Edward Burnett Tylor - Anthropology, An Introduction to the Study of Man and Civilization (1881)

Summary

Edward Burnett Tylor's *Anthropology: An Introduction to the Study of Man and Civilization* provides a foundational overview of anthropology, exploring human evolution, culture, and society. Tylor examines humanity from biological, social, and cultural perspectives, emphasizing language, religion, technology, and social organization. He introduces key concepts like animism and survivals, while discussing how societies evolve through stages. Tylor also highlights the impact of culture on human behavior, and the influence of cultural encounters through trade, war, and colonialism. Despite outdated theories, his work laid the groundwork for modern anthropology and remains influential in the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tylor defines anthropology as the study of humanity in its broadest sense, incorporating biology, language, religion, social structure, and technology.
• 😀 The book emphasizes the evolution of human culture, proposing that societies progress through stages from simpler to more complex forms, in line with unilineal evolutionary theories.
• 😀 Tylor highlights the importance of language as a defining aspect of humanity, facilitating communication and abstract thinking, shaping and being shaped by culture.
• 😀 Religion is explored through the lens of animism, with Tylor suggesting it originated from the human experience of death and dreams, evolving into more complex systems.
• 😀 Social organization is examined, from family units to complex political institutions, with a focus on the division of labor and specialized roles as societies grow.
• 😀 Tylor stresses the role of technological advancements in driving the overall progress of civilization, with each invention building upon previous ones.
• 😀 Art is viewed as an essential aspect of human life, evolving from simple crafts to complex traditions and serving aesthetic, social, religious, and practical functions.
• 😀 Culture plays a significant role in shaping human behavior, with Tylor suggesting that individuals are products of their cultural environments.
• 😀 The concept of 'survivals' refers to outdated customs or beliefs that persist in societies despite no longer serving their original purposes, providing insights into cultural evolution.
• 😀 Tylor examines the impact of trade, war, and colonialism on cultural exchange, recognizing both the positive and destructive effects of such encounters.
• 😀 Tylor concludes by advocating for the relevance of anthropology in contemporary issues, suggesting that the discipline can contribute to social improvements, governance, and education.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Edward Bernett Tyler's 'Anthropology: An Introduction to the Study of Man and Civilization'?

The primary focus of Tyler's work is to provide a comprehensive overview of anthropology, examining humans from biological, social, and cultural perspectives, and reflecting on the development of societies throughout history.

How does Tyler define anthropology in his book?

Tyler defines anthropology as the study of humanity in its broadest sense, encompassing various elements like biology, language, religion, social structure, and technology to understand the complexities of human life.

What role does Tyler assign to the concept of evolution in human culture?

Tyler emphasizes that human culture evolves in a progressive movement from simpler to more complex forms, and he suggests that all societies pass through stages of development, in line with unilineal evolutionary theories prevalent during his time.

What is the significance of language in Tyler's study of human culture?

Tyler regards language as a fundamental aspect of humanity, viewing it as a key vehicle for cultural transmission that both shapes and is shaped by the societies that use it.

How does Tyler explore the evolution of religious beliefs and practices?

Tyler explores the evolution of religious beliefs by tracing them back to human experiences of death and dreams, and introduces animism as the fundamental form of religion from which other systems have evolved.

What does Tyler say about social organization and its development in human societies?

Tyler examines how societies structure themselves, from family units to tribal societies and eventually to state-level organization, noting that as societies grow more complex, they develop specialized roles and institutions to manage collective affairs.

What is Tyler’s view on the relationship between technology and civilization?

Tyler sees technological progress as closely linked to the advancement of civilization, where each new tool or technique serves as a stepping stone for further development in society, influencing various aspects like the economy, social structure, and environment.

How does Tyler connect art with human culture?

Tyler argues that art is universally inherent to human beings and surveys its evolution from simple decorations to complex artistic traditions, stating that art serves not only aesthetic purposes but also social, religious, and practical functions.

What are 'survivals' in Tyler’s anthropology, and why are they important?

Survivals are customs or beliefs from earlier cultural stages that persist even though they no longer serve a functional purpose. Tyler suggests that studying these survivals provides insights into past societies and the process of cultural evolution.

What is Tyler’s perspective on the impact of cultural encounters through trade, war, and colonialism?

Tyler acknowledges that cultural encounters through trade, war, and colonialism can lead to both beneficial exchanges and destructive outcomes. These encounters often result in the diffusion of cultural elements but can also lead to conflict and subjugation.