Question

a taboo system upholds a cultural system and a culture is a pattern of values and norms; social life is impossible without such a pattern. this is the dilemma of individual freedom. ideally we would like to feel free to make every choice from scratch and judge each case on its merits. such a freedom would slow us down, for every choice would have to be consciously deliberated.

Answer 1

It is discussing the tension between the desire for individual freedom and the need for cultural norms and values.

A taboo system is a set of rules and prohibitions that are considered to be sacred and unbreakable within a given culture. These taboos help to uphold the cultural system and maintain social order. At the same time, they can also restrict individual freedom and prevent people from making choices based on their own beliefs and values.

The dilemma of individual freedom arises because we want to have the freedom to make our own choices and decisions, but we also need to have cultural norms and values in order to function in society. If we had complete freedom to make every choice from scratch, it would be impossible to maintain social order and cooperation. This is why we need to balance individual freedom with the need for cultural norms and values.