Give two reasons why anthropology is known as the ‘Science of (Hu)Man’.

1. Holistic Study of Humanity

Anthropology is often referred to as the "Science of (Hu)Man" because it encompasses the holistic study of humanity in all its dimensions—biological, cultural, social, and historical. Unlike other disciplines that focus on specific aspects of human existence, such as biology, psychology, or sociology, anthropology adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from various fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be human. Anthropologists study human beings in their biological, cultural, and social contexts, exploring the interconnectedness of these dimensions and the ways in which they shape individuals, societies, and cultures. By examining human evolution, biological diversity, cultural practices, social institutions, and historical processes, anthropology offers a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the complexities of human existence.

2. Emphasis on Cultural Diversity and Universality

Anthropology is known as the "Science of (Hu)Man" because it emphasizes both the cultural diversity and universality of human experience. Anthropologists recognize that while human societies exhibit remarkable diversity in their beliefs, values, customs, and practices, they also share common underlying traits and patterns of behavior that reflect the human condition. Anthropology explores the myriad ways in which people across different cultures adapt to their environments, organize social life, express identities, and create meaning, highlighting the richness and complexity of human cultural diversity. At the same time, anthropology seeks to identify universal themes and principles that cut across cultural boundaries, such as kinship, language, religion, art, and morality, illuminating the fundamental aspects of human nature that unite us as a species. By balancing attention to both cultural diversity and universality, anthropology provides insights into the shared human experience while celebrating the unique expressions of human creativity, ingenuity, and resilience found in diverse cultures around the world.