ABSTRACT
Durkheim's sociological approach to morals and moral systems has always aroused considerable interest, be it by way of criticism or praise. Two notable contributions to the subject have recently appeared in English, that of Ernest Wallwork, Durkheim: Morality and Milieu (1972), and relevant chapters in Steven Lukes's Emile Durkheim (1972). Mention should also be made of the work of the French philosopher, J. Henriot (1967). An introduction such as this cannot hope to emulate these and other commendable studies, or even offer resumes of them. Its purpose must be quite different. The subjects within the area of moral life which Durkheim raised were many and complex and provoked much discussion amongst both sociologists and philosophers. The items which have been selected for translation are intended to bring to the attention of readers certain aspects of Durkheim's sociology of morals, which need further documentation for the English-speaking world, or which have not received adequate attention up to now. Therefore, only those aspects of Durkheim's thought of which the items make mention will be dealt with, albeit briefly. The topics that will be covered are the definition of the subject matter, moral reality, the science of morality, the obligatory nature of moral facts, relativism, rationality, and so on. The intention is not to present a comprehensive or overall introduction to Durkheim's sociology of morals. The raising of these topics, it is hoped however, will provide an outline of much of Durkheim's moral thought, and at the same time will demonstrate the reason for the selection of the items which have been translated. They will not be considered individually, because certain topics are to be found in more than one item.
