Final answer:
A cultural materialist would contend that the Hindu taboo against killing cattle is true as cattle are more valuable alive than dead for economic reasons, according to the analysis of anthropologist Marvin Harris. The given statement is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The argument in question aligns with the perspective of a cultural materialist, making the statement true. A cultural materialist would indeed argue that the Hindu taboo against killing cattle arose because the animals are economically more beneficial alive than dead. This is based on the analysis of cultural anthropologist Marvin Harris, who posited that in Indian society, cattle serve multiple valuable functions such as providing dung for fuel, plowing fields, milk production, and eventually beef and leather when they die naturally.
Therefore, the taboo reflects a pragmatic approach that maximizes the material benefits derived from cattle across their lifespan.
Complete question is as follows :
A cultural materialist would argue that the Hindu taboo against killing cattle arose because this type of animal is worth more alive than dead. True or false.