Final answer:
Anthropology's main goals are to understand humanity in its diversity and to apply anthropological knowledge to enhance lives and address global challenges, such as environmental sustainability and cultural understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main goals of anthropology as discussed in class include understanding the full experience of humanity and using anthropological knowledge to improve contemporary lives and resolve global issues. Firstly, anthropology aims to comprehend the cultural and biological aspects of human societies across the globe, even those that may challenge our current assumptions or values. This involves exploring diverse human practices, beliefs, and ideas with an open mind. Secondly, anthropology's goal is to apply its findings to address contemporary and global challenges such as environmental threats, social inequalities, and cultural misunderstandings.
For instance, through museums like the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology, the discipline shares its insights with the public, helping to interpret cultural and biological diversity and inspiring future scholars. Additionally, by studying systems of production and exchange, how these systems create meaning and value, and the interdependence of humans with nature, anthropology responds to environmental issues arising from unsustainable practices like industrialism and hyperconsumption.