Ethical Relativity (eBook)

Edward Alexander Westermarck (1862–1939) was a notable Finnish philosopher and sociologist, best recognized for his influential work in the realm of moral and social anthropology. As a scholar who studied at the University of Helsinki, Westermarck established himself as a pioneering figure in the early discussions about the cultural relativity of moral systems and marriage practices (Westermarck, 1891). His prominent book 'Ethical Relativity' is a critical examination of moral judgements and their inherent variabilities across different societies, positing that moral concepts are not absolute but rather shaped by cultural influences (Westermarck, 1932). Westermarck's literary style is characterized by rigorous empirical research combined with a comparative approach that seeks to understand human behavior within its social context. His work provided foundational insights for anthropologists and ethnologists, influencing subsequent theoretical developments in cultural relativism and ethics. Westermarck's legacy includes a significant contribution to the debate on the origins and universality of moral sentiments, rejecting the notion of innate moral principles and instead suggesting that moral values are a product of social evolution. His contributions remain relevant in contemporary discussions on ethics and morality within sociocultural frameworks.