The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas (eBook)

Edward Westermarck (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
1742 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654702479-8 (EAN)

Infos

In "The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas," Edward Westermarck embarks on an ambitious exploration of morality's evolution through a comprehensive anthropological lens. The book, characterized by its analytical rigor and clarity of prose, critiques prevailing moral philosophies while situating moral concepts within the context of human social development. Westermarck meticulously investigates diverse cultural practices and the historical underpinnings of moral sentiments, revealing a nuanced interplay between instinctual human behavior and societal norms that govern ethical conduct. Edward Westermarck, a prominent Finnish philosopher and sociologist, was deeply influenced by his fieldwork experiences and exposure to various cultures, which informed his understanding of morality as a social construct rather than an inherent trait. His background in anthropology and commitment to naturalistic inquiry are evident throughout this seminal work, as he synthesizes insights from psychology, sociology, and history to articulate a comprehensive theory of moral ideas that resonates with contemporary debates on ethics and morality. This scholarly examination is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of morality and its implications in modern society. Westermarck's groundbreaking insights not only challenge traditional moral doctrines but encourage readers to critically assess their own ethical beliefs in a complex, interconnected world.

Autor

Edward Westermarck was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist, renowned for his pioneering work in the field of moral and social anthropology. Born on November 20, 1862, in Helsinki, Finland, Westermarck is particularly revered for his comprehensive examination of moral concepts across various cultures, as elaborated in his seminal work 'The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas' (1906 - 1908). This magnum opus provides an in-depth comparative study of morality, contending against the dominant theories of moral relativism and instead positing an evolutionary stance on the formation of moral precepts. Westermarck's approach combined empirical observation with a critical perspective on the role played by social and biological evolution in shaping human ethical behaviour. His meticulous analysis drew further attention to the intersection of sociology, anthropology, and ethics, thereby establishing him as a significant figure in early 20th-century social science. Westermarck also extended his research interests to the study of marriage and familial structures, which further cemented his reputation as a sociological trailblazer. His scholarly impact extends beyond his writings, as Westermarck held teaching positions in both Finland and the United Kingdom, influencing generations of thinkers in the realm of ethical philosophy and social anthropology. Westermarck's death on September 3, 1939, marked the end of a career that left an indelible imprint on the scholarly understanding of the origins and functions of human morality.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 28.5.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Geschichte
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie
• Schlagworte: academic ethics resource • anthropological exploration • anthropological moral concepts • anthropology and morality • comparative ethics • complex moral beliefs • cross-cultural comparison • cross-cultural moral principles • Cultural Anthropology • cultural ethics analysis • Cultural Morality • Ethical development • Ethical Evolution • ethical theories examination • ethics • ethics in historical perspective • evolutionary psychology morals • Folklore study • historical morality development • History • history of moral thought • human ethics discourse • Morality Origins • moral philosophy exploration • moral philosophy history • Moral Relativism • Philosophical Anthropology • Primitive societies • religious influence • societal norms influence • sociocultural evolution of ethics • Westermarck Effect • Westermarck moral inquiry