the mind was a blank slate and
  knowledge was only gained through the experiences
  of the senses. (i.e. Scientific Method).

Truth Knowledge gainded
through experience only!
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History of Transcendental Thought

• Philosopher named Immanuel Kant disagreed with
  Locke.
• Kant stated that the mind was created with
  certain innate truths or ideas and did not
  come from experience, but were intuitions of the
  mind itself.
• He named these intuitions Transcendental Forms.
• Kant emphasized the power of the mind, but also
  stressed its limits and its inability to know
  reality absolutely. (he believed people could not
  ascertain absolute truth).

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History of Transcendental Thought
The Mind
Kant
Born with innate truths/ideas
inability to know reality/truth absolutely
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History of Transcendental Thought

• Transcendentalist (Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller) went
  beyond Kant.
• They insisted that the mind can apprehend
  absolute truths without having to go through the
  senses (Locke), and without the help of
  authorities and institutions (churches).
• Believed a person learns these absolute truths
  through knowing oneself, listening to ones inner
  voice, and getting in touch with their
  spirituality (spirit).

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History of Transcendental Thought

• Continued
• They believed in a concept called the Oversoul
  or the Divine Spirit. (God)
• They believed that the human soul is part of the
  Oversoul or universal spirit and upon death it
  returns to the Oversoul.
• They believe that the Oversoul can be found
  everywhere and that people do not need to go to
  church to commune with it.

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History of Transcendental Thought
Oversoul
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History of Transcendental Thought

• Continued
• Believed the Oversoul can be found in both nature
  and human nature, thus we can more easily
  experience commune with the Oversoul when we are
  in the woods or country.
• So in order to know yourself you must transcend
  the chaos of the world and listen to your inner
  voice, which is connected to the Oversoul found
  in nature.

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History of Transcendental Thought
Oversoul
Oversoul
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History of Transcendental Thought

• Main Philosophy
• Always trust your instincts, reason, and maintain
  self reliance!