The Philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson

This study provides a comprehensive account of Emerson's philosophy since his philosophical rehabilitation began in the late 1970s. It emphasizes identity as the foundation of his metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, esthetic, religious, and political thought. Identity is perceived in metamorphosis, characterized by the moral sentiment. It is Emerson's answer to the Sphinx-riddle of life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This extensive study provides the most comprehensive exploration of Emerson's philosophy since the late 1970s, when his philosophical rehabilitation began. Building upon the historical reconstruction presented in the author's previous work, Emerson's Metaphysics, this study incorporates the entirety of Emerson's corpus, including his poetry and sermons. The primary objective is explanatory, with a significant but not exclusive emphasis on identity, as the foundational term in Emerson's metaphysics of identity and flowing or metamorphosis. This metaphysical framework underpins his epistemology, ethics, esthetic, religious, and political thought. Recognizing its primacy allows for a comprehensive account that avoids the anti-realist overemphasis on epistemology and language that has often characterized rehabilitation readings of his philosophy.

The study begins with an introductory chapter on Emerson's metaphysics, which sets the stage for the subsequent chapters that delve into his various branches of thought. In these chapters, identity serves as the fundamental principle, serving as the law of things and the law of mind. The perception of identity in metamorphosis is what distinguishes Emerson as a philosopher, poet, scientist, reformer, and man of faith and virtue. The moral sentiment is the experience of identity of mind and world, as articulated by Emerson in his concept of "the moral sense." Identity is Emerson's response to the enigmatic riddle of life, characterized by a bewildering succession of facts and events.

In conclusion, this study offers a profound and comprehensive exploration of Emerson's philosophy, providing a fresh perspective on his thought that goes beyond previous interpretations. By grounding his philosophy in identity, the study sheds light on the interconnectedness of his various branches of thought and reveals the underlying principles that guide his philosophical inquiry. This study is a valuable contribution to the field of Emerson studies and will be of interest to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367547837