Final answer:
In his essay 'Of Cannibals,' Montaigne uses anecdotal evidence, philosophical reasoning, historical and cultural comparison, critical reflection of his society, and speculative insight to explore and contrast European society with indigenous Brazilian tribes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Montaigne's essay 'Of Cannibals' is a significant piece of Renaissance literature that delves into the nature of human society by comparing European civilization with that of the indigenous peoples of Brazil. In this essay, Montaigne employs several types of evidence to articulate his views and observations. Firstly, he uses anecdotal evidence which includes accounts from explorers and first-hand witnesses of the Brazilian tribes. This form of evidence is important for providing a personal and detailed view of the customs and way of life of the natives Montaigne discusses. Secondly, Montaigne draws upon philosophical reasoning to question the moral and ethical foundations of European society compared to that of the so-called 'cannibals.' His essay reflects upon human nature, the concept of 'savagery,' and the paradoxes within civilized societies.
Another type of evidence emerging in Montaigne's writing is the use of historical and cultural comparison. He contrasts the tribal practices with those of ancient Greeks and Romans, thereby appealing to the reader's understanding of history to provide context and legitimacy to his arguments. Although Montaigne mentions cannibalistic practices, he does so to highlight the hypocrisy in European judgments towards them, showcasing cannibalism not as an act of barbarism but as a cultural ritual.
To support his points, Montaigne also incorporates critical reflection about his society, questioning the beliefs and customs held in Europe, much like what is critiqued about the indigenous populations. Lastly, Montaigne may offer speculative insight as he extrapolates from the observed practices to broader philosophical questions about humanity. This holistic approach, combining personal anecdotes with philosophical and cultural analyses, forms a robust argument challenging the then-commonplace notion of the 'noble savage' and European superiority. Montaigne's method of utilizing diverse forms of evidence serves to promote an introspective look at his society's mores and the broader human condition.
Though Montaigne's essay does not strictly align with modern standards of empirical evidence, such as residue analysis utilized in the study of ancient Maya cuisine or the ethnographic study of mortuary cannibalism cited in the references, his work provides a rich, multidimensional perspective on the subject of human cultures and their practices, illustrating the complexities of comparative cultural assessment.