Question

Anthropologists try to keep an open mind when studying other cultures (and even their own). They attempt to refrain from judging unfamiliar practices by their own standards, and strive to understand these practices from the point of view of the people who do them- before making moral judgements. Thus anthropologists try to maintain an attitude of

Answer 1

Anthropologists aim to understand cultures through an attitude of cultural relativism, avoiding ethnocentrism while valuing all cultures and embracing human diversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anthropologists strive to maintain an attitude of cultural relativism. This requires them to observe and understand other cultures without imposing their own cultural biases or making premature moral judgments. By employing holistic techniques of examination and analysis, anthropologists aim to appreciate how various elements within a culture fit together. They engage in collaborative work with cultural insiders to address power asymmetries and strive towards obtaining an emic perspective—that is, understanding the culture from the point of view of its members. The goal of anthropology is to foster an open-minded approach to studying human diversity, minimizing ethnocentrism, and recognizing the value of all cultures.

Moreover, the principle of cultural relativism reminds anthropologists to learn about and respect the meaning and significance of cultural practices and beliefs before assessing their validity. It is a key anthropological value that guides researchers to minimize ethnocentric views and appreciate the vast potentials and possibilities inherent in our species.