The origin and development of the moral ideas

Key themes

Emotional Basis of Morality

This is the core argument of the book: moral judgments (right, wrong, duty) are fundamentally rooted in human emotions, specifically feelings of approval and disapproval. Westermarck challenges purely rationalist or divine explanations, positing that these emotions, and their generalization, form the bedrock of moral consciousness. He explores how these emotions are triggered and how they come to be associated with specific actions or intentions.

Cultural and Historical Diversity of Moral Ideas

Westermarck undertakes an exhaustive comparative study across various societies and historical periods to demonstrate the vast array of differing moral opinions and practices. This theme highlights that while the underlying emotional mechanisms might be universal, the specific application and content of moral rules are heavily influenced by cultural, social, and environmental factors. He meticulously documents how different societies define concepts like incest, property, or justice.

Psychological Foundations of Ethics

Beyond simply stating that morality is emotional, Westermarck delves into the specific psychological mechanisms at play. This includes examining the nature of sympathy, resentment, altruism, and egoism, and how these basic human tendencies contribute to the development of moral sentiments and judgments. He explores the origins of these emotions in human nature and their role in social cohesion.

Worth discussing

To what extent do you agree with Westermarck's assertion that moral judgments are fundamentally emotional rather than purely rational?