Edward Westermarck

Edward Westermarck was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist known for his work in ethics, particularly descriptive ethics, which examines moral beliefs and practices as they are, rather than as they should be. He argued that moral sentiments arise from social interactions and cultural contexts, highlighting the role of human feelings and experiences in shaping ethics. Westermarck believed that understanding these social influences can help us comprehend differing moral standards across societies, emphasizing that morality is not absolute but deeply rooted in human life and evolution. His insights laid important groundwork for modern social and cultural anthropology.