Final answer:
Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individualism, nature, and the relationship between the individual and the divine. Henry David Thoreau's answer to social problems is civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance, which he advocated in his essay 'Resistance to Civil Government'. Whether this approach is effective or not depends on the specific social problem and context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century. It emphasized individualism, nature, and the relationship between the individual and the divine. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of people and the importance of intuition and personal experience. One of the key figures of Transcendentalism is Henry David Thoreau, who advocated for civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance as a means to address social problems.
Thoreau's answer to social problems in his essay 'Resistance to Civil Government' is to withdraw from an unjust system and actively resist it. He believed that individuals have the moral responsibility to act in accordance with their conscience, even if it means disobeying unjust laws. Thoreau would approach a social problem by questioning its underlying principles, engaging in acts of civil disobedience, and inspiring others to do the same.
Whether Thoreau's approach is an effective way to handle social ills is a matter of debate. Some argue that his ideas of civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance have inspired social movements and brought about positive change. Others believe that his approach is too individualistic and fails to address systemic issues. Ultimately, the effectiveness of Thoreau's approach depends on the specific social problem and the context in which it is applied.
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