Emerson and Aristotle on Truth

Emerson believed truth could be found through…

• Careful scientific study

• Sensory experience and logic

• Intuition and a deep connection with nature

• Political power and social order

What is a key difference between Emerson’s Idealism and Aristotle’s Realism?

• Emerson trusted intuition; Aristotle trusted observation

• Emerson rejected nature; Aristotle worshipped nature

• Emerson believed only in logic; Aristotle believed only in imagination

• They both had identical views on truth

Who was Aristotle’s mentor?

Aristotle believed that truth could best be discovered by…

• Rejecting the senses and relying on intuition

• Careful observation, classification, and reasoning

• Following religious doctrine

• Imagination and inner reflection

Which pairing is correct?

• Emerson – Realism; Aristotle – Idealism

• Emerson – Transcendental Idealism; Aristotle – Realism

• Emerson – Skepticism; Aristotle – Empiricism

• Emerson – Rationalism; Aristotle – Romanticism

What did Aristotle see as the greatest human activity and the source of happiness?

• Political power

• Physical strength

• Intellectual engagement with reality

• Obedience to authority