"One by one, aspects of behavior which we had been accustomed to consider invariable complements of our humanity were found to be merely a result of civilization . . ." (CAS 4)

Based on my understanding of anthropology as a scientific discipline, this short phrase definitely fits the definition of a symbolic generalization. It is a basic precept upon which group members can attach the powerful techniques of logic in their puzzle-solving enterprise. The puzzle, of course, has to do with human behavior in a given culture, and this symbolic generalization states succinctly that many aspects of benavior are more the result of our environment than heredity. Thus, it becomes incumbent upon anthropologists to formulate the guiding questions and to seek problem-solutions that may enable man to share his environment to produce more rational behavior.