Benevolence (phrenology)

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Benevolence is a faculty in the discredited theory of phrenology.

Concept[edit]

Phrenology maintains that an individual's character can be divined from the shape of his head as well as the sizes of the phrenological organs.[1] These organs include Benevolence, which said to be the area just above the forehead.[2] If its measurement is large in an individual, the phrenologist would conclude that he is highly benevolent.[1] Divining benevolence in this manner does not only allow one to gauge the extent of an individual's benevolence but also allows him to arouse it.[3]

Interaction with other faculties:

  • Negative benevolence + positive firmness: authoritarian personality without consideration and humanity.
  • Negative benevolence + positive destructiveness: propensity for unkindness or cruelty in one form or another.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Shermer, Michael (2002). The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience. Altadena, CA: ABC-CLIO. p. 170. ISBN 1576076539.
  2. ^ Kozlowski, Bryan (2016-09-27). What the Dickens?!: Distinctly Dickensian Words and How to Use Them. Running Press. ISBN 9780762461127.
  3. ^ Bernier, Celeste-Marie; Newman, Judie (2009). Public Art, Memorials and Atlantic Slavery. Oxon: Routledge. p. 41. ISBN 9780415483155.