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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=343254318-23032004>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.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=343254318-23032004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=343254318-23032004>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 .</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=343254318-23032004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=343254318-23032004>Charles</SPAN></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>