Presentism

For John, BLUF:  Let us not apply our moral standards to our forefathers and mothers.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

---

Presentism (literary and historical analysis)

From Wikipedia

In literary and historical analysis, presentism is the anachronistic introduction of present-day ideas and perspectives into depictions or interpretations of the past.  Some modern historians seek to avoid presentism in their work because they consider it a form of cultural bias, and believe it creates a distorted understanding of their subject matter.  The practice of presentism is regarded by some as a common fallacy in historical writing.

Capiche?

Regards  —  Cliff