is culture always logical or is logic always cultural ? by leif thomas olsen

Is Culture Always LogicalIs Culture Always Logicalor or

Is Logic Always CulturalIs Logic Always Cultural??

by Leif Thomas Olsenby Leif Thomas Olsen

……clipping fromclipping fromthe Far Eastern Economic Review (14/09/2000)the Far Eastern Economic Review (14/09/2000)

““INDIAN LOGIC: A high court in India ruled that a bank must INDIAN LOGIC: A high court in India ruled that a bank must consider employing a young woman on the grounds that she had consider employing a young woman on the grounds that she had

already suffered bad luck. Sixteen years ago, when Ramya already suffered bad luck. Sixteen years ago, when Ramya Murthy was a baby, her mother Geetha was burned to death by Murthy was a baby, her mother Geetha was burned to death by

her father, G.D. Narashima Murthy. At the time of her death, the her father, G.D. Narashima Murthy. At the time of her death, the mother had been employed by Syndicate Bank of Bangalore, The mother had been employed by Syndicate Bank of Bangalore, The

Asian Age reported.”Asian Age reported.”

““Ramya, who has just turned 18, applied to the courts to force Ramya, who has just turned 18, applied to the courts to force the bank to give her a job on compassionate grounds because the bank to give her a job on compassionate grounds because

such an awful thing had happened to her in the past. Justice H.L. such an awful thing had happened to her in the past. Justice H.L. Dattu ordered the bank to process the application. This is typical Dattu ordered the bank to process the application. This is typical

Indian anti-logic. It makes no sense, but feels right.”Indian anti-logic. It makes no sense, but feels right.”

Culture as a Culture as a PhenomenonPhenomenon??

Robert Keel (2000):Robert Keel (2000):

Culture is the totality of learned, socially transmitted Culture is the totality of learned, socially transmitted behaviour. It is the product of both material and non-behaviour. It is the product of both material and non-material interaction, i.e., beliefs, values, ideas, norms, material interaction, i.e., beliefs, values, ideas, norms,

and so on. and so on.

It is shared, learned and intergenerationalIt is shared, learned and intergenerational

Harry Triandis (1994):Harry Triandis (1994):

Cultures are like standard operating procedures ... Cultures are like standard operating procedures ...

ways of doing things that have been internalised to such ways of doing things that have been internalised to such an extent that people do not argue about theman extent that people do not argue about them

So, how can we best So, how can we best appreciate our fellow humans’ appreciate our fellow humans’

cultures?cultures?

Harry Triandis again:Harry Triandis again:

Culturally derived differences Culturally derived differences

are caused by differences in our are caused by differences in our

‘‘unstated assumptions’ unstated assumptions’

Harry Triandis again:Harry Triandis again:

Culturally derived differences Culturally derived differences

are caused by differences in our are caused by differences in our

‘‘unstated assumptions’ unstated assumptions’

But how can that piece of insight help us overcome But how can that piece of insight help us overcome these differences?these differences?

One Way Is ‘Acculturation’One Way Is ‘Acculturation’

Acculturation:Acculturation: The process of assimilating new ideas into an existing The process of assimilating new ideas into an existing

‘cognitive structure’ …‘cognitive structure’ …

… … i.e. the adoption of the behavior patterns of a surrounding i.e. the adoption of the behavior patterns of a surrounding culture into one’s existing cultureculture into one’s existing culture

Acculturation:Acculturation: The process of assimilating new ideas into an existing The process of assimilating new ideas into an existing

‘cognitive structure’ …‘cognitive structure’ …

… … i.e. the adoption of the behavior patterns of a i.e. the adoption of the behavior patterns of a surrounding culture into one’s existing culturesurrounding culture into one’s existing culture

The typical claim is that the Coca Cola culture overruns The typical claim is that the Coca Cola culture overruns indigenous cultures. But acculturation is not always a indigenous cultures. But acculturation is not always a

matter of non-westerners adopting western ideas. matter of non-westerners adopting western ideas. Historically there are many examples of the opposite. Historically there are many examples of the opposite.

Cultural Influences on the Cultural Influences on the WestWest

Sinology on the EnlightenmentSinology on the Enlightenment

Indiology on Indiology on RomanticismRomanticism

Orientalism on ColonialismOrientalism on Colonialism

The Rest on the WestThe Rest on the West

Tao, Zen, Hinduism on the HippiesTao, Zen, Hinduism on the Hippies

Buddhism on FeminismBuddhism on Feminism

The French philosopher Quesnay translated the Taoist The French philosopher Quesnay translated the Taoist concept of “wu-wei” to French, and called it “laissez-concept of “wu-wei” to French, and called it “laissez-

fair”. fair”.

Wu-wei and laissez-fair both suggest that governments Wu-wei and laissez-fair both suggest that governments should not interfere with the “natural order” of things. should not interfere with the “natural order” of things.

Quesnay’s disciple, Adam Smith, was much influenced by Quesnay’s disciple, Adam Smith, was much influenced by the laissez-fair concept when developing his ideas about the laissez-fair concept when developing his ideas about the “invisible hand” - in turn a cornerstone for his “free the “invisible hand” - in turn a cornerstone for his “free

market” theories.market” theories.

Example:Example:

Sinology & the EnlightenmentSinology & the Enlightenment

Another Way Is Simply To Another Way Is Simply To Learn More About Other Learn More About Other

CulturesCultures

Another Way Is Simply To Another Way Is Simply To Learn More About Other Learn More About Other

CulturesCultures

Can Everyday Logic be a Cultural Identifier?Can Everyday Logic be a Cultural Identifier?

‘‘Logical Reasoning’Logical Reasoning’

Deduction versus Deduction versus Analytical InductionAnalytical Induction

or or

How all cultures develop their own logicHow all cultures develop their own logic

Where deductive research narrows its claims to what can Where deductive research narrows its claims to what can be proven beyond doubt, analytical induction widens its be proven beyond doubt, analytical induction widens its

claims to include also diverting outcomes of similar casesclaims to include also diverting outcomes of similar cases

Deductive approach Inductive approachDeductive approach Inductive approach

Deduction vs InductionDeduction vs Induction

DeductionDeduction

A researcher using a deductive method will start out A researcher using a deductive method will start out from a hypothesis, try to from a hypothesis, try to excludeexclude all uncertainty, all uncertainty, and claim that what was repeatedly found equals and claim that what was repeatedly found equals

‘the truth’‘the truth’

Analytical InductionAnalytical Induction

A researcher using analytical induction will start out A researcher using analytical induction will start out from one observation, compare this observation to from one observation, compare this observation to

other - albeit similar - cases, and seek to define which other - albeit similar - cases, and seek to define which ‘outer perimeter’ can ‘outer perimeter’ can includeinclude as many as possible of as many as possible of

the cases studiedthe cases studied

Coming back to good ol’ Coming back to good ol’ “the West and the Rest”“the West and the Rest”


A core issue of the Enlightenment - on which A core issue of the Enlightenment - on which Positivism and Modernity rests - was the use of Positivism and Modernity rests - was the use of

‘reason’, i.e. the ability to form opinions and draw ‘reason’, i.e. the ability to form opinions and draw conclusions from facts.conclusions from facts.


A core issue of the Enlightenment - on which A core issue of the Enlightenment - on which Positivism and Modernity rests - was the use of Positivism and Modernity rests - was the use of

‘reason’, i.e. the ability to form opinions and draw ‘reason’, i.e. the ability to form opinions and draw conclusions from facts.conclusions from facts.

But can we always distinguish facts from opinions?But can we always distinguish facts from opinions?

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & PremisesPremises

““Reason is merely an instrument which, correctly Reason is merely an instrument which, correctly employed, helps people draw inferences (conclusions) employed, helps people draw inferences (conclusions)

from given premises without inconsistency.”from given premises without inconsistency.”(from ‘The Meaning of Things’ by AC Grayling)(from ‘The Meaning of Things’ by AC Grayling)

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & PremisesPremises

““Reason is merely an instrument which, correctly Reason is merely an instrument which, correctly employed, helps people draw inferences (conclusions) employed, helps people draw inferences (conclusions)

from given premises without inconsistency.”from given premises without inconsistency.”(from ‘The Meaning of Things’ by AC Grayling)(from ‘The Meaning of Things’ by AC Grayling)

““Granted the premises, the logic is inescapable”Granted the premises, the logic is inescapable”(from Cultural Anthropology, Cultural Relativism and Cultural Values by Melville Herskovits)(from Cultural Anthropology, Cultural Relativism and Cultural Values by Melville Herskovits)

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & LogicLogic

Western logic is based on ‘positivism’, to which concepts Western logic is based on ‘positivism’, to which concepts like evidence, accountability and transparency are the like evidence, accountability and transparency are the

keys keys

This logic hence assumes a deductive approachThis logic hence assumes a deductive approach

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & LogicLogic

Western logic is based on ‘positivism’, to which concepts Western logic is based on ‘positivism’, to which concepts like evidence, accountability and transparency are the like evidence, accountability and transparency are the

keys keys

This logic hence assumes a deductive approachThis logic hence assumes a deductive approach

Non-western logic is based on ‘wisdom’, to which concepts Non-western logic is based on ‘wisdom’, to which concepts like tradition, experience and empiricism are the keyslike tradition, experience and empiricism are the keys

This logic hence assumes an inductive approachThis logic hence assumes an inductive approach

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & ResearchResearch

Deductive research gave us penicillin & computer networksDeductive research gave us penicillin & computer networks

Analytical induction gave us acupuncture & social networksAnalytical induction gave us acupuncture & social networks

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & ResearchResearch

Deductive research gave us penicillin & computer networksDeductive research gave us penicillin & computer networks

Analytical induction gave us acupuncture & social networksAnalytical induction gave us acupuncture & social networks

The world needs both computer networks & social networks The world needs both computer networks & social networks

The world needs both deductive & inductive thinkingThe world needs both deductive & inductive thinking

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & PoliticsPolitics

Western democracy is based on well articulated Western democracy is based on well articulated arguments that actually intend to ‘discriminate’ arguments that actually intend to ‘discriminate’

within the framework of a multi-party systemwithin the framework of a multi-party system

Reason, Induction & Reason, Induction & PoliticsPolitics

Western democracy is based on well articulated Western democracy is based on well articulated arguments that actually intend to ‘discriminate’ arguments that actually intend to ‘discriminate’

within the framework of a multi-party systemwithin the framework of a multi-party system

Non-western democracy is based on populist rhetoric Non-western democracy is based on populist rhetoric that actually intends to include as many views as that actually intends to include as many views as

possible, within the framework of a consensus-driven possible, within the framework of a consensus-driven systemsystem

So, What Is the Conclusion So, What Is the Conclusion of All This ?of All This ?

Everyday LogicEveryday Logic

Observation + Premise = ConclusionObservation + Premise = Conclusion

Everyday LogicEveryday Logic

Observation + Premise = ConclusionObservation + Premise = Conclusion

But what about Socrates? But what about Socrates? Wasn’t he the one who started this debate?Wasn’t he the one who started this debate?

SyllogismsSyllogisms

A reasoned argument where two statements inevitably A reasoned argument where two statements inevitably will lead to a thirdwill lead to a third

Example: Example:

- All men will one day die (- All men will one day die (premisepremise) ) - Socrates is a man (- Socrates is a man (observationobservation) ) - therefore one day Socrates will die (- therefore one day Socrates will die (conclusionconclusion).).

A Typical East / West DifferenceA Typical East / West Difference““I think my boss is wrong (I think my boss is wrong (observationobservation). ).

Should I tell him during the office meeting?”Should I tell him during the office meeting?”



In the “West”In the “West”

He may have overlooked He may have overlooked this important piece of this important piece of information (information (premise 1premise 1), ), and I think he appreciates and I think he appreciates initiatives from his staff initiatives from his staff ((premise 2premise 2).).



In the “East”In the “East”

He is after all my senior, He is after all my senior, whom one shall not directly whom one shall not directly criticise (criticise (premise 1premise 1), and if ), and if

I make him ‘lose face’, he I make him ‘lose face’, he may also suffer part of his may also suffer part of his

authority (authority (premise 2premise 2).).





In the “East”In the “East”

He is after all my senior, He is after all my senior, whom one shall not directly whom one shall not directly criticise (criticise (premise 1premise 1), and if ), and if

I make him ‘lose face’, he I make him ‘lose face’, he may also suffer part of his may also suffer part of his

authority (authority (premise 2premise 2).).



““Yes, I had better” (Yes, I had better” (conclusionconclusion) “) “No, I had better not”No, I had better not”

Logic vs Acculturation:Logic vs Acculturation:

If every observation must be compared to a If every observation must be compared to a premise before a logical conclusion can be premise before a logical conclusion can be

made, is acculturation then not mainly a matter made, is acculturation then not mainly a matter of sharing premises?of sharing premises?

Is Acculturation a Is Acculturation a Deductive or Inductive Deductive or Inductive

Process?Process?

In the Global Community …In the Global Community …

If a ‘free and democratic world’ is the objective, should not If a ‘free and democratic world’ is the objective, should not all peoples have the right to live by their own chosen culture all peoples have the right to live by their own chosen culture

– as long as it does not harm others ? – as long as it does not harm others ?

Anybody interested in bi- or multilateral interaction must in Anybody interested in bi- or multilateral interaction must in such case respect local cultures - no matter how different. such case respect local cultures - no matter how different.

In the Global Community …In the Global Community …

If a ‘free and democratic world’ is the objective, should not If a ‘free and democratic world’ is the objective, should not all peoples have the right to live by their own chosen culture all peoples have the right to live by their own chosen culture

– as long as it does not harm others ? – as long as it does not harm others ?

Anybody interested in bi- or multilateral interaction must in Anybody interested in bi- or multilateral interaction must in such case respect local cultures - no matter how different. such case respect local cultures - no matter how different.

Acculturation is here primarily an inductive process, Acculturation is here primarily an inductive process, and its suggested alternative – to learn more about others and its suggested alternative – to learn more about others rather than teaching others about oneself – may indeed rather than teaching others about oneself – may indeed

prove to be the best way forward. prove to be the best way forward.

In Corporate Life Though …In Corporate Life Though …

HQ’s corporate culture always permeate overall HQ’s corporate culture always permeate overall decision making, as well as reward- and promotion decision making, as well as reward- and promotion policy, even in culturally distant markets – in the policy, even in culturally distant markets – in the

name of control and profit maximation.name of control and profit maximation.

In Corporate Life Though …In Corporate Life Though …

HQ’s corporate culture always permeate overall HQ’s corporate culture always permeate overall decision making, as well as reward- and promotion decision making, as well as reward- and promotion policy, even in culturally distant markets – in the policy, even in culturally distant markets – in the

name of control and profit maximation.name of control and profit maximation.

Acculturation will here be a more deductive process, Acculturation will here be a more deductive process, where sharing the ‘HQ culture’ and its ‘underlying where sharing the ‘HQ culture’ and its ‘underlying

assumptions’ with subsidiary employees is crucial - for assumptions’ with subsidiary employees is crucial - for them to choose to what extent they wish to acculturate, them to choose to what extent they wish to acculturate,

and in turn excel in, and in turn excel in, thatthat particular culture. particular culture.

But, Has the World a HQ ?But, Has the World a HQ ?

In the bi-polar world both Super Powers agreed the world In the bi-polar world both Super Powers agreed the world needed a few joint working groups. But the UN was never needed a few joint working groups. But the UN was never meant to be a World Inc. HQ - although Bretton Woods meant to be a World Inc. HQ - although Bretton Woods

certainly viewed itself as the Almighty in its domain.certainly viewed itself as the Almighty in its domain.

Has a ‘HQ approach’ arrived with the mono-polar world ?Has a ‘HQ approach’ arrived with the mono-polar world ?

But, Has the World a HQ ?But, Has the World a HQ ?

In the bi-polar world both Super Powers agreed the world In the bi-polar world both Super Powers agreed the world needed a few joint working groups. But the UN was never needed a few joint working groups. But the UN was never meant to be a World Inc. HQ - although Bretton Woods meant to be a World Inc. HQ - although Bretton Woods

certainly viewed itself as the Almighty in its domain.certainly viewed itself as the Almighty in its domain.

Has a ‘HQ approach’ arrived with the mono-polar world ?Has a ‘HQ approach’ arrived with the mono-polar world ?

Acculturation in today’s world – does it presuppose we all Acculturation in today’s world – does it presuppose we all have to acculturate some HQ’s culture and its underlying have to acculturate some HQ’s culture and its underlying assumptions? Recent ‘lessons’ taught in democracy and assumptions? Recent ‘lessons’ taught in democracy and

good governance suggests this would be highly deductive.good governance suggests this would be highly deductive.

Now, Now, Assume the World Had a HQ …Assume the World Had a HQ …

… … and the World thought the boss was wrong. and the World thought the boss was wrong. Should the World tell him during an office meeting Should the World tell him during an office meeting

??End Part 1

The Premise ComponentThe Premise Component

If the Premise Component is so critical, If the Premise Component is so critical, how can it be negotiated, so that opposing cultures how can it be negotiated, so that opposing cultures

eventually can agree on global issues ?eventually can agree on global issues ?

The Premise ComponentThe Premise Component

If the Premise Component is so critical, If the Premise Component is so critical, how can it be negotiated, so that opposing cultures how can it be negotiated, so that opposing cultures

eventually can agree on global issues ?eventually can agree on global issues ?

The Full Formula for Cultural Behavior intends The Full Formula for Cultural Behavior intends to suggest how to put this component into context.to suggest how to put this component into context.

The Full Formula The Full Formula for Cultural Behaviourfor Cultural Behaviour

From "Traffic - A Book About Culture"From "Traffic - A Book About Culture"

Social Level: Social Level: + Cultural Values+ Cultural Values ++ Environment Environment = Cultural Application = Cultural Application

Empirical Level:Empirical Level: + Cultural Application + Cultural Application + Experience + Experience = Cultural Premise = Cultural Premise

Logical Level:Logical Level: + Observations+ Observations + Cultural Premise + Cultural Premise = Cultural Conclusion = Cultural Conclusion

Action Level:Action Level: + Cultural Conclusion+ Cultural Conclusion + Resources+ Resources + Resolve + Resolve = Cultural Behaviour = Cultural Behaviour

Let’s focus on the Social Level Let’s focus on the Social Level

Political, economic and ethnological differences Political, economic and ethnological differences apart, how can societies be broadly classified ?apart, how can societies be broadly classified ?

The Class Society: The Class Society: A society A society whosewhose leaders use leaders use

'values' to govern'values' to govern

TraditionalTraditional

Slow In changeSlow In change

SegregatedSegregated

Society drivenSociety driven

Low need for controlLow need for control

The Power Society: The Power Society: A society A society whosewhose leaders use leaders use

'power' to govern'power' to govern

Short on historyShort on history

Intermittent pace of changeIntermittent pace of change

Elite-orientedElite-oriented

Power drivenPower driven

High need for controlHigh need for control

The Debate Society: The Debate Society: A society A society whosewhose leaders use leaders use

'opinions' to govern'opinions' to govern

Without historyWithout history

Constant changeConstant change

Interest group basedInterest group based

Admin drivenAdmin driven

Difficult to controlDifficult to control

The Big Pond: The Big Pond: An opportunistic societyAn opportunistic society

AnonymousAnonymous

StardomStardom-oriented-oriented

Short turnover timeShort turnover time

Media-drivenMedia-driven

TolerantTolerant

Open – but hard to conquerOpen – but hard to conquer

The Small Pond: The Small Pond: A diligent societyA diligent society

Seniority-basedSeniority-based

Mentorship-orientedMentorship-oriented

Long turnover timeLong turnover time

Network-drivenNetwork-driven

IntolerantIntolerant

Closed - but possible to conquerClosed - but possible to conquer

Empirical and Action Levels …Empirical and Action Levels …

Adding Experiences to the Social Level will lead to the Adding Experiences to the Social Level will lead to the Empirical Level, and from the Logical Level we will Empirical Level, and from the Logical Level we will

arrive at the Action Level once Resources and Resolve arrive at the Action Level once Resources and Resolve are added. are added.

/ Leif Thomas Olsen/ Leif Thomas Olsen

is culture always logical or is logic always cultural ? by leif thomas olsen

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