The study of perfection, progress and evolution is a central theme in the history of
ideas. This thesis explores this theme seen and understood as part of a discourse in
the new fields of anthropology, sociology and psychology in the nineteenth century.
A particular focus is on the stance taken by philosophers, scientists and writers in
the discussion of theories of human physical and mental evolution, as well as on
their views concerning the nature of social progress and historical change. The
wisdom and feasibility of improving the human species is discussed alongside an
analysis of new methods of investigating and measuring physical and mental
attributes of the human organism. The instruments used to assess the development
of mind, body and society are described, and are viewed as part of an increased
emphasis on the use of technology as an integral part of modern life, and as a means
toward the ordered gathering of information in social-scientific practice. An
international perspective is taken by observing the way in which ideas about the
physical and mental development of humankind was discussed in light and
consequence of English and European scientific exploration in the Southern
Hemisphere. Further, an evaluation is made of the manner of the spread of new
thought in the social sciences from the intellectual and cultural �centre� of England
and Europe to the Anglo-European community located at the �periphery� in
Australia in the late nineteenth century. In particular the educative role played by the
non-professional enthusiast as a pivotal conduit for the dissemination of these ideas
is highlighted and linked back to a significant tradition of amateur scholarship as a
central phenomenon in the study of the history of ideas.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/235977 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Berclouw, Marja E., berclouw@vicnet.net.au |
| Publisher | La Trobe University. Institute for Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://www.latrobe.edu.au/copyright/disclaimer.html), Copyright Marja E. Berclouw |
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