The origin and development of the moral ideasWestermarck, Edward
Philosophy
The origin and development of the moral ideas
Westermarck, Edward
Ethics; Ethics -- History; Prehistoric peoples
[Footnote 46: Casalis, _Basutos_, p. 304.]
[Footnote 47: Arbousset and Daumas, _op. cit._ p. 389.]
[Footnote 48: Brough Smyth, _Aborigines of Victoria_, ii. 228.]
[Footnote 49: Spencer and Gillen, _Native Tribes of Central
Australia_, p. 46.]
[Footnote 50: Mariner, _Natives of the Tonga Islands_, ii. 159, 163.]
[Footnote 51: Buchanan, _Sketches of the History, &c., of the North
American Indians_, p. 158.]
Of many savage and barbarous peoples it is directly affirmed that they
have a sense of justice. Mr. Man says concerning the Andaman
Islanders, "Certain traits which have been noticeable in their
dealings with us would give colour to the belief that they are not
altogether lacking in the sense of honour, and have some faint idea of
the meaning of justice."[52] Colonel Dalton states that, among the
Korwás on the highlands of Sirgúja, when several persons are
implicated in one offence, he has found them "most anxious that to
each should be ascribed his fair share of it, and no more, the oldest
of the party invariably taking on himself the chief responsibility as
leader or instigator, and doing his utmost to exculpate as
unaccountable agents the young members of the gang."[53] The Aleuts,
according to Veniaminof, are "naturally inclined to be just," and feel
deeply undeserved injuries.[54] Kolben, who is nowadays recognised as
a good authority,[55] wrote of the Hottentots, "The strictness and
celerity of the Hottentot justice are things in which they outshine
all Christendom."[56] Missionaries have wondered that, among the
Zulus, "in the absence for ages of all revealed truth and all proper
religious instruction, there should still remain so much of mental
integrity, so much ability to discern truth and justice, and withal so
much regard for these principles in their daily intercourse with one
another."[57] Zöller ascribes to the Negro a well-developed feeling of
justice. "No European," he says, "at least no European child, could
discriminate so keenly between just and unjust punishment."[58] Mr.
Hinde observes:--"One of the most marked characteristics of black
people is their keen perception of justice. They do not resent merited
punishment where it is coupled with justice upon other matters. The
Masai have their sense of justice particularly strongly
developed."[59] Dieffenbach writes of the Maoris, "There is a high
natural sense of justice amongst them; {129} and it is from us that
they have learnt that many forbidden things can be done with impunity,
if they can only be kept secret."[60] Justice is a virtue which always
commands respect among the Bedouins, and "injustice on the part of
those in power is almost impossible. Public opinion at once asserts
itself; and the Sheykh, who should attempt to override the law, would
speedily find himself deserted."[61]
[Footnote 52: Man, in _Jour. Anthr. Inst._ xii. 92.]
[Footnote 53: Dalton, _Descriptive Ethnology of Bengal_, p. 230.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account