The Philosophical Roots of Anthropology: Flaws on the Spine or Cover

Author: Adam Smith (USA), translated by Huang Jianbo, Li Wenjian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: This book explores the prehistory of anthropology and its contributions to humanity by applying the tools of anthropologists themselves and exposing the academic errors of early anthropologists. It provides a fundamental explanation of the history, philosophical foundations, and goals of anthropology. The author argues that the knowledge source of anthropology can be traced back to the humanism of the Enlightenment. The book elaborates in detail on the significant impact of five philosophical trends—progressive theory, primitivism, natural law, "Indigenology," and German idealism—on anthropology, particularly on American anthropology. Throughout the history of anthropology, people have continuously debated ancient philosophical propositions that still exert a powerful influence on shaping modern anthropological theory and practice.