Final answer:
Culture refers to the sum total of knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, laws, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society. It includes language, customs, values, laws, art, and morals. Culture shapes our perceptions and behaviors and is passed down through generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture refers to the total knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, laws, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society. It includes the shared and accumulated knowledge, assumptions, values, and technical knowledge that is passed from one individual to another, from one group to another, and from generation to generation.
This definition of culture was provided by nineteenth-century British anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor. He described culture as a 'complex whole' that encompasses various aspects such as knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, and custom. Culture is dynamic and shapes our perceptions of the world around us, influencing our behaviors, language, and way of life.
Examples of culture:
- Language: The way people communicate and express themselves in a society.
- Customs: Traditional practices and rituals followed by a particular group of people.
- Values: Principles and beliefs that guide people's behavior and decision-making.
- Laws: Rules and regulations established by a society to maintain order and justice.
- Art: Creative expressions including visual arts, music, literature, etc.
- Morals: Ethical standards and principles that govern human behavior.