Quote:
Originally Posted by Botnst
You and I are in complete agreement on the 'nature vs nurture' debate. I see no reason biologically to think in terms of superiority between races or nations or religions.
However, I think it is entirely reasonable to search for and try to explain moral differences among cultures. And some of these differences are absolute. Bashing women with stones for promiscuity seems a likely difference in morality in which one could reasonably argue that a culture that does not bash promiscuous women is superior to one that does. Likewise, a culture that promotes liberty is superior to one that promotes despotism. Etc.
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The differences are pretty stark, at least in the present moment. Unwed mothers often fared quite poorly in some of our European ancestor nations a few hundred years ago and earlier or so I gather.
Trying to understand is laudable but the explaining part assumes a solid conclusion and I think that is elusive. A lot of what we humans do looks like a lengthy trial and error process.
I've stumbled a good deal in my life owing to arrogance and I'm trying to cease and desist with that. The business of deciding that our culture is better than this or that culture doesn't seem like a useful sentiment to me. Plenty of examples of folly on display here.