Browsing by Subject "Idealism"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Open Access
Herbert Marcuse's Early Critique of Idealism
(2013) Dabrowski, Tomash Conrad
Herbert Marcuse's early essays and reviews written while under the tutelage of Martin Heidegger continue to suffer a poor reception. Even the most sympathetic of his critics widely focus on either his deviations from existing Marxist orthodoxy, or his failure to demonstrate the commensurability of Marxism and existentialism. Although both these concerns highlight important problems in Marcuse's work, this narrow focus of Marcuse scholarship neglects essential aspects of his early thought and tends to draw too hasty parallels between Marcuse and Heidegger. This thesis therefore attaches greater weight to Marcuse's own reception and understanding of a broader cross section of the concurrent intellectual milieu - particularly late nineteenth and early twentieth century debates as to whether idealist philosophy is portable to social science. I argue that by foregrounding Marcuse's early work against the backdrop of neo-idealism better illuminates Marcuse's concern with what types of truth claims inform political action, and how one might assess the validity of these claims.
Open Access
What is American Philosophy? Rorty, Emerson, and the Philosophy of Redescription
(2024-12-08) Pikarsky, Chase
Stanley Cavell once questioned whether or not America has ever expressed itself philosophically. The unresolved problem of America’s distinct philosophical expression jeopardizes its authenticity and leaves its values under pressure from Europe's deep history. However, through a reacquaintance with America’s most influential intellectual of the early 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, America gains a chance to reestablish its philosophical expression. To make this reacquaintance with Emerson easier and to add modern relevance, I use Richard Rorty’s concept of redescription as a framework to interpret Emerson’s philosophy. I specifically examine Emerson’s idealism, anti-foundationalism, and ethic of creation. These aspects of Emerson’s philosophy align closely with Rorty’s redescriptive approach, which prioritizes reimagining intellectual paradigms to foster moral and social progress. I first start by interpreting Emerson as a philosopher, challenging conventional interpretations of him as only a writer or poet. Next, I define Rorty’s concept of redescription. Finally, I end by synthesizing Emerson’s philosophy and redescription, while responding to potential objections. Ultimately, I propose using Rorty’s concept of redescription as a framework for interpreting American philosophy. By reimagining Emerson through Rorty’s lens, we can reacquaint ourselves with America’s philosophical expression and assert a distinctive intellectual identity for the nation.