Faith dies, materialism sprouts, and political revolutions flourish in the soil of Rationalism.

The Death of General Warren at 
the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17,1775. 
Oil on Canvas. 1786. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Why is that so much Revolutionary War comes on the heels of some Rationalist Manifesto? Why is that so much Revolution springs up during the Age of Reason? Could this merely be a coincidence? Many would have us believe that it was the Enlightenment that gave us all the good things in this Western World. But the opposite is quite true. Although we are moving past this historical period, it's good to keep in mind this theme throughout our year: ideas have consequences. Today's title is a sufficient summary of the affects of hard core rationalism. It is a essentially a foreshadowing of the philosophical materialism that will rear its ugly head in the latter 19th century.

Agenda:

1. Pray
2. Behold the REVISED 2012 Presidential Election Essay
3. Read "American Romanticism" (p. 133-149) 
1. Continue to Take Notes in your reading.
2. Work productively with a partner. 
4. Begin Washington Irving: 
1. Read Irving's bio (p. 150)
2. Read "Rip Van Winkle"(or find it online here; go to "next" at the bottom of each page to get to continue).
5. Review HW:
1. Finish Romantic Notes by Wednesday (11/7).
2. Presidential Election Essay (11/13).