Unit Seven Philosophy Lab 1.

Unit Seven Philosophy Lab

1. Thoreau wrote, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life." What did he mean by this?

2. Why was nature important to Thoreau?

3. Who were the Transcendentalists? What influence did they have on Thoreau?

4. What led Thoreau to Walden? What did he do there?

5. Thoreau and others believed that Nature conveyed truth. They argued that by concentrating on Nature, humans could learn this truth. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Can we learn the truths of life by observing nature? Why or why not?

6. What did Thoreau see in Native Americans? What aspects of their lives did he admire?

7. How did Thoreau feel about slavery? How did his feelings on the issue tie into his larger philosophy?

8. Thoreau was known for "walking the talk." He followed up his beliefs with actions. For example, he actively worked to end slavery. He protested taxes/laws by going to prison. He acted out the principles that he had. Do you think that you "walk the talk"? Why or why not? Does Thoreau's willingness to live out his philosophy make him a better philosopher than someone who doesn't live out his or her philosophy?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00glr78