Moral Anomie From Émile Durkheim\'s Point of View

Abstract

Introduction: Durkheim's focus is the moral crisis. He believed that the main crisis of societies in the transition period is the moral crisis. According to Durkheim, the problem of societies is "consensus" and the loss of "moral authority". In his works, Durkheim has tried to analyze such a crisis, identify its causes and factors, and make a way forward for these societies. Therefore, the present research has examined Durkheim's view on moral anomie. Material and Methods: The present study is a review. The researcher has examined the works of Emile Durkheim as well as articles related to the keywords of the present study that were published in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Springer, Emerald and SAGE Journals from 2000 to 2023. Conclusion: From Durkheim's point of view, religion and tradition were the origin and basis of social cohesion and moral order in the past. But due to the variety of knowledge sources, development of scientific ideas, division of labor, social differentiation, rationalism and individualism, the religious foundations of such moral beliefs have become weak and shaky and cannot fulfill their cohesive and disciplinary role. For this reason, he is trying to establish a new ethics inspired by scientific knowledge. This new ethics is rooted in sociology and humanitarian and altruistic ideas. Durkheim believes that the only way to overcome the moral crisis in society is to develop civil ethics. Voluntary membership of people in social groups and professional and civil associations causes commitment and adherence to ethical rules.

Keywords

• anomie
• ethics
• durkheim