Final answer:
British anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor defined culture as a complex whole encompassing everything from knowledge to customs acquired by individuals in a society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anthropologist credited with providing us with the first detailed definition of culture is Edward Burnett Tylor. In his seminal work, Tylor described culture as "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society". This comprehensive definition indicates that culture encompasses a wide variety of elements, including but not limited to our values, beliefs, and norms. These are passed down through language, practices, and artifacts and significantly influence how individuals think, express themselves, and engage in various societal interactions.
Breaking down the concept of culture into the categories of what we make, what we do, and what we think, provides a more accessible understanding of this vast topic. Museums, such as the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, showcase the diverse artifacts of culture – an example of what we make. The shared practices and beliefs illustrate what we do and think, as they govern everything from daily routines to important societal roles, reflecting the dynamic system of shared symbols, meanings, and norms.