Question

Select the correct answer. Which characteristic of transcendentalism is exemplified in the following excerpt from the essay "Self-Reliance"? Good and bad are but names very readily transferable to that or this; the only right is what is after my constitution, the only wrong is what is against it. I. People should trust their intuition over what they are taught. II. Organized religion is unnecessary in deciding between right and wrong. III. Students should learn through discussion of ideas rather than strict memorization.

Answer 1

I. People should trust their intuition over what they are taught.

Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that is based on individualism, meaning that reality should be based on sensed and intuition rather that on what is taught by religion or science. The excerpt uses the example of the concept of good and bad, by mentioning that what is good or right should only be taken as what us after my constitution it is explained that only I can define what is right. The same happens with the definition of wrong, wrong is what I am against, the core and essential point of transcendentalism is the self and the self's reality.