Gianella Lecture: Should the United States Have a Cultural Policy?

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Which of the following best describes the view presented in the text regarding the universality of Eurocentric cultural traditions?

Eurocentric cultural traditions have no distinct characteristics compared to other cultural traditions.

Eurocentric cultural traditions are universal and apply to all societies.

Eurocentric cultural traditions are absent from all societies outside of Western Europe.

Eurocentric cultural traditions are specific to Western Europe and related countries. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Western European culture?

Materialistic

Competitive

Collectivistic (correct)

Narcissistic

How does the text describe the development of cultural forms in Western Europe compared to other cultural traditions?

Western European cultural forms are highly materialistic and competitive. (correct)

Western European cultural forms emphasize spiritual growth over material possessions.

Western European cultural forms are more environmentally friendly.

Western European cultural forms have no distinct characteristics.

What does the term 'European-derived' refer to in the context of the text?

Countries that have adopted the values and institutions of European culture. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Western European culture described as narcissistic?

Because it promotes self-centeredness and self-admiration. Signup and view all the answers

What does J.M. Blaut refer to as 'Greater Europe' in the context of the text?

'Greater Europe' includes Europe, European settlement countries, and countries adopting European values. Signup and view all the answers

Which form of inquiry has challenged objectivism as the dominant mode of thought in Western societies?

Interpretive philosophies Signup and view all the answers

According to Ani, what is the 'authoritative literate mode' referred to by Ani?

Cultural reality Signup and view all the answers

What does the Eurocentric belief in the universe entail?

Structured order Signup and view all the answers

In Eurocentric societies, what has extreme rationalism been described as?

A form of control Signup and view all the answers

What does Ani suggest is necessary for people in all societies and cultures to do?

Abstract from experience Signup and view all the answers

How does critical theory aim to overcome polarization according to Morrow?

Through ontology Signup and view all the answers

What is the central premise of liability in a typical tort action?

If the tortfeasor did not commit a wrong, they should not be held liable. Signup and view all the answers

How does law contribute to Eurocentric hegemony according to the text?

By organizing and directing white institutions. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does law 'police' white culture?

By determining which ideas and practices are valued in Eurocentric culture. Signup and view all the answers

What role does law play in legitimizing white institutions and practices?

It helps place the imprimatur of universality on European practices. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the adoption of an 'atomistic-objective' cultural style for African people?

It is stifling and harmful to African people. Signup and view all the answers

What does law function as in the Eurocentric system?

A central nervous system of social and economic regulation. Signup and view all the answers

How does law control and direct white institutions and cultural practices according to the text?

By organizing and directing them. Signup and view all the answers

What basic values define the European worldview?

Materialism, control, aggression, and linearordinal ranking. Signup and view all the answers

What is noted as an inherent part of the European view of the world in the text?

Racism and sexism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'intent of the parties' in contractual interpretation?

It is a minor consideration compared to the underlying rules of contract. Signup and view all the answers

How does Western culture impact the development of social theories according to the text?

It results in racist social theories and exploitative economic policies. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example provided in the text to illustrate the prevalence of abstraction in legal concepts?

The concept of 'consideration' in contracts. Signup and view all the answers

Which traits are highly privileged in the social structures produced by the core cultural dynamics of Western societies mentioned in the text?

Material possessions, male traits, and white racial characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

How does common law originate according to the text?

It is based on a compilation of Anglo-Saxon customs by English courts. Signup and view all the answers

In what way were legal concepts further abstracted in the 19th century, according to Mensch as mentioned in the text?

Via the technique of 'implied intent'. Signup and view all the answers

How are most legal concepts described in terms of existence according to J.C. Smith's perspective as mentioned in the text?

'No existence in the empirical world.' Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of 19th-century objectification technique, as described in Mensch's work referenced in the text?

'Higher levels of rationalization and generalization.' Signup and view all the answers