anthropology etymology

Etymology:

The term "anthropology" is derived from the Greek words:

  • anthropos (ἄνθρωπος): "human being"
  • logos (λόγος): "study of, discourse on"

Meaning:

Anthropology is the scientific study of human societies and cultures, and the physical, social, and cultural evolution of humans. It encompasses a wide range of subfields, including:

  • Physical anthropology
  • Cultural anthropology
  • Linguistic anthropology
  • Archaeological anthropology

Origin:

The term "anthropology" was first used in the 16th century by the German philosopher and humanist Rudolf Agricola. However, it was not until the 19th century that anthropology emerged as a formal academic discipline.

Key figures in the development of anthropology include:

  • Lewis Henry Morgan (USA): Evolutionary theories of social development
  • Edward Tylor (UK): Cultural anthropology and animism
  • James George Frazer (UK): Comparative mythology and religion
  • Franz Boas (USA): Cultural relativism and the study of Native American cultures
  • Bronisław Malinowski (Poland/UK): Functionalism and fieldwork
  • Margaret Mead (USA): Cultural anthropology and gender studies
  • Claude Lévi-Strauss (France): Structuralism
  • Mary Douglas (UK): Symbolism and cultural interpretation

Today, anthropology is a global discipline with researchers working in universities and research institutions around the world. It plays a vital role in understanding human diversity, social change, and the challenges facing contemporary societies.

anthropology relate terms

  • anthropological

    Etymology The word anthropological is derived from two Greek words anthropos meanin

  • anthropology

  • anthropologist

    Etymology The word anthropologist is derived from the Greek words anthropos meani

  • anthropology

  • cultural

    Cultural Etymology Cultural etymology refers to the study of the origin and history of wo

  • primitive

    Etymology Latin primitivus Primus first ivus having the character of Mea

  • Teutonic

    Etymology From Middle English Teutonic from Latin Theutonicus from Greek Teutōnikos

  • Semite

    Etymology and Meaning The term Semite derives from the name Shem one of the sons of N

  • Caucasian

    Etymology Caucasus Derived from the ancient Greek Kaukasos the name of a mountain r

  • sibling

    Etymology Old English sibling Derived from Proto Germanic siblingaz a derivative of

  • ethnology

    Etymology ethnos Greek nation people tribe logy Greek study of Meaning E

  • gallery

    Etymology Latin galeria covered walkway Greek γαλέρωμα galērōma hoo

  • physiology

    Etymology Greek physis nature physical logia study of Meaning Physiol