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\centerline{MONT 104N -- Modeling the Environment}
\centerline{Study Questions on ``On Cannibals,'' Michel de Montaigne}
\centerline{August 24, 2012}
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\item{1.}  Where did the word ``barbarian'' originally come from?  
What does Montaigne say about the way people tend to use the terms 
``barbaric'' and ``barbarian?''  What examples does he give to demonstrate that the sort of 
``knee-jerk'' reaction involved in declaring something unfamiliar to be
``barbaric'' can be mistaken?
\item{2.}  What is the purpose of the long digression in Montaigne's 
essay dealing with stories about the ``lost continent'' of Atlantis?  Why 
does he include that whole discussion?
\item{3.}  How does Montaigne contrast the ``natural'' and the ``artificial?''
Which is superior for him, and why?  Do you agree with his point of view 
about that?
\item{4.}  The main discussion in Montaigne's essay concerns aspects
of the culture of a group of natives of what is now Brazil.  How does 
Montaigne describe their society?  How does it compare with European
society at the time Montaigne was writing?   
\item{5.}  What does Montaigne say about the ethical system of these
Brazilian natives?  What are the chief virtues they aim to exhibit?  
Why do they practice warfare?  
\item{6.}  For the Europeans who came in contact with these people, the
most shocking aspect of their society was probably their practice
of cannibalism.  But what function does cannibalism play in their culture?
Why do they do this and how does Montaigne compare what they do to what
Europeans do?  Is this practice justifiable in some way?  
\item{7.}  Toward the end of the essay, Montaigne recounts the reactions
of several members of this society who