AN101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: James George Frazer, Cultural Relativism, Auguste Comte
Document Summary
The opinion that one"s own way of life is natural or correct, the only way of being human. The perspective that all cultures are equally valid and can only be truly understood in their own terms (from inside) Absolute cultural relativism no right to question cultural practices. Critical cultural relativism access cultural practices from the inside but in terms of some universal standards" or human rights (equal treatment, dignity) Lecture 2: anthropology, history, colonial and post-colonial realities. The pre-scientific phase of anthropology and explanations of cultural diversity. The historical context in which anthropology arose colonialism, capitalism and modernization and their impacts on indigenous cultures/non-western societies/women- the colonial political economy. Interest in cultures pre-dated the scientific phase in the early 20th century missionaries, traders and explorers. Belief in the psychic unity of mankind mental capacities (similarity) Idea that human perfection can be achieved through culture. Why do some institutions remain the same while others change.
