American Philosophy
Origins of American Philosophy
The origins of American philosophy can be traced back to the colonial period, with the arrival of the Puritans in New England. The Puritans brought with them a form of Calvinist theology known as Puritanism, which emphasized the absolute sovereignty of God, predestination, and the necessity of a personal conversion experience.
The Enlightenment period in the 18th century brought a shift in American philosophy, with an emphasis on reason, science, and skepticism of authority. This was reflected in the works of American philosophers such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, who were heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton.
Transcendentalism
In the 19th century, a distinctly American philosophical movement known as Transcendentalism emerged, led by figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Transcendentalism emphasized individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature, in contrast to the rationalism and materialism of the Enlightenment.
Pragmatism
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the development of Pragmatism, another uniquely American philosophical movement. Pragmatism, as formulated by philosophers such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, emphasized practical consequences and real-world effects as the criteria for determining truth and meaning.
20th Century and Beyond
In the 20th century and beyond, American philosophy has continued to evolve, with diverse influences and developments in areas such as Analytic Philosophy, Process Philosophy, and Feminist Philosophy. Contemporary American philosophers have also grappled with issues related to race, gender, and social justice, reflecting the ongoing societal and cultural changes in the United States.