Realism In American Thought

by Woodbridge Riley

Book Overview

Realism in American Thought is a book written by the American philosopher and historian, Arthur O. Lovejoy, and published posthumously in 1967. The book is a collection of essays and lectures given by Lovejoy in the 1930s and 1940s, which explore the development of realism in American thought from the colonial period to the early 20th century.The book begins with an introduction by the editor, James B. Conant, which explains the context and significance of Lovejoy's work. Lovejoy's essays are then organized into three sections: The Colonial Mind, The Romantic Reaction, and The Realistic Revolt.In the first section, Lovejoy examines the philosophical and religious beliefs of the early American colonists, including their views on the nature of reality, the role of reason, and the relationship between God and man. He argues that the colonists were deeply influenced by the medieval scholastic tradition and the Protestant Reformation, which shaped their understanding of the world and their place in it.In the second section, Lovejoy turns his attention to the Romantic movement of the 19th century, which he sees as a reaction against the Enlightenment and the rationalism of the previous century. He discusses the work of writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman, who sought to transcend the limitations of reason and embrace a more intuitive and mystical understanding of the world.In the final section, Lovejoy explores the rise of realism in American thought, which he sees as a response to the excesses of Romanticism and the need for a more grounded and empirical approach to knowledge. He discusses the work of philosophers such as William James, John Dewey, and George Santayana, who sought to develop a more pragmatic and practical philosophy that could address the challenges of modern life.Overall, Realism in American Thought is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the development of American philosophy and intellectual history. Lovejoy's essays are lucid, engaging, and deeply informed, and they offer a valuable perspective on the ideas and debates that have shaped American thought over the centuries.THIS 28 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: American Thought: From Puritanism to Pragmatism, by Woodbridge Riley. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766105679.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1425347193
• ISBN13: 9781425347192
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.3" x 11.0"