Human Traits and their Social Significance

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22306

Title

Human Traits and their Social Significance

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Irwin Edman offers a bird's-eye view of human nature, tracing innate impulses to their fulfillment in religion, art, science, and morals. This social psychology text explores how fundamental traits shape civilization, emphasizing the balance between instinct, habit, and reflection in modern life.

Summary up to 500 words

Irwin Edman's *Human Traits and Their Social Significance* offers a comprehensive naturalistic analysis of human behavior and its profound impact on civilization. Divided into two distinct parts, the work bridges the gap between biological impulses and the highest achievements of human culture. Part I, titled *Social Psychology*, examines the biological foundations of humanity, exploring instincts such as pugnacity, sympathy, and gregariousness alongside habits, emotions, and the development of the self. Edman argues that while human nature remains essentially constant throughout history, civilization represents humanity's successful redirection of these innate impulses. He investigates how individual differences, language, and cultural continuity shape social organization, emphasizing that modern society is built upon the same raw material of impulse and desire found in primitive tribes, merely refined through reason and knowledge. Part II, *The Career of Reason*, analyzes the four great activities of the human mind: religion, art, science, and morals. Edman treats these not as abstract metaphysical problems but as naturalistic fulfillments of human needs. He explores how reflection transforms customs into principles, elevating them from mere habit to conscious theory. In his discussion of art, he contrasts the 'art for art's sake' doctrine with the idea that art serves as a prophetic tool, presenting ideals in persuasive forms to inspire social progress. Regarding science, Edman defines it as a systematic method of explanation that clarifies the random facts of experience into general laws, satisfying the human impulse for curiosity. Similarly, he views morality as evolving from customary 'folkways' to reflective standards that set ideal goals for human conduct. Throughout the text, Edman draws heavily on literature to illustrate psychological concepts, using vivid specific situations to complement abstract scientific methods. Grounded in the works of psychologists like Thorndike and philosophers such as William James and John Dewey, the book serves as an introduction to contemporary civilization. It clarifies the complexities of government and industry by illuminating the human factors they involve. Ultimately, Edman concludes that education is the vital agency for transmitting cultural heritage while fostering individuality, ensuring that society can control its instincts to achieve a more perfect existence.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology