Description
Book SynopsisExplores the theories of democratic individualism articulated in the works of the American transcendentalist writer Ralph Waldo Emerson, pragmatic philosophers William James and John Dewey, and African-American novelist and essayist Ralph Ellison.
Trade Review"What emerges from these discussions of an Emerson-inflected pragmatism is a convincing narrative of the development of a democratic theory that both maintains a standard of public responsibility and accountability, while preserving the vital role of individual moral reasoning and moral choice in that process. I consider this a very important contribution to the history of American ethical and political thought. This book will have an immediate impact on Emerson studies." -- -David M. Robinson Oregon State University, and author of Emerson and the Conduct of Life "Describes a genealogy of individualist ethics in Ralph Waldo Emerson, William James, John Dewey, and Ralph Ellison that departs from that of classical liberalism." -The Chronicle Review "Albrecht does a very good job of treating Emerson convincingly as a pragmatist precursor without losing sight of the complexity of Emerson's own prose and interpretive frames." -- -Joseph M. Thomas Albright College "Albrecht's thorough presentation of Emerson as a pluralist, relational individualist serves as a convincing backdrop for his reading of Pragmatism as an expression of a shared American individualist tradition." -Emerson Society Papers
