1. The Context Early American Philosophical Ideas

2. How to Define It American Philosophy = “Philosophy in the British Colonies that became the U.S. from mid 17 th Century to early 19 th Century.”

3. Defining our Field American philosophy is a complex reality, enlivened by historically marginalized but never silenced voices.”- a jazz improvisation. “ American philosophy is a complex reality, enlivened by historically marginalized but never silenced voices.”- a jazz improvisation.

4. Four Central Streams Orthodox Puritanism Natural Philosophy Native American ideas European Philosophy

5. Some Major Aspects Influence of Bacon, Newton and Locke Evolution and process Colonial versus Native American attitude

6. European Sources-1 Francis Bacon (1561-1626)- Novum Organum Empirical-inductive approach to nature. Anti-authority-Idols Power and usefulness of knowledge

7. Sir Issac Newton Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687) & Optics (1704) Natural Philosophy Universal Laws- inductive Refinement over time

8. John Locke (1632-1704) 1690-Essay Concerning Human Understanding Analytic method to human mind. No innate ideas- Blank tablet- filled by experience.

9. Puritan Themes God in control of nature- read as God’s will. Fall of humanity-battle of Good and Evil Predestination

10. Puritan Themes Invisible-Visible church Covenant and Compact Congregationalism Grand History- New Jerusalem-New World

11. Jonathan Edwards Took on Newton & Locke- Dispositional Ontology-Immanence History of Redemption- role of human and of America

12. Jonathan Edwards Fight against evil-need of constant revival Scripture and Nature “American Augustine”

13. Benjamin Franklin “Father of American Philosophy & Science” Accomplishments as Printer, writer, scientist, inventor, social reformer, diplomat, Founding father

14. Benjamin Franklin Identity of Electricity and Lightning- fluid theory of electricity Science & human good- American Philosophical Society

15. Benjamin Franklin Religious thought- Puritan origins, but Deist Moral philosophy-virtue and action in the world. Franklin as a Pragmatist

16. Native Americans Roger Williams- “The Indigenous Attitude”- peaceful coexistence among differing peoples. Cannibals

17. Native Americans Miantonomi- leader of Narragansett- proposed concepts of Wunnégin & Coanáumatous “Sociableness”

18. Native Americans Noelin, Delaware prophet- “Master of Life” vision- different creation stories. Logic of place, land

19. Caldwaller Golden The History of Four Indian Nations- 1727 “Orenda”- song and voice- Haudenosaunce Interaction, pluralism, community and growth.

20. American Themes Rejection modern view Fallibilism Pluralism Radical empiricism Continuity of science & philosophy

21. American Themes Pragmatism and meilorism Centrality of community and the social Others?

22. Central Questions What does it mean to be a self? What constitutes a meaningful life? What epistemological method makes most sense- how know? Information? Wisdom? What type of community is able to respect & honor the vast variety of competing interests and values in America?

23. Relevance to Today Explanation of radical evil- genocide, etc. The nature and value of democracy and the role of civil disobedience. The role of evolutionary thought in philosophy and theology. Race and gender issues-for self, community, politics, and knowledge.