THE SELF FROM THE

PERSPECTIVE OF
ANTHROPOLOGY
Anthropology – the study of man that focuses on the totality of what it
means to be human
- looks into man’s physical/biological characteristics, his
social relationships and the influences of his culture from
the dawn of civilization up to the present

 What man is now is a product of his past

 Human beings are similar and very different at the same time
 Similarities and diversities among people is what makes life so
interesting

As one learns the facts/information that make him similar to the next
person, he will also know the different characteristics that sets him apart.
This knowledge aims to further highlight the beauty and uniqueness of
each person thus making him value his life and existence even more.
Fields of Anthropology

1.Archaeology
2.Biological Anthropology
3.Linguistics
4.Cultural Anthropology
Archaeology – study of artifacts (tools and objects past people have made)
in order to discover how these people lived their lives
- discovery of unique ways in which human beings adapted to
changes in their environment in order for them to survive

Survival – most important aspect of human nature

People have struggled to survive, human behavior continues to adapt in

order to survive. In this aspect, human beings are similar. The manner that
they choose to survive differs. Some men will use power and strength,
declare wars, conquer and even try to annihilate races, while others would
offer their services, knowledge, resources and even their lives just to ensure
that a few deserving human beings would survive.
Biological Anthropology – focus primarily on how human
body adapts to the different earth environments.
- look at the probable causes of disease,
physical mutation and death
- study about the evolution of human beings
from their early forms (based on discovered
fossilized remains)
- do comparative studies on human beings both
dead and living and other primates

Human beings still share the same biological strengths

and vulnerabilities.
Linguistic Anthropology – focuses on the language as a means to discover a group’s
manner of social interaction and his worldview
- discovers how language is used to create and share meanings, to
form ideas and concepts and to promote social change
- study how language and modes of communication change over time

English – universal language

 Human survival is primary linked to their ability to communicate. This is another

capability that resulted from big human brains. The brain comes equipped with specialized
areas specifically for the purpose of communication. In addition, an essential part of
human communication is language.

 Language identifies a group of people. The words, sounds, symbols, writings and signs
that are used are reflections of a group’s culture.

 Language adapts to the existing conditions in the society.

 As societies change and technologies develop, so do the symbols and meaning. People
attach to objects and events as expressed through the language that they use and their
manner of communicating.
Cultural Anthropology – knowing what makes one group’s manner of living particular to that

group and forms an essential part of the member’s personal and social identity.

Culture – described as a group of people way of life including their behaviors, beliefs, values
and symbols that they accept that are socially transmitted through communication
and
imitation from generation to generation

Theory of Cultural Determinism – the contention that culture has a strong impact on how the
individual views himself

 There is no universal or right way of being human. The right way always based on one’s
culture.

 Positive – human beings can be shaped/formed to have the kind of life they prefer.
- There is no limit placed on the human ability to be or to do whatever they set their
minds and hearts into.
 Negative – people have no control over what they learn.
- They blindly accept the learning their culture expose them to. Human beings are
Ways in which culture may manifest itself in people:

1. Symbols – words, gestures pictures or objects that have a

recognized/accepted meaning in a particular culture
2. Heroes – persons from the past or present who have
characteristics that are important in a culture. They may be
real or fictitious.
3. Rituals – activities (maybe religious or social) participated in
by a group of people for the fulfilment of desired objectives
and are considered to be socially essential.
4. Values – is considered to be the core of every culture. These
are unconscious and can neither be discussed nor be directly
observed but can only be inferred from the way people act and
react to circumstances and situations. Values involve human
tendencies/preferences towards good or bad, right or wrong.