Unit 1 Flashcards
Concept of Culture
What is Anthropology?
the study of the human species and its immediate ancestors
What does Anthropology help us understand?
it helps us to understand what it means to be human
What aspect of humanity does anthropology focus on?
Human diversity in time and space
What perspective is anthropology based on?
cross-cultural perspective
How does culture influence human development?
it affects it :)
Why do we consider culture to be ‘invisible’?
it is often ‘invisible’ until it is placed in comparison with another culture
What type of science is anthropology?
a holistic, relativistic, and comparative science that explains the whole of the human condition
What does holism mean in anthropology? What does it include?
comprehensive approach of understanding experience as a whole
-> past, present, future
-> biology, society, language and culture
What is cultural relativism?
Cultural relativism is the practice of studying cultures from their own perspective, without judgments.
-> philosophy of modern anthropology
How does the philosophy of modern anthropology contrast with ethnocentrism?
The philosophy of modern anthropology emphasizes understanding cultures from their own perspectives, rather than judging them based on one’s own cultural standards.
What is Comparison in Anthropology?
Comparing ancient and modern ages and simple and complex societies
What is human diversity?
The result of the huge human adaptability
What does the subject matter of anthropology include?
includes the study of human beings, their behaviors, cultures, and societies throughout history and across different contexts.
Where and when do anthropologists study human beings?
wherever and whenever
What aspect of human diversity is of particular interest to anthropologists?
the diversity that comes through human adaptability
What are the 3 human basic attributes?
Creativity
Adaptability
Flexibility
What do humans want? (basic human attributes)
Wishes to know the unknown, control the uncontrollable, and create order out of chaos find expression among all peoples.
What does Adaptation refer to?
the processes by which organism cope with environmental forces and stresses
Which 2 means does adaptation include?
biological means
cultural means
What is biological adaptation?
Physical changes in response to environmental stresses, such as changes in skin color or body temperature regulation.
What is cultural adaptation?
The knowledge and behaviors acquired through culture that enable humans to survive and thrive in different environments.
What does the knowledge or behavior of adaptation enables humans to do?
to adjust, survive, and thrive in the environment
Where do we obtain the knowledge or behavior of adaptation from?
from culture
What is an example of Adaptation?
Adaptation to high altitude