INFO I453 (Spring 2025) Ethics on Exhibit \ 6clnd

Eurocentric Map

The Mercator's Atlas is a set of maps created by Gerhard Mercator and eventually completed, and published, by his son Rumold Mercator following his death. It was the first time in history a set of maps were referenced as an atlas. Jodocus Hondius later updated the atlas, along with translating to English, and published it under the title, Historia Mundi, or, Mercator's Atlas. The atlas contains a detailed cylindrical mapping of the known world.

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My Project

The maps contained in the Historia Mundi promote Eurocentric bias's and colonial ideologies. The maps enlarged European landmasses while minimizing continents like Africa. It justified colonialism by often Europeanizing indigenous territories, or even omitting them completely. Under deontology, Historia Mundi is unethical because it is deceptive and violates the duty of truth by perpetuating colonialism through misrepresenting continental proportions and territorial claim.

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Big Points

Big Points
Title: Historia mundi, or, Mercator's atlas
Author: Mercator, Gerhard
Year: 1512 - 1994
Publication Place / Publisher: London : Printed by T. Cotes for Michael Sparke and Samuel Cartwright
Lilly Library Call Number: STC, 17824

Video

Eurocentric Atlas

See the pictures of the Mercator's Atlas yourself as this video takes you through the ethical implications of the atlas. Additionally, make an appointment with the Lilly Library to see the geographic knowledge contained in the Mercator's Atlas.