Who first introduced culture describe?
Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied and analyzed by scholars from various fields, including anthropology, sociology, psychology, and cultural studies. The origin of the term 'culture' is attributed to the Roman orator and politician, Cicero, who used it in reference to agriculture, the cultivation of the land. However, it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that culture began to be used in its modern sense, to describe the beliefs, values, customs, and practices of a particular society or group.
One of the first scholars to introduce the concept of culture in its modern sense was Johann Herder, a German philosopher and theologian, who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Herder was a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, which emphasized the importance of emotion, imagination, and intuition in understanding the world. In his writings, Herder argued that each society has its own unique culture, which is shaped by its history, geography, and language. He believed that culture was the product of the collective spirit of a people, and that it was a source of creativity, innovation, and beauty.
Another important figure in the development of the concept of culture was Edward B. Tylor, an English anthropologist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tylor is often referred to as the father of cultural anthropology, and his work had a significant influence on the discipline. In his book, Primitive Culture, Tylor defined 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." Tylor believed that culture was a universal feature of human societies, and that it could be studied scientifically.
Another important figure in the development of the concept of culture was Franz Boas, a German-born American anthropologist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Boas is known for his work in cultural anthropology, and for his advocacy of the idea that culture should be studied in its own right, rather than as a means of studying race or biology. Boas believed that culture was a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon, shaped by history, geography, and social interaction. He also believed that different cultures could not be ranked or compared, as each culture was unique and valuable in its own right.
In addition to these early pioneers, there have been many other scholars who have contributed to the development of the concept of culture over the years. Some of the key ideas and approaches that have emerged in the study of culture include:
- Cultural relativism: The idea that all cultures are equally valid and should be judged based on their own standards, rather than the standards of another culture.
- Ethnocentrism: The tendency to judge other cultures based on the standards of one's own culture.
- Cultural evolution: The idea that cultures change over time, and that some cultures are more advanced or evolved than others.
- Cultural ecology: The study of the relationship between culture and the natural environment.
- Cultural hegemony: The idea that one culture can dominate or control another culture through its political, economic, or social power.
- Cultural imperialism: The idea that one culture can impose its values, beliefs, and practices on another culture through colonization, globalization, or other forms of power.
Overall, the concept of culture is a complex and multifaceted one that has been shaped by many different scholars and thinkers over the years. While there is still much debate and discussion about what culture is, and how it should be studied, there is no doubt that it is a crucial concept for understanding human behavior and society.