Students, in light of our discussion about cultural practices, I thought you may like to think about this concept about how we move from self to the world. Ben brought up the idea of child brides as an example of a cultural practice common to people from one part of the world that challenges current beliefs about capabilities and duties of children in our country. We are made aware of these differences because of the very fact that we function today––thanks to technologies of media and transportation––beyond the oikos (the home/family/tribe) in the larger realms of the polis (town/state/country) and cosmos (the world at large). Modifying ideas and views makes it possible to function more readily without conflict. While this means some customs (nomos) may not be accepted in these larger realms and so must be reevaluated for their sustainability, it does not necessarily mean the end of culture.
Who gets to write the book on human rights? When is one culture's/society's views of basic human rights more important than another's? Is it always the most "powerful" culture that wins, or does the drive for politically correct lead to complacency and corruption?
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't have the answers. Just some rhetorical questions for the class to ponder.
Aaron