Further Thoughts on Emerson's Ideas

Today we reached a point in the conversation when we might have asked, "would Emerson want us to follow his philosophy (if we can call it that)?" What if someone were to refuse or refute his ideas? What might be his reaction? What evidence do you draw on for your thoughts on this question?

Beyond that, how can we reconcile Emerson's emphasis in this essay on self reliance with the idea of a transcendent "spiritual principle" we gain through intuition rather than experience, and with the benign influence of Nature which he emphasizes many times elsewhere? Is one "selfish" by being self-reliant?

Reactions and Ideas: Emerson's "Nature" and "Discipline"

You've read just a little Emerson, true. But he has a way of inciting reaction. What are some of yours? I'm more interested in your philosophical response than I am in your emotional response. So not "I liked it/don't like it" but rather, "this resonated for me/I don't understand what Emerson means by_______/or I disagree with Emerson on one point." You get it. It's okay to express confusion, certainly.

Please remember to log in so you are recognizable. If your access username is just a scramble of numbers, simply say, "Jim here:" and proceed.

Also remember to read what has been posted previously. Ideally your ideas connect with a context, even as they are uniquely yours.

Welcome Dreamers!

Greetings!

This Blog will be your access to syllabi, essential documents, links and other course material. Check it often. Sometimes i will invite discussion of a topic that has come up in class. Other times I will require you to post a response to a specific question. When you post, make sure your identity is apparent to others using the Blog. If your account with Google (or whatever) reduces you to a series of letters and numbers, then announce yourself by saying, "This is Jim." Or whatever. The point is to be public and to stand behind your words, whatever they may be.
I'm excited to see what we will do together this semester!