Sociality–Normativity–Morality: The Explanatory Strategy of Günter Dux's Historico-Genetic Theory

Abstract

Purpose – This contribution draws on the processually proceeding historico-genetic theory developed by Gunter Dux, in order to reconstruct the emergence of normativity as a central mode of human social organization from nonnormatively ordered prehuman societies. Design/methodology/approach – In the first step, some of the most important premises and core arguments of historico-genetic theory are being explicated, as well as its conception of society. These are then illustrated with reference to the socio-genesis of normativity and of morality as a special kind of normativity. The chapter concludes with an attempt to evaluate the productiveness of historico-genetically oriented explanations. Findings – According to sociological accounts, only human beings are able to develop mentally construed sociocultural forms and worlds, which are mediated through thought and language, and stabilized and secured by means of normativity. For the modern, natural scientifically shaped antimetaphysical understanding of the world, however, the normative constitution of human social forms of cultural organization as a distinguishing mark of the conditio humana can only be understood as a successor organization to a natural-historical precursor. Originality/value – This chapter introduces the theoretical perspective of contemporary German social theorist Gunter Dux to English-speaking readers, and provides a critical assessment of his work.