Final answer:
Historical Particularism is an anthropological concept that posits each culture follows a unique developmental path, an idea championed by Franz Boas, a foundational figure in cultural anthropology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historical Particularism, a concept introduced by Franz Boas, suggests that each culture develops uniquely over time due to a complex blend of internal and external factors. Boas, a pivotal figure in the field of anthropology, argued against the prevailing theories of social evolutionism that claimed cultures develop along a common path towards civilization. His approach, emphasizing ethnographic data and the importance of direct research, proved influential in cultural anthropology. He encouraged a holistic integration of the four fields of anthropology, although his primary focus remained on cultural anthropology, especially in relation to the Native peoples of the Northwest coast of North America. Through his fieldwork and studies, such as those challenging race theory and its implications on health, Boas set foundational standards for anthropological practices and highlighted the significance of social factors in human development.