The Four-Field Model

Catalog description

Philosophical underpinnings of general anthropology. Epistemological ramifications of four anthropological fields (subdisciplines) as complete coverage of the subject matter. Contingency vs. rationale in the amalgamation of the four fields, as distinctive and definitive of the holistic study of Homosapiens. Initial development of the model in the British Isles; institutionalization in 20th century North America. Connections to study of natives of the New World and salvage ethnography. Growth and specialization in subdisciplines. Debates over the logic and practicality in continuing cohesion of the model.