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A taboo is defined solely as a prohibition enforced through explicit legal or religious systems.
Answer: False
The source indicates that while taboos can be enforced through legal or religious systems, they are also implicitly enforced through social norms and conventions, and their definition extends beyond solely explicit systems.
The English word 'taboo' originates from the Latin term 'tabes', meaning decay.
Answer: False
The English term 'taboo' originates from the Polynesian word *tapu*, meaning 'prohibited' or 'forbidden', not from the Latin term 'tabes'.
The Proto-Oceanic etymon *tabu* signified 'forbidden, off limits' and 'sacred'.
Answer: True
The Proto-Oceanic etymon *tabu* carried the dual significance of being 'forbidden' or 'off limits,' and also 'sacred,' reflecting a concept tied to awe before spiritual forces.
James Cook introduced the English use of the term 'taboo' in the 19th century.
Answer: False
Captain James Cook introduced the English usage of the term 'taboo' in 1777, during the 18th century, based on his observations of its use in Polynesian languages.
The Tongan place name Tongatapu translates to 'Forbidden South'.
Answer: False
The Tongan place name Tongatapu translates not to 'Forbidden South,' but rather to 'Sacred South,' reflecting the meaning of *tapu* as 'sacred' or 'holy' in contemporary Tongan usage.
The term 'taboo' was introduced to English usage by Ferdinand Magellan.
Answer: False
The term 'taboo' was introduced to English usage not by Ferdinand Magellan, but by Captain James Cook in 1777, based on his encounters with Polynesian cultures.
The fundamental definition of a taboo involves a prohibition stemming from a perception of sacredness or extreme offensiveness.
Answer: True
The fundamental definition of a taboo centers on a prohibition, ban, or avoidance rooted in a group's perception of something as excessively repulsive, offensive, sacred, or reserved for specific individuals or circumstances.
The meaning of 'taboo' in social sciences has remained strictly limited to prohibitions concerning food and sex.
Answer: False
The meaning of 'taboo' in social sciences has evolved beyond strict limitations to encompass a broader range of prohibitions related to any aspect of human activity or custom deemed sacred or forbidden by cultural norms.
What is the primary definition of a taboo within a social group?
Answer: A prohibition, ban, or avoidance of something perceived as excessively repulsive, offensive, sacred, or reserved.
A taboo is fundamentally defined as a prohibition, ban, or avoidance within a social group concerning something perceived as excessively repulsive, offensive, sacred, or reserved. These prohibitions can be enforced through explicit legal or religious systems or implicitly through social norms and conventions.
Which explorer is credited with introducing the term 'taboo' to the English language?
Answer: Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook is credited with introducing the term 'taboo' to the English language in 1777.
What does the Tongan term *tapu* mean in its modern usage?
Answer: Sacred or holy
In contemporary Tongan usage, the term *tapu* signifies 'sacred' or 'holy,' often implying restrictions or protections derived from custom or law.
What does the Proto-Oceanic etymon *tabu* signify?
Answer: Sacredness due to awe, or being forbidden/off limits
The Proto-Oceanic etymon *tabu* signified 'forbidden, off limits' and also 'sacred,' reflecting a concept tied to awe before spiritual forces.
What is the etymological origin of the English word 'taboo'?
Answer: Polynesian 'tapu' meaning 'prohibited' or 'forbidden'
The English word 'taboo' originates from the Polynesian word *tapu*, which signifies 'prohibited' or 'forbidden'.
Taboos develop for reasons including protecting individuals, promoting efficient resource use, and fostering group cohesion.
Answer: True
Taboos serve crucial societal functions, developing to protect individuals, optimize resource utilization, and enhance group cohesion, thereby reinforcing collective identity and belonging.
The proverb 'forbidden fruit is the sweetest' suggests that prohibitions decrease the allure of an item.
Answer: False
The proverb 'forbidden fruit is the sweetest' suggests the opposite: that prohibitions can paradoxically increase the allure and desirability of the forbidden item or action, highlighting a complex psychological aspect of taboos.
Taboos related to food and dining are uncommon across different societies.
Answer: False
Taboos related to food and dining are, in fact, quite common across diverse societies, often encompassing dietary laws, restrictions on certain foods, and specific customs surrounding meals.
Taboos help groups maintain a unique identity and strengthen a sense of belonging.
Answer: True
Taboos play a significant role in reinforcing group identity by establishing shared boundaries and norms that differentiate a group from outsiders, thereby strengthening a collective sense of belonging.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a reason for the development of taboos?
Answer: Enhancing individual freedom
Enhancing individual freedom is not listed as a primary reason for the development of taboos; rather, reasons cited include protecting individuals, promoting efficient resource use, and fostering group cohesion.
Which of the following is a common category where taboos are found, according to the source?
Answer: Restrictions concerning the dead and their graves
Common categories where taboos are frequently observed include restrictions concerning the dead and their graves, as well as prohibitions related to food, dining, sex, and reproduction.
What is the significance of taboos in relation to group identity?
Answer: They help differentiate a group and reinforce collective identity.
Taboos are significant in relation to group identity as they help differentiate a group from others and reinforce a collective identity and sense of belonging among its members.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between taboos and social norms?
Answer: Taboos can be implicitly enforced through social norms and conventions.
Taboos can be implicitly enforced through social norms and conventions, which are unwritten rules guiding behavior within a culture or organization, thereby contributing to social order.
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice primarily involves a taboo against speaking.
Answer: False
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice primarily illustrates a 'looking taboo,' wherein Orpheus's transgression of looking back at Eurydice resulted in her permanent loss.
The taboo of eating pomegranate seeds by Persephone is interpreted as explaining the origin of winter.
Answer: False
The taboo of Persephone consuming pomegranate seeds in Greek mythology is interpreted as explaining the cyclical nature of the seasons, specifically her obligation to spend part of the year in the underworld.
In the Islamic narrative, Adam and Hawwa were forbidden by Allah from eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Answer: False
In the Islamic narrative, Adam and Hawwa were instructed by Allah not to approach a particular tree in the garden, rather than being explicitly forbidden from eating from the 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil' as stated in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Lot's wife was transformed into a pillar of salt for looking back at the fleeing angels.
Answer: False
Lot's wife was transformed into a pillar of salt as a consequence of violating the 'looking taboo' by looking back at the destroyed city of Sodom, not at the fleeing angels.
In Greek mythology, Anchises was punished by Zeus for keeping his union with Aphrodite a secret.
Answer: False
In Greek mythology, Anchises was punished by Zeus not for keeping his union with Aphrodite a secret, but for violating a 'speaking taboo' by boasting about his liaison with the goddess, which resulted in him being struck lame.
The taboo on speaking is exemplified in the myth of Actaeon, who was forbidden to reveal his encounter with Artemis.
Answer: False
The myth of Actaeon exemplifies a 'speaking taboo' imposed by Artemis after he witnessed her bathing. His transgression involved speaking to his hunting dogs, which led to his transformation and demise, rather than being forbidden to reveal the encounter itself.
In Greek mythology, what taboo did Persephone violate that led to her spending part of the year in the underworld?
Answer: An eating taboo involving pomegranate seeds
Persephone violated an eating taboo in Greek mythology by consuming pomegranate seeds from the underworld, which bound her to spend a portion of each year there.
What was the consequence of Orpheus violating the 'looking taboo' in his myth?
Answer: Eurydice vanished back into the Underworld permanently.
Upon violating the 'looking taboo' by turning back to look at Eurydice, Orpheus caused her to vanish permanently back into the Underworld.
According to the Book of Genesis, what was the specific taboo violated by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden?
Answer: Eating from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil
According to the Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve violated the taboo of eating from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
How did Lot's wife violate the taboo imposed upon her?
Answer: She looked back at the destroyed city.
Lot's wife violated the imposed taboo by looking back at the destroyed city of Sodom as she fled, contrary to the angels' instructions.
In the myth of Anchises, what was the consequence of his violation of the speaking taboo?
Answer: Zeus struck him with a thunderbolt, leaving him lame.
The consequence of Anchises violating the speaking taboo by revealing his union with Aphrodite was that Zeus struck him with a thunderbolt, leaving him lame.
How is the taboo of Actaeon in Greek mythology described?
Answer: A taboo against speaking after witnessing Artemis bathing
The taboo concerning Actaeon in Greek mythology is described as a 'speaking taboo' imposed by Artemis after he witnessed her bathing, which he transgressed by speaking to his dogs.
How does the Islamic narrative of Adam and Eve differ from the Judeo-Christian account regarding the forbidden tree?
Answer: In Islam, they were warned not to approach a specific tree, but the source doesn't name it as the Tree of Knowledge.
The Islamic narrative differs by stating that Adam and Eve were warned not to approach a specific tree, whereas the Judeo-Christian account explicitly forbids eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Which of the following is an example of a 'speaking taboo' from Greek mythology mentioned in the source?
Answer: Anchises revealing his union with Aphrodite
Anchises revealing his union with Aphrodite is an example of a 'speaking taboo' from Greek mythology, where he was warned not to speak of his liaison with the goddess.
Sigmund Freud hypothesized that incest and patricide were the two universal taboos foundational to civilization.
Answer: True
Sigmund Freud posited that incest and patricide represent the foundational universal taboos upon which civilization is constructed.
Joseph Campbell suggested that taboos in mythology primarily serve as sources of entertainment.
Answer: False
Joseph Campbell proposed that taboos within mythology function primarily as tests of an individual's capacity to adhere to prohibitions, with consequences for transgression, rather than solely as sources of entertainment.
The Gnostic interpretation views the serpent in the Adam and Eve story negatively for enabling knowledge.
Answer: False
Gnostic traditions interpret the serpent in the Adam and Eve narrative positively, viewing it as an agent of divine knowledge that facilitated gnosis by encouraging the consumption of the forbidden fruit.
Marvin Harris is cited as an example of a materialist theorist who explained taboos through ecological and economic conditions.
Answer: True
Anthropologist Marvin Harris exemplifies a materialist perspective, explaining the origins and functions of taboos as direct consequences of specific ecological and economic conditions prevalent in societies.
The taboo in the Adam and Eve story, according to Gnosticism, was a plot by archons to keep Adam ignorant.
Answer: True
Within Gnostic interpretations, the taboo surrounding the Tree of Knowledge in the Adam and Eve narrative is viewed as a stratagem by the archons to maintain Adam's ignorance, with the serpent acting as a catalyst for enlightenment.
According to Sigmund Freud, what were the two universal taboos forming the basis of civilization?
Answer: Incest and patricide
Sigmund Freud hypothesized that incest and patricide constitute the two universal taboos foundational to the development of civilization.
What is the Gnostic interpretation of the serpent in the Adam and Eve story?
Answer: A representation of divine knowledge enabling gnosis
The Gnostic interpretation views the serpent in the Adam and Eve story as a positive entity representing divine knowledge, which enabled Adam and Eve to achieve gnosis by consuming the forbidden fruit.
According to Joseph Campbell, what is the function of taboos in religion and mythology?
Answer: To serve as tests of an individual's ability to refrain from violating prohibitions.
According to Joseph Campbell, taboos in religion and mythology serve as tests of an individual's ability to refrain from violating prohibitions, with consequences for failure.
How have communist and materialist theorists, like Marvin Harris, explained the origin of taboos?
Answer: As consequences of ecological and economic conditions.
Communist and materialist theorists, such as Marvin Harris, have explained the origin of taboos as consequences of specific ecological and economic conditions within societies.
In Madagascar, the term *fady* refers to a universal set of taboos applicable to all regions and tribes without variation.
Answer: False
In Madagascar, the term *fady* denotes a system of taboos that is not universal but rather varies significantly by region, village, or tribe, and is subject to change based on new experiences.
Contemporary Western societies are developing taboos against ethnocentrism and nationalism.
Answer: True
It is argued that contemporary Western multicultural societies have developed taboos against various forms of 'tribalism,' such as ethnocentrism and nationalism, alongside taboos against prejudices like racism, sexism, and homophobia.
The taboo surrounding incest has seen a universal trend towards stricter prohibition globally in modern times.
Answer: False
The evolution of the incest taboo in modern times is not characterized by a universal trend toward stricter prohibition; rather, trends vary, with some advocating for normalization of consensual adult relationships while others expand the degrees of prohibited kinship.
Medical professionals avoid discussing sensitive practices like late-term abortions due to a lack of social stigma.
Answer: False
Medical professionals may avoid discussing sensitive practices like late-term abortions not due to a lack of social stigma, but precisely because of existing social stigma, which can lead to misinterpretation and negatively influence policy decisions.
Albert Schweitzer observed that in Gabon, the birth of single children was considered a misfortune.
Answer: False
Albert Schweitzer's observations in Gabon indicated that the birth of twins, rather than single children, was considered a misfortune, leading to specific rules and taboos applied to the twins.
The concept of 'damnatio memoriae' is unrelated to the idea of historical taboos.
Answer: False
'Damnatio memoriae,' the condemnation and erasure of memory, is indeed related to the concept of historical taboos, functioning as a form of extreme censorship or the deliberate creation of a taboo against remembering or acknowledging certain figures or events.
'Cancel culture' is described as a modern form of enforcing social taboos.
Answer: True
'Cancel culture' is widely interpreted as a contemporary manifestation of social taboo enforcement, wherein individuals face public condemnation and ostracization for actions or statements deemed unacceptable by prevailing social norms.
What does the term *fady* signify in Madagascar?
Answer: A system of taboos that varies by region
In Madagascar, the term *fady* signifies a dynamic system of taboos that varies by region, village, or tribe and is subject to change based on new experiences.
Which of the following is an example of a taboo mentioned in the context of contemporary Western societies?
Answer: Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism is cited as an example of a taboo that is developing in contemporary Western multicultural societies, alongside taboos against nationalism and various forms of prejudice.
Why might medical professionals avoid public discussion of certain sensitive practices?
Answer: Due to social stigma and fear of misinterpretation impacting policy.
Medical professionals may avoid public discussion of sensitive practices due to social stigma, fearing that their comments could be misinterpreted and used to influence policy decisions negatively, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.
What is the source's explanation for the evolution of the incest taboo in modern times?
Answer: Trends differ, with some advocating normalization while others expand prohibited degrees.
The source indicates that trends in the evolution of the incest taboo differ globally, with some advocating for normalization of consensual adult relationships while others expand the degrees of prohibited kinship.
According to Albert Schweitzer's observation in Gabon, what circumstance related to birth was considered a misfortune?
Answer: The birth of twins
Albert Schweitzer observed that in Gabon, the birth of twins was considered a misfortune, subject to numerous specific rules and taboos.
Which of the following is an example of a new taboo emerging due to changing social customs?
Answer: The taboo against slavery
The taboo against slavery is an example of a new taboo that has emerged due to changing social customs and evolving ethical standards.
What is the meaning of 'damnatio memoriae' in the context of historical taboos?
Answer: The condemnation and erasure of memory, akin to censorship
'Damnatio memoriae' refers to the condemnation and erasure of memory, functioning as a form of historical taboo or extreme censorship aimed at removing individuals or events from collective remembrance.
What is the significance of the number 13 in relation to taboos?
Answer: It is associated with taboos and superstitions, like triskaidekaphobia.
The number 13 is significant in relation to taboos and superstitions, often associated with negative connotations and phobias such as triskaidekaphobia.
What is the meaning of 'fady' in Madagascar?
Answer: A strong code of taboos subject to change
In Madagascar, 'fady' refers to a strong code of taboos that is dynamic, varying by region or tribe, and subject to change based on new experiences.