Why The Abolition of Man?
C. S. Lewis likely chose the title The Abolition of Man to signal a profound warning: the potential erasure of humanity’s moral and ethical foundation. Observing trends in modern education and philosophy, Lewis was concerned that society's dismissal of objective moral values could ultimately strip humans of the qualities that make them truly human. The book reflects his broader concern with moral relativism and its consequences, inspired in part by his critique of contemporary textbooks and the tumultuous context of World War II, which exposed the dangers of unrestrained power and ethical indifference.
Education and the Erosion of Virtue
Lewis begins his argument by examining the role of education in shaping character. He critiques teaching methods that reduce moral statements to mere expressions of personal opinion, warning that this fosters a generation disconnected from true value. Without the guidance of trained emotions or "just sentiments," students risk becoming individuals who can reason logically but lack the moral grounding to act rightly. In Lewis's terms, this disconnect produces humans who are intellectually capable but emotionally hollow—unable to bridge the gap between intellect and instinct.
The Universal Moral Framework
In response to moral subjectivism, Lewis introduces the concept of a universal moral law, which he calls the Tao. This "Way" encompasses the ethical insights recognized by diverse cultures and religious traditions, from ancient Greece and Rome to Hinduism and Christianity. Lewis argues that rejecting these universal principles does not produce a new, rational system of morality; instead, it erodes the very foundation required to judge right from wrong. The Tao, he emphasizes, provides the indispensable compass that enables humans to live virtuous lives and make ethical decisions.
Technology, Power, and Moral Collapse
Lewis warns that the rejection of objective morality has broader societal consequences. As humans pursue scientific and technological mastery, he argues, the absence of moral grounding allows a select group of "Conditioners" to manipulate and control others. These powerful elites, guided by their own subjective desires rather than ethical principles, can shape humanity like clay. Far from conquering nature, humanity becomes enslaved by its own creations and instincts. The "abolition of man" occurs when people lose their inherent moral nature, reduced to malleable beings whose decisions are dictated by others rather than by reasoned virtue.
The Lasting Message
The Abolition of Man is more than a critique of education; it is a philosophical meditation on the human condition. Lewis urges readers to recognize the essential role of objective morality and emotional training in preserving human dignity. By understanding the risks of subjectivism, moral indifference, and technological domination, readers are reminded that cultivating virtue and adhering to universal moral principles is crucial for sustaining both individual character and society at large.
