Professional Ethics and Civic Morals

Émile Durkheim's work "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" explores the relationship between the individual and society, arguing that the state should reconcile morality with the market through the evolution of a civil religion and protect the rights of the individual through cosmopolitan patriotism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Émile Durkheim, a prominent figure in the field of sociology, is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the discipline. However, his work "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" often receives less attention than his other renowned writings. This essay aims to shed light on the significance of this lesser-known masterpiece and explore its profound insights into the complex relationship between the individual and society.

In "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals," Durkheim delves into the pressing issue of the instability of industrial society and its connection to the decline of religion. He presents a compelling argument that the decline of religious beliefs and moral values contributed to the social unrest and anomie that characterized the industrial age. Durkheim views the state as the ultimate moral force in society, responsible for reconciling the conflicting demands of morality and the market.

To address this challenge, Durkheim proposes the development of a civil religion, characterized by professional codes and civic values. He believes that these institutions can counteract the individualistic tendencies of unfettered markets and restore a sense of social cohesion. Drawing on the analogy of guilds in medieval economic life, Durkheim argues that professional codes and civic values can serve as the moral equivalent of guild regulations, regulating the behavior of individuals and promoting social welfare.

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" is Durkheim's controversial position that the state has a vital role to play in moral life and that morals are, at their core, social facts. This perspective challenges the traditional notion of individualism and emphasizes the importance of collective values and social norms. Durkheim argues that the state has a duty to protect the rights of the individual, not only through traditional means such as law enforcement but also through a form of cosmopolitan patriotism. He advocates for a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity among citizens, regardless of their national or cultural backgrounds.

In addition to his analysis of the relationship between the individual and society, Durkheim also offers a critical interpretation of the rules around property and inheritance. He challenges the traditional notion of private property as a sacred right and argues that inheritance should be regulated to promote social equality and prevent the accumulation of wealth by a few. Durkheim's perspective on property and inheritance resonates with contemporary debates about inequality and the redistribution of wealth, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of resources.

Included in this Routledge Classics edition of "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" is a new introduction by Bryan S. Turner, which places Durkheim in the contemporary context and outlines the key tenets of the work. Turner highlights the relevance of Durkheim's insights to modern society, particularly in the context of globalization, technological advancements, and social inequality. He emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, civic values, and the role of the state in promoting social welfare.

In conclusion, "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" is a seminal work by Émile Durkheim that offers profound insights into the complex relationship between the individual and society. Through his analysis of the instability of industrial society, the decline of religion, and the role of the state in moral life, Durkheim provides a valuable contribution to the field of sociology. His controversial position on the state's role in moral life, his critical interpretation of property and inheritance, and his advocacy for a civil religion and cosmopolitan patriotism are still relevant today. This Routledge Classics edition, with its new introduction by Bryan S. Turner, makes Durkheim's work accessible to a wider audience and encourages further exploration of his thought-provoking ideas.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 216 x 138 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138601895