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Questions and Answers
What does the primary focus of archaeology involve?
What does the primary focus of archaeology involve?
Which question is NOT typically explored by linguistic anthropologists?
Which question is NOT typically explored by linguistic anthropologists?
What primarily distinguishes applied anthropology from other branches of anthropology?
What primarily distinguishes applied anthropology from other branches of anthropology?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why anthropology is considered important?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why anthropology is considered important?
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What aspect of human diversity does anthropology aim to understand?
What aspect of human diversity does anthropology aim to understand?
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What does the term 'anthropology' literally mean?
What does the term 'anthropology' literally mean?
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Which period is referred to as the 'Age of Discovery'?
Which period is referred to as the 'Age of Discovery'?
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Who is known for his extensive travels and early anthropological writings?
Who is known for his extensive travels and early anthropological writings?
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What was a justification used by Europeans during the Age of Discovery?
What was a justification used by Europeans during the Age of Discovery?
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Which historical period contributed to the foundation of several academic disciplines, including anthropology?
Which historical period contributed to the foundation of several academic disciplines, including anthropology?
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What aspect of humanity do anthropologists study?
What aspect of humanity do anthropologists study?
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During the Age of Enlightenment, what method became important for discovering truths about the world?
During the Age of Enlightenment, what method became important for discovering truths about the world?
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What does the subfield of anthropology focus on?
What does the subfield of anthropology focus on?
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What did Charles Lyell argue regarding the earth’s surface?
What did Charles Lyell argue regarding the earth’s surface?
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John Locke proposed that societies evolve under what condition?
John Locke proposed that societies evolve under what condition?
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What is the primary focus of biological anthropology?
What is the primary focus of biological anthropology?
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Which anthropologist developed the method of participant-observation fieldwork?
Which anthropologist developed the method of participant-observation fieldwork?
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What is cultural relativism as proposed by Franz Boas?
What is cultural relativism as proposed by Franz Boas?
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What concept did Lewis Henry Morgan propose regarding societal progression?
What concept did Lewis Henry Morgan propose regarding societal progression?
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What do cultural anthropologists primarily study?
What do cultural anthropologists primarily study?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the influence of Charles Darwin?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the influence of Charles Darwin?
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Study Notes
Definition of Anthropology
- Derived from Greek words: "anthropos" meaning “human” and "ology" indicating “study of.”
- Encompasses a comprehensive study of humanity, including cultures, languages, material remains, and human evolution.
Brief History of Anthropology
- Zhang Qian (164 BC – 113 BC): Documented observations of Central Asian cultures over twenty-five years, significantly contributing to early anthropological understanding.
- Ibn Battuta (AD 1304-1369): His travels led to "Al Rihla," an early example of anthropological writing.
- Age of Discovery (1400s-1700s): European exploration and colonization fostered ethnocentrism, justifying the subjugation of non-European societies.
- Age of Enlightenment (1685-1815): Marked by rational thought and inquiry, paving the way for modern academic disciplines, including anthropology.
Key Figures in Anthropological Thinking
- Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1875): His research on fossils led to the idea of gradual change in life forms over time, challenging Young Earth theory.
- Charles Darwin (1809-1882): Proposed evolutionary theory, emphasizing adaptation and natural selection.
- John Locke (1632-1704): Suggested that societies evolve from isolation to increasingly complex structures.
- Herbert Spencer (1820-1903): Advocated for the idea of societal evolution akin to biological evolution.
- Lewis Henry Morgan (1818-1881): Argued that societies progress through stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization.
- Bronislaw Malinowski (1884-1942): Developed participant observation as a core method in cultural anthropology.
- Franz Boas (1858-1942): Established cultural relativism, asserting that all cultures are valid in their own contexts.
Subfields of Anthropology
- Sociocultural Anthropology: Studies human societies and cultures, focusing on similarities and differences across social groups, often through outsider perspectives.
- Biological Anthropology: Investigates human evolution, origins, and variation; compares humans with nonhuman primates to understand biological and behavioral traits.
- Archaeology: Analyzes material remains (tools, pottery, etc.) to reconstruct the lifeways of pre-literate societies.
- Linguistic Anthropology: Examines languages within cultural contexts, exploring language emergence, evolution, and its role in social identity and perception.
- Applied Anthropology: Utilizes anthropological methods to address practical challenges in various sectors beyond academia.
Importance of Anthropology
- Enhances understanding of human diversity and self-awareness.
- Promotes cultural sensitivity and addresses social issues.
- Informs public policy and contributes to development.
- Enriches academic knowledge and helps preserve human heritage.
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