What Is Anthropology?

The word is probably derived from a compound indicating that the anthropos is a being with the appearance of a man. Anthropology is therefore a scientific examination of the anthropos; in scientific statement it consists of a total system pertaining to all revealed facts having a bearing on man. As such, anthropology acts as a foundation for a total and radical (deep-rooted) view of human involvement in a personal life-world.

The term anthropology is often used incorrectly in everyday communication. It is sometimes used to indicate a study of a given group of people, or to indicate research into certain human qualities or other physical properties. No single aspect of a human being can be raised as the sole field of study for anthropology (knowledge of man).