Transcendentalism

Paper Summary:

The paper examines how both Thoreau and Emerson share the same principles of the soul in relation to nature on a philosophical basis, but it is Thoreau that takes these principles into a living experience in the natural world. The paper explains that the far more ontological perspective that Emerson conveys realizes the intellectual basis of transcendentalism, which deals more in treatises, rather than the intensity of experience of Thoreau living in the wilderness lifestyle.

From the Paper:

"This philosophical study will examine the differing aspects of the Thoreau and Emerson's approach to nature in regards to transcendentalism in the 19th century. In realizing Thoreau's more experiential approach to transcendental philosophy, Emerson took a far philosophically considered approach that the universe is composed of nature and the soul. Strictly speaking, therefore, all that is separate from us, all which philosophy distinguishes as the "not me," that is, both nature and art, all other men and my own body, must be ranked under this name, "nature". In enumerating the values of nature and casting up their sum, I shall use the word in both senses -- in its common and in its philosophical import."

More papers on Transcendentalism:

• Analytical Essay # 123146 : "Thoreau and Transcendentalism"
• Analytical Essay # 102205 : "American Transcendentalism"
• Essay # 97937 : "American Transcendentalism"
• Book Review # 93669 : "Transcendentalism in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

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