Definition of Transcendentalism
"Transcendentalism is a composite philosophy that grew partially out of discontentment with New England Unitarianism that had been growing increasingly conservative" (Anderson-Urriola). This philosophy emphasizes the existence of an ideal spiritual reality that transcends the empirical and scientific and is knowable through intuition (The Free Dictionary).
How Did Transcendentalism Come to Be?
Transcendentalism flourished
between the 1830’s and 1840’s mainly because many didn’t like that New England
Unitarianism was becoming more conservative. These individuals united under the
belief that the “strict ritualism and dogmatic theology of all religious
institutions” (Ebsco Host), including New England Unitarianism, limited people’s
thoughts by telling them what to believe. This went against the
Transcendentalists’ belief of free thought and individuality. The transcendentalists
were determined to define an American voice unique from that of Europe. While
working to define this new voice, Transcendentalists were greatly influenced by
the ideas of Romanticism, American and French Revolutions, and the Religious
Enlightenment. For example, the transcendental
ideals of natural over artificial, rejection of tradition, and the intuitive
over rational all came from historical occurrences of the time period (McGrath).
Transcendentalism and Society
INDUSTRIALISM- The growth of industrialism
in the 19th century caused unrest among many transcendentalists.
During the Industrial Revolution, Britain and the United Sates were becoming
increasingly mechanized and scientific thought was being used to create efficiency
within factories. The use of machines to replace human work went against the transcendental
idea of natural over artificial and the use of science went against the idea of
superiority of intuition and imagination over logic. In addition, the Industrial
Revolution brought more wealth to the countries, causing more people to work
towards becoming wealthier. This went against the transcendental ideals because
it supported materialism.
ABOLITION AND WOMEN'S RIGHTS MOVEMENT- Transcendentalists largely supported the abolition movement and the women’s rights movement. They “believed that at the level of the human soul, all people had access to divine inspiration and sought and loved freedom and knowledge and truth” (Lewis). Therefore, because the institution of slavery and discrimination against females inhibited minority groups from obtaining freedom and knowledge, transcendentalists advocated the reform movements for abolition and women’s rights. In addition, transcendentalists believed in living a full life. Because of slavery and discrimination against women, African-Americans and women were unable to have their natural rights, causing them to be unable to live a full life.
ABOLITION AND WOMEN'S RIGHTS MOVEMENT- Transcendentalists largely supported the abolition movement and the women’s rights movement. They “believed that at the level of the human soul, all people had access to divine inspiration and sought and loved freedom and knowledge and truth” (Lewis). Therefore, because the institution of slavery and discrimination against females inhibited minority groups from obtaining freedom and knowledge, transcendentalists advocated the reform movements for abolition and women’s rights. In addition, transcendentalists believed in living a full life. Because of slavery and discrimination against women, African-Americans and women were unable to have their natural rights, causing them to be unable to live a full life.