Should Cultural Anthropology Stop Trying to Model Itself as a Science Essay

Should Cultural Anthropology Stop Trying to Model Itself as a Science - Essay ExampleThis paper illustrates articles by two schools of thought that seem to stick out conflicting ideas on the question of cultural anthropology modeling itself as a science. This is because humanities and sciences tend to shape up as though they compete for validity, as though, the two disciplines are two opposite extremes. In this regard, Geertz bears in mind that cultural anthropology is best through through interpretation, the humanities way, while Carneiro is of the view that studies should be done through studying the causes and effects. Carneiros way is the scientific method. According to the articles, Geertz opinion is that the human-centred approach to cultural anthropology is the best. This is based on the understanding that interpretation leads to definite contextual comprehension. In this regard, the application of scientific approaches puts to assay analysis of cultural aspects being inc omplete. In addition, the issue of anthropology being a science gains popularity with its dual source where it is the most scientific humanity of all. This is, in addition to being the most, humanist of all sciences. Based on the data it is crucial to note that anthropology should stick to being human in that all information should be deduced through interpretation for utmost accuracy. This is, in addition to attempting to prove, or disapprove scientific laws by generating deeper interpretations of different cultural phenomena. On the other hand, based on Carneiro, scientific should be used to explain cultural phenomena based on facts and evidence to create logical and rational explanations. This is as proposed through cause-effect studies, as foreign to the mere interpretation of causes and effects. In addition, cultural anthropology focuses on analysis thus, to Carneiro it is a science, as opposed to the humanistic methods applied by interpretation. In this regard, the analysi s goes deeper into details in an attempt to capture more information than that which is found in humanist anthropology.