1. Romanticism, Puritanism, and Rationalism
By Matt Graf, Logan Kallop, Tony Pittavino, and Josh Selling

2. What is Puritanism?
Puritanism is a series of beliefs held mainly by the New England settlers.
Was based on the teachings of John Calvin.
Taught people that God was the source of absolute truth.
Believed in Predestination, God decided everything
Believed that God was constantly intervening in the world
Man is inherently evil
(Stephenson).

3. And Rationalism?
Rationalism was a mid-18th century response to the extreme dogma of Puritanism
Believed that truth came through reason, rather than God
Believed in a much greater amount of freedom, and rejected Church dogma.
Rationalists believe that man is inherently good
Rationalists believe in the clock maker, theory, in that God, like a fine clock maker, lets the world run its own course, and does not interfere
(Leah).
(“Romantic”).

4. Romanticism
Romanticism is a literary movement that started as a response to rationalism
Romantics are much more idealistic than their Puritan and Rationalist counterparts.
To Romantics, truth comes from intuition, and civilization is the ultimate corrupter
There is a belief in Romanticism of the “Noble Savage,” a person who is untouched and uncorrupted by civilization, and in tune with nature
(Leah).
(“Romantic”).
(Kreis).

5. Puritan v. Romanticism (Stephenson). (Kreis). Puritans Romantics GOD
God is directly influencing and controlling the world
There is less emphasis on God, rather, there is only the natural order
Things happen because
God’s intervention
Destiny
Man’s Nature
Man is inherently evil
Man is good, it is civilization that corrupts.
Source of truth
God
Intuition and self - reflection
Fate
We are predetermined what we are going to do in life, nothing can change that
We can influence our on lives, but we are destined for certain things
Truth is available to
The elect
Those who commune with Nature
(Stephenson).
(Kreis).

6. Rationalism vs. Romanticism
Views on God
Both are less insistent on deities, instead focusing on the general idea of God, or not mentioning God whatsoever
Things happen because
The laws of Nature
For symbolism
Man’s Nature
Man is inherently good
Man is good, civilization corrupts
Source of truth
Reason and logic
Intuition
Truth is available to
Everybody
Those in touch with nature
(“Romantic”).
(Kreis).

7. Final Notes
Romanticism differs from the movements preceding it in that it was a literary movement that spawned a philosophy, rather than the other way around. Because of this, this movement was much more prolific than movements preceding it
Romanticism was a response to the ideas of high civilization in Rationalism, and claimed that the view of cities as the fountain of knowledge is false

8. Questions 1. What is the Romantics source of truth?
2. Things happen to Romantics because of what?
3.Puritanism is based on the teachings of who?
4. Who is the hero or ultimate goal in Romanticism?

9. Answers
1. Intuition
2. Destiny
3. John Calvin
4. Noble Savage

10. Works Cited
Kreis, Steven. “Lecture 16: The Romantic Era.” The History Guide. N.p., 4 Aug Web. 30 Mar <
Leah, Heather. “Romanticism vs. Rationalism During the Renaissance.” Associatedcontent. N.p., 29 Aug Web. 30 Mar <
“Romantic Vs. Rationalist.” FreeEssays.cc. N.p., Web. 30 Mar <
Stephenson, Susan. “Puritan Beliefs.” Seneca Valley School District. Winter Address.