Taboo: Difference between revisions
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A '''taboo''' is a cultural proscription against a particular type of behavior. Some taboos, like the prohibition of [[incest]] or [[fratricide (familial)|fratricide]], are nearly universal among human societies, though they exist in somewhat different forms depending on cultural context. Others, like specific dietary restrictions or rules regarding the interactions between the sexes, are much more restricted. As the philosopher Abraham Edel observes, there are exceptions to every rule, and taboo behaviors are sometimes condoned;<ref>Abraham Edel. 2000. Anthropology & Ethics: The Quest for Moral Understanding. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers.</ref> The biographies of monarchs from around the world provide ample examples of culturally acceptable incest and fratricide, for example. | A '''taboo''' is a cultural proscription against a particular type of behavior. Some taboos, like the prohibition of [[incest]] or [[fratricide (familial)|fratricide]], are nearly universal among human societies, though they exist in somewhat different forms depending on cultural context. Others, like specific dietary restrictions or rules regarding the interactions between the sexes, are much more restricted. As the philosopher Abraham Edel observes, there are exceptions to every rule, and taboo behaviors are sometimes condoned;<ref>Abraham Edel. 2000. Anthropology & Ethics: The Quest for Moral Understanding. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers.</ref> The biographies of monarchs from around the world provide ample examples of culturally acceptable incest and fratricide, for example. | ||
==Footnotes== | |||
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Revision as of 23:32, 12 November 2011
A taboo is a cultural proscription against a particular type of behavior. Some taboos, like the prohibition of incest or fratricide, are nearly universal among human societies, though they exist in somewhat different forms depending on cultural context. Others, like specific dietary restrictions or rules regarding the interactions between the sexes, are much more restricted. As the philosopher Abraham Edel observes, there are exceptions to every rule, and taboo behaviors are sometimes condoned;[1] The biographies of monarchs from around the world provide ample examples of culturally acceptable incest and fratricide, for example.
Footnotes
- ↑ Abraham Edel. 2000. Anthropology & Ethics: The Quest for Moral Understanding. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers.