Johann Friedrich Blumenbach

Race and Natural History, 1750–1850

Nonfiction, History, Reference, Historiography, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences
Cover of the book Johann Friedrich Blumenbach by , Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781351732147
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 11, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781351732147
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 11, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The major significance of the German naturalist-physician Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752–1840) as a topic of historical study is the fact that he was one of the first anthropologists to investigate humankind as part of natural history. Moreover, Blumenbach was, and continues to be, a central figure in debates about race and racism.

How exactly did Blumenbach define race and races? What were his scientific criteria? And which cultural values did he bring to bear on his scheme? Little historical work has been done on Blumenbach’s fundamental, influential race work. From his own time till today, several different pronouncements have been made by either followers or opponents, some accusing Blumenbach of being the fountainhead of scientific racism. By contrast, across early nineteenth-century Europe, not least in France, Blumenbach was lionized as an anti-racist whose work supported the unity of humankind and the abolition of slavery.

This collection of essays considers how, with Blumenbach and those around him, the study of natural history and, by extension, that of science came to dominate the Western discourse of race.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The major significance of the German naturalist-physician Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752–1840) as a topic of historical study is the fact that he was one of the first anthropologists to investigate humankind as part of natural history. Moreover, Blumenbach was, and continues to be, a central figure in debates about race and racism.

How exactly did Blumenbach define race and races? What were his scientific criteria? And which cultural values did he bring to bear on his scheme? Little historical work has been done on Blumenbach’s fundamental, influential race work. From his own time till today, several different pronouncements have been made by either followers or opponents, some accusing Blumenbach of being the fountainhead of scientific racism. By contrast, across early nineteenth-century Europe, not least in France, Blumenbach was lionized as an anti-racist whose work supported the unity of humankind and the abolition of slavery.

This collection of essays considers how, with Blumenbach and those around him, the study of natural history and, by extension, that of science came to dominate the Western discourse of race.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book History of Astronomy by
Cover of the book Philosophic Classics by
Cover of the book Sex and Suffrage in Britain 1860-1914 by
Cover of the book Gender, Nature, and Nurture by
Cover of the book Phonics for Pupils with Special Educational Needs Book 3: Sound by Sound Part 1 by
Cover of the book Economic Analysis of the Environmental Impacts of Development Projects by
Cover of the book International and Interdisciplinary Insights into Evidence and Policy by
Cover of the book Drought by
Cover of the book Cosmo Innes and the Defence of Scotland's Past c. 1825-1875 by
Cover of the book PC Wars by
Cover of the book Australian Restitution Law by
Cover of the book Tropical Deforestation by
Cover of the book A Monetary History of the United Kingdom by
Cover of the book Diverse Perspectives on Aging in a Changing World by
Cover of the book The English Family 1450 - 1700 by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy