Towards an Apology For Cultural Relativity in Anthropology

Authors

  • Marshall Tannahill

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/nexus.v2i2.45

Abstract

The history of the concept of the relativity of cultures is briefly surveyed. Cultural relativity is distinguished from cultural relativism as well as from moral relativism. Franz Boas, through having done much which eventually transformed the spirit, role, technique, and aims of anthropology, is identified as having heralded the genesis of 20th century concepts of the relativity of cultures. His background is compared with that of Albert Einstein whose phenomenal popularity included renown for his brainchild relativity theories. Boas' professional dominance, the incidental impetus of a publicly popular romanticised notion of 'relativity' and the eagerness of some anthropologists to 'decenter' their epistemic vantage points and professional world views prepared the way for the eventual formulation of a radical cultural relativism. In conclusion, the modern re-emergence of the belief in the relativity of cultures is assessed as having been a cause for the generation of at least as much light and enlightenment as finger-burning fire within our efforts to properly study humankind.

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Published

1982-01-01

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Section

Articles