A Sociological Analysis of Transcendentalism, a Philosophical Movement of The Early 18th Century

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and social movement that was developed by different philosophers and first applied in New England. Transcendentalism is opposed and can be described as the direct opposite of rationalism. Individualism on the other hand is the ability to acquire freedom over self control and knowledge as opposed to state or grout control. Individualism advocates for rational thinking by the human self in a bid to make rational decisions that will help him survive in the current social environment (Hernetta, page 300). The relationship between transcendentalism and individualism is that they are direct opposites as transcendentalism is a political and philosophical movement. The social aspect of transcendentalism is what equates it to the social nature of individualism, although that of individualism allows for freedom of state and ability to think rationally.

The relationship between transcendentalism and social reform is that both are politically instigated and derive the close link from the nature that they fight for change. The philosophical explanations of transcendentalism by psychologists like Plato define transcendentalism as a political and social movement that closely related the reasoning process with the information gathered from experience. The relationship between the two is therefore that for transcendentalism, divinity is essential and important and this can be used as an appropriate tool for change through social reforms (Hernetta, page 330).

The relationship between transcendentalism and the middle class is clearly defined by Ralph Waldo’s transcendentalism and its application to the current middle class in the society. The movement gained popularity through romantism and human passion, which encouraged self and society. Owing to the rapid growth and expansion in the society, the importance of transcendentalism in relation to middle class was manifested in the sense that self thinking was encouraged as a strategy to favoring continued growth and development