Final answer:
Edward Burnett Tylor's 1873 definition of 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' is seminal in anthropology, highlighting the breadth of culture and setting the stage for future anthropological study. His unilineal evolutionary perspective has been largely replaced by recognition of diverse, nonlinear cultural developments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his seminal work "Primitive Culture" (1873), Edward Burnett Tylor, an influential figure in the early development of the field of anthropology, offered a comprehensive definition of culture. Tylor characterizes 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 definition underscored the idea that culture encompasses virtually every aspect of human social life, and provided a basis for the systematic study of human societies by later anthropologists.
Tylor's view of culture was framed within the context of unilineal evolution, a theory suggesting all cultures progress through a set of developmental stages toward a form of civilization akin to Western society at the time. This view has since been largely abandoned, with anthropologists like Franz Boas challenging it by proposing that cultures evolve according to their particular histories and in constant interaction with other societies.
Tylor's work contributed to the foundation of anthropological studies, providing a roadmap for the exploration of various elements of cultures around the world, including technologies, social structures, belief systems, and the progression of societal norms and institutions. His insights aided the shift from speculative, ethnocentric perspectives to more objective, scientifically-informed methodologies in cultural research.