A Preliminary Analysis Of Jonathan Edwares's Philiosophical Ideology

This study focuses on the thought of Jonathan·Edwards -a North American philosopher and theologian living in the early half of the 18th century. Driven by the ideology of Enlightenment, independent thinking began to mature in North American society from the latter half of the 17th century and Edwards was in this era of surging tide of thought. In his pursuit of preaching, Edwards kept seeking philosophical support for his ideology, thus making his own philosophy deepen and eventually making him a starting point in the history of philosophy in North America.This paper analyzes the background of the formation of Edwards' philosophical thought and reveals the main source of his philosophical thought through the introduction of his experience and a comparative analysis of his thought and that of some thinkers advocated by Edwards in Protestant Calvinism and European Enlightenment. Secondly, the study states the main content of Edward's thought, ranging from his world view, will, emotion, inspiration, rational and ethical thought. Finally, the study focuses on the impact of Edwards's philosophical thought on North American society to explore Edwards'contribution to the philosophy of United States.