[lbo-talk] Emma v Ralph/Evil Bible

[Charles Brown]

Morality or ethics as symbolic prescriptions for the ways humans treat each
other are a critical part of the origin of humanity.  Kinship systems define
the original humans from hominoids, probably.  Lewis Henry Morgan
differentiates _societas_ from _civitas_ by organization of society based on
kinship ( in "ancient society) vs organization based on state ruled
territory in "civilization".  Marshall Sahlins posits that kin systems play
the determining role in original cultures (often termed "primitive") that
economy plays in class based societies ( See _ Culture and Practical
Reason_).  Incest taboos and other symbolic regulation of sexuality are
human universals and exclusives ( See _The Elementary Structures of Kinship_
by C. Levi-Strauss).  "Taboos" are exclusively human.

 
Perhaps this is reflected in Genesis myth wherein the original "sin" seems
to be the founding of morality and ethics , as the forbidden fruit Adam eats
is from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ( of "do's and don'ts" ).
Maybe it's more the origin OF sin, rather then THE original sin.
Presumably only after he eats it does he know the difference between good
and evil. Before that he is innocent like animals or children.  And after he
eats the fruit, he puts on a figleaf , in embarrassment at his nudity , and
presumably sexuality.  This suggests a reflection of the origin of sex
taboos and clothing :>), clothing as a sex regulator, not protection from
weather .

 
Charles
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