Bioethics in the Work of Ernest Everett Just: + Missing - some 400 pages

Alternative Title

Biology + Ethics = Bioethics via biologist Ernest Everett Just

Authors

Theodore WalkerFollow

Publication Date

Winter 1-28-2017

Abstract

Biology + ethics = bioethics. Here we see that Howard University biologist Ernest Everett Just (born 1883, died 1941) connected biology to ethics.

According to Just, various forms of specific biology (including especially cell biology) plus “general biology” are necessary for explaining adequately the origin of ethical behaviors. Social ethical behaviors, especially mutual aid and cooperative interactions with others and the environment, are essential to evolutionary advances among living creatures, ranging from humans to cells. Accordingly, theory of ethics (moral theory) should have roots in biology.

Also, Just wrote an unpublished book-length manuscript—“some 400 typed pages” (Just 1940)—on seeking the roots of ethical behavior via biology. Clues concerning the existence of this unpublished book are certain to be found at the Howard University Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. Now that the search has begun, I predict some vigilant researcher will find Just’s unpublished 400-page manuscript.

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Document Type

Article

Keywords

biology, ethics, bioethics, Just, general biology, theoretical biology, moral theory

Disciplines

Archival Science | Cell Biology | Demography, Population, and Ecology | Developmental Biology | Digital Humanities | Environmental Studies | Evolution | History of Science, Technology, and Medicine | Marine Biology | Organismal Biological Physiology | Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Other Life Sciences | Other Microbiology | Place and Environment | Systems Biology | Theory, Knowledge and Science

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Walker, Theodore, "Bioethics in the Work of Ernest Everett Just: + Missing - some 400 pages" (2017). Perkins Faculty Research and Special Events. 9.
https://scholar.smu.edu/theology_research/9