Final answer:
In anthropology, the Pre-1900/Evolutionary perspective of the culture concept refers to the belief in cultural evolution and progression over time. This approach has evolved to acknowledge the unique historical trajectories and interactions among cultures, focusing on diffusion and controversial aspects of culture. Edward Burnett Tylor's definition of culture encompasses knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, and customs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In anthropology, the culture concept, specifically the Pre-1900/Evolutionary perspective, refers to the belief that cultures evolve and progress over time. This approach, known as cultural evolutionism, was influenced by the ideas of Charles Darwin and believed that cultures develop from simple to complex forms. For example, Edward Tylor proposed a scheme where cultures evolved from savagery to barbarism to civilization based on factors like farming, trade, and manufacturing.
However, this unilineal evolutionary model has been largely abandoned, and anthropologists like Franz Boas argued that cultures have their own unique historical trajectories and evolve in interaction with each other. They emphasized the diffusion of material objects, practices, and ideas among cultures. Furthermore, cultural anthropologists now focus on the controversial aspects of culture, including disagreements and variations within a society.
The idea of culture as a complex whole that encompasses knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, and customs was proposed by Edward Burnett Tylor. He defined culture as the capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society. It is important to note that not all aspects of human experience and activity can be categorized as culture.