ANTH1003W

What is Anthropology?

The study of people and societies, past and present.

Who is considered the 'father' of anthropology?

Herodotus is often referred to as the 'father' of anthropology due to his extensive documentation of customs and cultures.

What methodologies did Herodotus employ in his work?

Cause and effect analysis, narrative crafting from diverse sources including personal observations and interviews.

What is Colonialism?

The practice by which states extend political, economic, and military power beyond their own borders over an extended period of time.

What is the difference between Colonialism and Imperialism?

Colonialism involves direct control over territories, while imperialism is broader, encompassing control or influence over other nations or territories.

What are the two types of colonial rule?

Direct rule (colonial governance by officials) and indirect rule (local power-holders govern with delegated authority).

What did Franz Boas argue against?

He opposed scientific racism and cultural evolutionary models that suggested a hierarchical progression of cultures.

What is Cultural Relativism?

The principle of understanding cultures on their own terms without judging them by the standards of one's own culture.

What is the Reflexive Turn in Anthropology?

A shift in anthropology that emphasizes the researcher's role, biases, and positionality, influenced by postcolonial thought.

What did Immanuel Kant define Enlightenment as?

The act of individuals 'daring to know' and using their understanding without relying solely on external authority.

What did Herbert Spencer advocate in terms of Cultural Evolution?

He believed that all groups progressed towards the highest civilization and that social evolution explained societal changes.

What is the main critique by Adorno and Horkheimer in the Dialectic of Enlightenment?

They questioned how the pursuit of reason in the Enlightenment led to control, oppression, and totalitarianism.

What was the significance of the Age of Enlightenment for anthropology?

It provided historical and philosophical roots, emphasizing reason, observation, and the concept of universal humanity.

Who were key figures in early Cultural Evolution?

Herbert Spencer, E.B. Tylor, and Lewis Henry Morgan.

What was George Stocking's contribution to anthropology regarding Boas?

He highlighted Boas' separation of 'culture' from 'civilization,' arguing that cultures should be seen as unique and historically specific.

What is the key impact of 'Writing Culture' on anthropology?

It reshaped the understanding of ethnographic representation, emphasizing the interpretative nature of writing.