The Art of Manliness #576: A Treasure Trove of American Philosophy
John Kaag, a philosophy professor, stumbled upon a forgotten library in New Hampshire filled with rare texts from American thinkers like Emerson and James. He discusses how this discovery reignited his passion for philosophy during a difficult time. Kaag delves into the significance of American philosophy, exploring transcendentalism and pragmatism as responses to existential questions. He also highlights the influence of European and Asian philosophy on American thought, emphasizing the crucial interplay between individuality and societal responsibilities.
46:45
American Philosophy Overview
- American philosophy, often overlooked, emphasizes self-reliance and freedom.
- It arose alongside American Transcendentalism, focusing on individual expression apart from societal norms.
Transcendentalism and Pragmatism
- Transcendentalism, founded by Emerson, Thoreau, and Fuller, emphasizes individual freedom and self-reliance.
- Pragmatism, founded by James and Peirce, focuses on practical consequences and individual freedom in a changing world.
Abandoned Library Discovery
- John Kaag discovered an abandoned library in New Hampshire filled with rare philosophy books.
- The library belonged to William Ernest Hocking and contained books owned by American thinkers like Emerson and James.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Unearthing American Philosophy
01:43 • 10min
Exploring American Transcendentalism
12:00 • 12min
The Philosophy of Free Will and Its Impact on Life
24:10 • 3min
The Pragmatic Lens of William James
27:25 • 11min
Philosophy and Personal Freedom
38:02 • 7min
Closing Reflections and Future Insights
44:59 • 2min
Critique of pure reason
Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" is a monumental work in philosophy that revolutionized epistemology and metaphysics. It explores the limits of human reason and the conditions under which knowledge is possible. Kant argues that our experience is shaped by inherent structures of the mind, known as categories of understanding. The book delves into the nature of space, time, and causality, and how these concepts structure our perception of the world. Its influence on subsequent philosophical thought is immeasurable, shaping debates on knowledge, morality, and the nature of reality.
Two Treatises Of Government
John Locke
Published in 1689, 'Two Treatises of Government' is a seminal work by John Locke that critiques the divine right of kings and advocates for a government based on the consent of the governed. The first treatise refutes Robert Filmer's 'Patriarcha,' which argued for the divine right of kings, while the second treatise outlines Locke's theory of civil society, the state of nature, natural rights, and the social contract. Locke argues that legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the people and that individuals have the right to rebellion if the government fails to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property. His ideas significantly influenced the American and French Revolutions and remain central to liberal political theory[2][4][5].
LEVIATHAN
Thomas Hobbes
Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness.' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.
Walden
Henry David Thoreau
Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance[2][4][5].
Democracy and Education
John Dewey
John Dewey's "Democracy and Education" is a seminal work in educational philosophy, exploring the relationship between democracy and education. Dewey argues that education should be a process of growth and development, fostering critical thinking and social responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of experience and learning through active participation, rejecting traditional models that rely on rote memorization and passive reception. The book advocates for a democratic approach to education, where students are empowered to shape their learning and contribute to their communities. Dewey's ideas have had a profound and lasting impact on educational theory and practice worldwide.
Being and Nothingness
Jean-Paul Sartre
In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness. He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free). Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world. The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception. Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence[2][3][4].
Self-Reliance
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Published in 1841, 'Self-Reliance' is one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous essays. It advocates for individualism, urging readers to trust their own unique powers and intuition rather than conforming to societal norms. Emerson argues that true happiness and fulfillment come from living an authentic, self-reliant life, free from the pressures of conformity and institutionalized religion. The essay is a cornerstone of Transcendentalist philosophy, emphasizing themes such as nonconformity, the authority of the individual, and the importance of personal growth and self-trust[2][4][5].
Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Friedrich Nietzsche
Thomas Common
The book details Zarathustra's descent from his mountain solitude to share his transformative ideas about humanity and existence. Nietzsche explores themes such as the rejection of traditional moral values, individualism, and the concept of the Overman. Zarathustra's interactions with various characters reveal his struggle to articulate his vision and confront prevailing societal values. The book also delves into the existential test of the eternal recurrence of the same and the importance of self-overcoming and personal transformation[2][4][5].
Civil Disobedience
Henry David Thoreau
In 'Civil Disobedience', Thoreau argues that individuals should prioritize their conscience over the dictates of laws. He criticizes American social institutions and policies, particularly slavery and the Mexican-American War. Thoreau contends that government derives its power from the majority rather than from legitimate viewpoints and that people should refuse to follow unjust laws. He recounts his own acts of civil disobedience, including refusing to pay taxes and spending a night in jail, as a model for moral resistance against oppressive laws. Thoreau emphasizes the importance of accepting the consequences of such actions and argues that true reform cannot come from within the government but through individual acts of defiance[1][4][5].
A treatise of human nature
David Hume
In this influential work, Hume seeks to establish a 'science of man' by applying the experimental method of reasoning, inspired by Isaac Newton's achievements in the physical sciences. The treatise is divided into three books: 'Of the Understanding', 'Of the Passions', and 'Of Morals'. Hume argues that human behavior is driven by passions rather than reason, introduces the problem of induction, and defends a sentimentalist account of morality. He also discusses personal identity and free will from a sceptical and compatibilist perspective.
If
Rudyard Kipling
Written in 1896 and first published in 1910, 'If—' is a poem that advises on how to rise above adversity and live a life of integrity. The speaker, addressing his son, outlines various scenarios and virtues necessary to 'be a Man,' including the ability to keep one's head in chaos, trust oneself despite doubt, and treat triumph and disaster equally. The poem is structured as a series of conditional 'if' clauses leading to a final 'then' clause, emphasizing a quintessentially British brand of stoicism and the importance of maintaining a strong will and moral character.
The Myth of Sisyphus
Albert Camus
In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe. Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it. He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero. Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity. The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.
Nature
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In 'Nature,' Ralph Waldo Emerson lays out the foundation of Transcendentalism, a philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the divine presence in nature. The essay, published in 1836, divides nature into four usages: Commodity, Beauty, Language, and Discipline. Emerson argues that nature is not separate from humanity but is an integral part of the self, and that it can be perceived through spiritual intuition. He encourages readers to look beyond the surface of nature and appreciate its underlying spiritual essence, suggesting that solitude and disconnection from societal distractions are necessary to fully experience nature's wholeness[1][4][5].
Varieties of Religious Experience
William James
This book is a collection of lectures delivered by William James at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. It focuses on the personal and subjective aspects of religious experiences, rather than on theology or organized religion. James examines various types of religious experiences, including healthy-mindedness, the sick soul, conversion, mysticism, and saintliness. He emphasizes the importance of feeling and personal experience in religion, arguing that these experiences are the primary source of religious beliefs and practices. The book also discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of these experiences, highlighting their complexity and life-altering nature[2][3][4].
Is life worth living?
William James
In this philosophical work, William James examines the question of whether life is worth living. He discusses how our beliefs, particularly religious beliefs, can shape our lives and give them meaning. James argues that even if an invisible, eternal world does not exist, living as if it did can lead to a more fulfilling life. He also explores the concept of free will and its role in determining the meaning of life, drawing on his knowledge of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. The book emphasizes the importance of hope, faith, and the adjustment to an unseen order in finding meaning in life[1][2][3].
Experience and nature
John Dewey
John Dewey's "Experience and Nature" is a profound exploration of the relationship between experience and the natural world. Dewey challenges the traditional philosophical separation of mind and nature, arguing that experience is fundamentally intertwined with the natural environment. He emphasizes the active role of the individual in shaping their experience and understanding of the world. The book explores the nature of inquiry and the role of knowledge in guiding human action. Dewey's insights into the interconnectedness of experience and nature have had a lasting impact on philosophy, psychology, and environmental studies.
Collected Papers of Charles Sanders Peirce
Collected Papers of Charles Sanders Peirce
Charles Sanders Peirce
Charles Sanders Peirce's "Collected Papers" represent a vast and influential body of work spanning various fields of philosophy, including logic, semiotics, and metaphysics. Peirce is considered one of the founders of pragmatism, emphasizing the practical consequences of ideas as a criterion for truth. His work on semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, is groundbreaking, providing a framework for understanding how meaning is created and communicated. Peirce's contributions to logic, particularly his development of symbolic logic, are also highly significant. His writings are known for their depth, complexity, and originality, making them a rich source for philosophical inquiry.
Woman in the nineteenth century
Margaret Fuller
Woman in the Nineteenth Century is a groundbreaking feminist text by Margaret Fuller, first published in 1845. It challenges societal limitations on women, advocating for gender equality and intellectual freedom. The book explores themes such as women's education, marriage, and moral progress, drawing parallels between women's rights and the abolitionist movement. Fuller argues that women's liberation is essential for societal progress and critiques the 'separate spheres' ideology that confines women to domestic roles.
American Philosophy
John Kaag
In 'American Philosophy: A Love Story', John Kaag weaves a narrative that combines his personal journey with an exploration of American philosophy. The book follows Kaag as he discovers and restores the library of William Ernest Hocking, delving into the works of Emerson, Thoreau, and William James. Through this process, Kaag reflects on themes of love, freedom, and the meaning of life, ultimately finding personal redemption and love.
When you think of philosophy, you probably think of ancient Greece or 18th century France. You probably don't think of America. But this country also birthed its own set of philosophical luminaries, and my guest today had a unique encounter with them.
When modern day professor of philosophy John Kaag was a graduate student at Harvard, he was dispirited and struggling personally and professionally. But thanks to a chance encounter with an elderly New Englander, he discovered an abandoned library in New Hampshire full of rare first edition books of the great works of Western philosophy, many of which were owned by quintessentially American thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and William James.
Kaag began cataloging the books, and in the process, uncovered the intellectual history of American philosophy and its responses to big existential questions like, "Is life worth living?"
Today on the show I talk to John about his experience with this abandoned library in the woods of New Hampshire, and with the authors of the books which were contained therein. We start off talking about how American philosophy is often overlooked, and its big ideas, which include transcendentalism and pragmatism. We then dig into how the works of European and Asian thinkers influenced American philosophers like Emerson and Thoreau, while they yet tried to make something completely new. John and I then discuss how American pragmatism was developed in response to the philosophical issues Darwinism created around free will and what it means to live a moral life.
We end our conversation discussing how the pragmatist William James answered the question of whether life is worth living and how his answer might be said to hinge on one essential word: if.
Get the show notes at aom.is/americanphilosophy.