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 Simians, Cyborgs, and Women by
Cover of the book Social Terrains of Mine Closure in the Philippines by
Cover of the book Food Practices in Transition by
Cover of the book Thinking Theory Thoroughly by
Cover of the book Teaching Psychology 14-19 by
Cover of the book The Beauty Industry by
Cover of the book Making Good Schools by
Cover of the book Just Growth by
Cover of the book Q&A Equity & Trusts by
Cover of the book Age and Identity in Eighteenth-Century England by
Cover of the book Religion and Sexuality in Cross-Cultural Perspective by
Cover of the book Transforming Urban Transport by
Cover of the book Bodies that Birth by
Cover of the book Self-Reflexive Journalism by
Cover of the book The Collected Novels and Memoirs of William Godwin Vol 7 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