Tylor

Definition

Tylor was a pioneering British anthropologist who is considered the founder of cultural anthropology. He is known for his influential work on the concept of culture and its universal presence across human societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tylor's seminal work, 'Primitive Culture,' published in 1871, is considered a foundational text in the field of cultural anthropology.
2. Tylor's definition of culture as 'that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society' is widely recognized as one of the earliest and most influential definitions of the concept.
3. Tylor's cultural evolutionism posited that societies progress through stages of development from 'primitive' to 'civilized,' with the most 'advanced' societies representing the pinnacle of cultural evolution.
4. Tylor's theory of animism, which posits that the belief in spiritual beings is the earliest form of religion, was a significant contribution to the understanding of religious and supernatural beliefs across cultures.
5. Tylor's emphasis on the universality of culture and its role in shaping human behavior and social organization laid the groundwork for the holistic approach that characterizes modern anthropology.

Review Questions

• Explain Tylor's concept of cultural evolutionism and how it relates to the 'winkiness of culture' in this chapter.
  • Tylor's cultural evolutionism posited that cultures progress through stages of development from 'primitive' to 'civilized,' with the most 'advanced' societies representing the pinnacle of cultural evolution. This concept of cultural evolution is related to the 'winkiness of culture' in this chapter, as it suggests that cultural traits and practices are not static but rather dynamic, constantly evolving, and subject to the influence of various factors, such as contact and interaction between societies. Tylor's theory highlights the complex and ever-changing nature of culture, which is a central theme in the discussion of the 'winkiness of culture.'
• Analyze how Tylor's definition of culture and his theory of animism contribute to the understanding of the 'winkiness of culture'.
  • Tylor's influential definition of culture as 'that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society' underscores the multifaceted and interconnected nature of cultural elements. This holistic view of culture aligns with the concept of the 'winkiness of culture,' which emphasizes the complex and dynamic interplay of various cultural traits and practices. Additionally, Tylor's theory of animism, which posits that the belief in spiritual beings is the earliest form of religion, highlights the diversity and variability of cultural beliefs and practices across societies. This recognition of the multiplicity of cultural expressions further supports the idea of the 'winkiness of culture' and the need to approach the study of culture with a nuanced and contextual understanding.
• Evaluate the significance of Tylor's holistic approach to culture and its influence on the contemporary understanding of the 'winkiness of culture'.
  • Tylor's holistic approach to culture, which emphasized the interconnectedness of various cultural elements, laid the foundation for the modern anthropological perspective on the 'winkiness of culture.' By recognizing culture as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, Tylor's work challenged the earlier reductionist views that sought to categorize and simplify cultural practices. His emphasis on the universality of culture and its role in shaping human behavior and social organization has contributed to the contemporary understanding of the 'winkiness of culture,' which acknowledges the dynamic, fluid, and context-dependent nature of cultural expressions. Tylor's pioneering work has influenced the development of more nuanced and contextual approaches to the study of culture, which are essential for grasping the complexities and variations inherent in the 'winkiness of culture.'

Related terms

Cultural Evolutionism: The theory that cultures progress through stages of development from simple to more complex forms, as proposed by Tylor and other 19th-century anthropologists.

Animism: The belief that all things, including plants, animals, and inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence, which was a key concept in Tylor's understanding of primitive religion.

Diffusionism: The theory that cultural traits and practices spread from one society to another through contact and interaction, which was an important aspect of Tylor's cultural evolutionary perspective.