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The development of Lewis Henry Morgan's evolutionism.
Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Lewis Henry Morgan, a key figure in sociology, did not use the term "evolution" in his works. His research focused on human origins and diversity, particularly concerning American Indians.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- History of Science
Background:
- Lewis Henry Morgan's sociological works predate his explicit engagement with evolutionary theory.
- His primary concern was the unity versus diversity of the human species, a significant issue in 19th-century America.
Discussion:
- Morgan's initial research on American Indians, focusing on their unity and Asian origins, employed methods from Indo-European philology.
- Social evolution was a later addition to his work, influenced by English evolutionists.
Key Insights:
- Morgan's approach to human origins was rooted in philological traditions, not initially in social evolution.
- The development of his concept of social evolution, particularly in "Ancient Society," was significantly shaped by external influences.
Outlook:
- Re-evaluating Morgan's contributions requires understanding the specific context of his "evolutionist" ideas.
- Further research can explore the interplay between philology and social evolution in early anthropological thought.
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