The Golden Rule: Early Cross-Cultural Studies and the Formation of a Theoretical Concept

Abstract

The article examines the first attempts at cross-cultural study of the Golden Rule (GR) in the works of Leonidas Philippidis (1929; 1933) and Joyce Hertzler (1934; 1936). The aim of the analysis is to show how these authors not only testified to the widespread presence of the GR beyond Christianity but also laid the foundations for its theoretical conceptualisation. The examination proceeds with due regard to the fact that cross-cultural study of the GR is directed toward identifying its formulations in the texts of different cultures, the value content behind them, and its functional features as a normative instrument. Drawing on the reconstructions of Philippidis (Christianity, Judaism, Greco-Roman world, Islam, Confucianism, Indian religions) and Hertzler (from “primitive” societies to ancient civilisations), it is demonstrated that the value core of the GR is formed by the ideas of reciprocity, non-harming, and benevolence, whereas cross-cultural differences concern primarily contexts and the degree of normative breadth. The conclusion argues that it was precisely the works of Philippidis and Hertzler that effected the transition from “collecting” GR-like sayings to analyzing their value content and normative structure, thereby preparing the ground for their independent study in moral philosophy.