Ancient Society - Lewis Henry Morgan
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"Ancient Society: Researches in the Lines of Human Progress from Savagery, through Barbarism to Civilization" is a seminal work by American anthropologist Lewis Henry Morgan, first published in 1877. Morgan's book is considered a foundational text in the field of anthropology, particularly in the study of social evolution and cultural development. The central theme of "Ancient Society" revolves around Morgan's theory of social evolution, which he articulated through the concept of three successive stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization. Morgan proposed that human societies had…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
"Ancient Society: Researches in the Lines of Human Progress from Savagery, through Barbarism to Civilization" is a seminal work by American anthropologist Lewis Henry Morgan, first published in 1877. Morgan's book is considered a foundational text in the field of anthropology, particularly in the study of social evolution and cultural development. The central theme of "Ancient Society" revolves around Morgan's theory of social evolution, which he articulated through the concept of three successive stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization. Morgan proposed that human societies had progressed through these stages, each marked by distinct economic, social, and technological characteristics. Savagery: In this stage, according to Morgan, societies were characterized by a reliance on hunting and gathering as their primary means of subsistence. The family, as a social institution, was organized around kinship and communal living. Technological developments during this stage included the use of simple tools and the absence of agriculture. Barbarism: The next stage, barbarism, was marked by the development of agriculture and the domestication of animals. This allowed for the establishment of settled communities and the emergence of more complex social structures. The family evolved into larger kinship groups, and advancements in technology included the use of metals. Civilization: The final stage, civilization, was characterized by the presence of advanced technologies, the development of written language, and complex social and political institutions. According to Morgan, private property and class distinctions became prominent during this stage. Morgan supported his theories with extensive research, drawing on evidence from a wide range of cultures, especially indigenous societies in North America. He also proposed a classification system for kinship terminology, which has had a lasting impact on the study of kinship relations in anthropology. While some aspects of Morgan's work have been criticized and revised over time, "Ancient Society" remains an influential text that laid the groundwork for the study of cultural evolution and anthropology. It has stimulated ongoing debates and discussions about the nature of human societies and their development.
Autorenporträt
Lewis Henry Morgan (1818-1881) was a pioneering American anthropologist and social theorist, hailed for his work on kinship and social structure among indigenous peoples of the Americas. Born in Aurora, New York, Morgan studied at Union College before commencing a career in law. However, his interactions with the Iroquois, particularly the Seneca, spurred his interest in social patterns and led to his groundbreaking research in anthropology and ethnology. His magnum opus, 'Ancient Society,' published in 1877, revolutionized the understanding of human development and cultural evolution, positing a framework that categorized human societies from 'savagery' through 'barbarism' to 'civilization.' Despite the fact that modern anthropology has largely discarded these ethnocentric and evolutionary categories, Morgan's comparative methodologies laid the groundwork for future anthropological and ethnographic studies. His detailed analysis of kinship systems and the concept of consanguinity and affinity expanded the intellectual horizons of his time and remained influential in both the social sciences and the burgeoning field of sociology. Morgan is remembered not only for his empirical contributions to anthropology but also for the way he applied his findings to broader theoretical constructs concerning social progress and development. His work informed and was admired by eminent thinkers such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, influencing their own writings on historical materialism and societal organization.