relativism and universals

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With regard to the current discussion of cultural relativism and morality,
it may be useful to enlarge, as has recently been suggested, the discourse
to include cultural universals. This might help those who are interested in asking the question: can we formulate a cross-cultural moral sensibility if there
indeed are cross-cultural universals?

I would suggest two recent texts:

D. Brown, Human Universals, Temple, 1991.
R. Edgerton, Sick Societies, Free Press, 1992.

BTW, I am not endorsing either text, merely drawing attention to them.

Also, the former book has a summary chapter that many of you might find
to be a useful discussion aid in classes.

Eric Silverman
Soc/Anthro
Depauw Univ.

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