ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the absolute and compelling character of the elements of the social regime upon the individual, especially in the practical affairs of life. The general expectation that early or primitive interpretation would be emphatically social and collective in its character, has overwhelming confirmation. The decrees of social convention are illustrated or justified by mere accidental happenings which, because not submitted to any sort of test, are just as open to one interpretation as to another, according to the trend of social interest and custom. The body of interpretation, negative as well as positive, is socially prescribed. The laws of social prohibition are collectively formulated, collectively sanctioned, collectively enforced; they are brought within the definition of the whole body of traditional interpretation as being syndoxie. The more positive side of primitive interpretation, due to the actual organisation of prelogical motives on a large social scale.
