Spring 2013 Philosophy of Culture Midterm

Spring 2013 Dr. Mark Alfino Philosophy Department

Midterm Exam – Philosophy 495 – Philosophy of Culture

Answer 6 of the following 8 questions in the space indicated. You may not skip a question marked with an asterisk (*). Note the length prompts for each answer.

1. Why does Wilson think it is useful to study human culture in relationship to ants, bees, termites, and wasps? (2-3 sentences)

2. What is Yali's question and does Diamond think previous answers have been wrong? What is his basic answer? (2-3 sentences)

3. How does Durkheim think solidarity is established in society? Give two examples. (1 par) (*Answer either this one or the next one, or both.)

4. How does civilization regulate and sublimate our sexual and aggressive tendencies, according to Freud? Do you agree or disagree? Why (1 par) (*Answer either this one or the previous one or both)

5. Define a “meme” (1 sentence)

6. *How is globalism altering traditional anthropology? (Consider local examples in Italian culture.) (2-3 sentences)

7. What is a “pre-adaptation” according to Wilson? Identify two. (2-3 sentences)

8. *Why does Diamond think agriculture has given us “mixed blessings”? How should we assess the value of agriculture in human culture today, in your view? (2 pars)