America’s founding fathers envisioned a nation founded on principles of liberty, democracy, individual rights, and equality - ideals largely inspired by the Enlightenment. However, in recent times, there is a growing concern that these foundational values have somewhat faded from American society. To revitalize these principles, a thoughtful return to the Enlightenment's philosophical wellspring, coupled with the embracing of Transcendentalist philosophies, may offer a promising path.
The Enlightenment Influence on the Founding Fathers
The founding fathers were heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu. Their vision of a democratic republic, where power derives from the people and individual freedoms are protected, reflects Enlightenment ideals.
Key Enlightenment principles such as reason, skepticism towards authority, individual rights, and scientific inquiry formed the backbone of the United States' founding documents. The Declaration of Independence's assertion that "all men are created equal" and endowed with unalienable rights is a direct echo of Enlightenment thought.
The Fading of Founding Principles
However, critics argue that modern American society has drifted from these founding principles. They point to the deepening social and economic inequalities, erosion of civil liberties, increased polarization, and skepticism towards scientific consensus as evidence of this trend.
While America continues to uphold the formal structures of democracy, there's concern that the spirit of open inquiry, reasoned debate, and respect for individual rights - the lifeblood of a vibrant democratic society - is waning.
Reviving Enlightenment Values
To address this drift, a return to Enlightenment values may be necessary. Emphasizing critical thinking, evidence-based decision making, and respect for individual rights can help rekindle the spirit of intellectual openness and democratic participation.
Reaffirming Enlightenment values also entails defending the freedom of speech and thought, fostering a culture of reasoned debate, and ensuring that government power is held in check by the rule of law and democratic accountability.
The Role of Transcendentalism
While the Enlightenment provides a valuable foundation, it is not without its limitations. Its emphasis on reason and scientific knowledge can sometimes sideline the intuitive, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human experience. This is where Transcendentalism can play a role.
Transcendentalist philosophers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized individualism, intuition, and a deep connection with nature. They valued the inherent goodness of people and believed in each individual's ability to transcend the material world and reach a higher spiritual truth.
Incorporating Transcendentalist principles into our societal ethos could provide a counterbalance to the rationalism of the Enlightenment. It could encourage a greater appreciation for nature, promoting environmental stewardship. It could also foster a society where individual creativity and intuition are valued alongside reason and empirical knowledge.
A Blended Path Forward
Reviving the principles of the founding fathers may require a dual embrace of Enlightenment and Transcendentalist philosophies. The Enlightenment's focus on reason, freedom, and skepticism of authority can be complemented by Transcendentalism's emphasis on intuition, spirituality, and a deep connection with nature.
This blended approach could breathe new life into the American founding principles, nurturing a society that values reason and freedom, celebrates individuality, respects nature, and acknowledges the full spectrum of human experience.
When considering revival of the Founding Principles, the freedom of peaceful assembly should also be addressed, for it is under fire. For example, teachers and students assemble in schools where they receive "active shooter" training for fear of their lives; the constant threat of these mass shootings in schools, it can be argued, certainly hampers the teachers/students freedom of assembly. Similar active shooter situations have occurred in a variety of other venues, thus destabilizing this important principle of our Founders.