Whitehead on Slavery

The journey of sociological reform has come a long way from the conventional presuppositions of the olden days. The “ideal” that human beings ultimately strive for includes the longing of freedom, justice and happiness. The need to fight problematic communal customs such as slavery, despite it being the norm is an eye opening revelation of our present day reality. The foundations of political theories of then were based on slavery whilst the present theories focus on freedom. An idea that was so universal in nature completely ignored moral feeling, the idea of “efficiency spelt brutality” . However, the process of turning mere ideas into actuality is slow and can be attributed towards the complexity of historical development. The changes stimulated due to the principle of human nature having essential rights caused a change in perspective but not the complete demolition of the activity. This however can be seen as a small step towards a great idea, some transition is made towards a reform. The active nature of human beings allow for purpose and meaning as well as some degree of self-control and volition. Human beings are a representation of their society yet still responsible for changing it. Understand this seemingly paradoxical concept is essential in understanding reform and helps understand the claims made by Whitehead. The notion that “there is no known way of removing the evil without the introduction of worse evils” is an implicit argument. Whiteheads ontological ideas of internal relations, self-determination and final causation help us understand the humanitarian progress that has been made thus far.

The idea of expecting change from society, while being a product of the same society is an ontological perspective of internal relations. The essentiality of being human contributes to our surroundings and environment. However the emergence of thinkers made way for guiding the conduct of the individual. Every epoch can be distinguished for its thought process; nonetheless it is not so noticeable to those who live in it. The presupposition of slavery was a basis for civilized society, despite introducing distinctions, the whole practice had to be accepted. In order to be civilized, slavery had to be practiced. The “ideals” of every epoch differ, however the role of power is important in all. The acceptance of social hierarchy was common, even for those who were at the bottom. The outlook of different groups was key in understanding their behaviors whether it be appreciating, destroying, commanding or obeying. The underlying problem of reform lies within the fact that communal organization is in place and individuals do not see to dispute any of it. However as the age of intellect became more apparent, other factors such as religion attributed to the growth of promoting rights of human beings. Christianity helped the already existing Platonic doctrine by making Christian ideals practicable for individuals. Another driving force for the rise of humanitarian motifs was the Christian belief that the end of the world was near thus providing and practicing goodness to others. Breaking free of the society that produced us by following the lead of a select group of individuals acts as a driving force of transition.

The notion of self-determination goes hand in hand with human beings having the ability to be agents. The need for having sense of control over our choice and freedom is an essential part of what it means to be human. The different stages of historical development act as an indicator of how the perspectives of different epochs have evolved, especially the gradual growth of communal customs. Although an idea is formed in the mind of a select few, their purposefulness for change works to have an effect on others. It is important to understand that “what is possible now may not have been possible then” . The actions of the past are often presuppositions of the present however solutions to those problematic ones are often competent and accepted. Moral responsibility and self-determination both tie into the notion of freedom. Only when freedom is present can a human being exercise his self-determination, the act of being compelled is not morally responsible action. The ability to deduce what is good and worse causes gradual change in habitual activities and practices. A simple way of looking at self-determination consists of understanding what conditions are optimal for our own development as individuals. Freedom is a driving force for movements and revolutions and can also be said for the abolition of slavery. The Methodist’s are credited for their anti-slavery movement as they expressed revolutionary ideas to the working class. Although they were most concerned with the end of the world coming close, their path to “save men’s souls” ultimately lead to new customs.

The ongoing purification of conduct is yet another example of our journey towards final causation. The end point of development and the search for purpose and meaning is vital in understanding humanity and its necessary changes. The identification of human beings as being rational is a good standpoint from which we can expect change. A “great” idea is often a “danger to the existing order” therefore the willingness to move forward to achieve an end in our activities is a daunting one. Societies face rapid change when there is general unhappiness that does not coincide with our final need to be happy. The fundamental roots of reform stem from discontent. The journey through the classical period standardized that society flourishes through the use of slaves, to a period where the use of slaves were more “humanized”. The essence of freedom is merely empty without the notion of good, while the importance of fulfilling our moral obligation ties in with moving towards our ideal. Whitehead uses the term “beauty” to explain experiences and its influences on our ultimate happiness. This he refers to as the term “which provides the final contentment for Eros of the Universe” .

The ideas presented by Whitehead in relation to being human and the need for advocating change is representative of historical development. The act of carrying an idea into “practical effect” is a gradual process that identifies itself with its time. The paradoxical nature of internal relations consists of breaking out of norms set through communal customs. Without the drive of final causation and self-determination the development of humanity would be stagnant. To rely on a few to apply the effect of a great idea is impossible, as the unity of a civilization is needed in order to carry a reform. The constant growth of moral responsibility along with documentations of past mistakes gives insight on all past presuppositions and carries us into new foundations.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. A.N. Whitehead. “The Human Soul” from Adventures of Ideas, Alpha books, 1967, 11-13

Bibliography: 1. A.N. Whitehead. “The Human Soul” from Adventures of Ideas, Alpha books, 1967, 11-13