Man and Culture: An Essay in Changing Anthropological Interpretation 1

Abstract

THIS paper is an attempt at defining the shifting interpretations of man and culture from 19th century evolutionists to the present. I have not tried to explain why anthropological views of man and culture have shifted, but have confined myself largely to exposition, content to show that when the interpretation of culture has changed, the explanation of man’s relation to culture also has moved into line, and vice versa. Finally, I have endeavored to point out some of the significant implications which more recent develop- ments hold for the future of anthropology and for an integrated science of man.