Edward Westermarck Quotes
Edward Westermarck
Edward Westermarck (1862-1939) was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist who is best known for his pioneering work in the fields of sociology and anthropology. He is credited with developing the concept of cultural relativism, which holds that different cultures should be judged on their own terms r…Read More
Edward Westermarck (1862-1939) was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist who is best known for his pioneering work in the fields of sociology and anthropology. He is credited with developing the concept of cultural relativism, which holds that different cultures should be judged on their own terms rather than by the standards of another culture. He also wrote extensively on the topics of marriage, religion, and morality. His most notable works include The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas (1906-1908), The History of Human Marriage (1921), and The Future of Marriage in Western Civilization (1932).Read Less
Edward Westermarck (1862-1939) was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist who is best known for his pioneering work in the fields of sociology and anthropology. He is credited with developing the concept of cultural relativism, which holds that different cultures should be judged on their own terms rather than by the standards of another culture. He also wrote extensively on the topics of marriage, religion, and morality. His most notable works include The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas (1906-1908), The History of Human Marriage (1921), and The Future of Marriage in Western Civilization (1932).
Edward Westermarck Career Highlights
Edward Westermarck was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist who made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, anthropology, and sociology. He was born on November 20, 1862, in Helsinki, Finland, and received his education at the University of Helsinki and the University of Berlin.Westermarck’s career highlights include his groundbreaking work on the concept of moral relativism, which challenged traditional notions of absolute morality. He also conducted extensive research on the customs and beliefs of various cultures, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East.
Key Contributions by Edward Westermarck
Westermarck’s most notable contribution was his theory of moral relativism, which he first introduced in his book “The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas” in 1906. This theory argued that moral values are not absolute and vary between cultures and individuals. He also proposed the concept of “moral emotions,” which are innate and universal feelings that guide moral behavior.In addition to his work on moral relativism, Westermarck made significant contributions to the fields of anthropology and sociology. He conducted extensive fieldwork in North Africa and the Middle East, studying the customs and beliefs of various cultures. His research helped to shape the field of cultural anthropology and provided valuable insights into the diversity of human societies.
What Sets Edward Westermarck Apart
What sets Edward Westermarck apart is his groundbreaking work on moral relativism and his extensive research on cultural customs and beliefs. He challenged traditional notions of absolute morality and provided a new perspective on the concept of right and wrong. His research also helped to bridge the gap between anthropology and sociology, making significant contributions to both fields.
Takeaways
Edward Westermarck’s work continues to be highly influential in the fields of ethics, anthropology, and sociology. His theory of moral relativism and his research on cultural customs and beliefs have had a lasting impact on our understanding of human behavior and morality. His work serves as a reminder that moral values are not absolute and vary between cultures and individuals.
Other People
Philosopher
· England
1583
Philosopher
· United Kingdom
1949
Philosopher
· England
1910 - 1989
Philosopher
