Title

Emerson, Virtue, and Evil: Thoughts for a Rescue Operation

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in: Contemporary Philosophy Vol. XXII No. 3&4, May/June & July/Aug 2000

Abstract

Interpretations of Emerson's theme of self-reliance which generate charges that he understood neither evil nor virtue are inappropriate. A fairer reading should keep in mind the Neo-Platonism of Plotinus, which gave to Transcendentalism a dynamic emanation/return schema and to mankind a place of privilege in knowing and valuing Nature.