Franz Boas
Anthropologist and linguist
Born
July 9th, 1858
167 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1942
82 years ago — 84 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in Germany, significant contributions were made to anthropology and linguistics after moving to the United States. Pioneered the study of cultural relativism and historical particularism, advocating the importance of cultural context in understanding human societies. Conducted extensive fieldwork with Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, leading to a profound understanding of their cultures. Authored influential texts that reshaped academic perspectives on race and culture. Played a crucial role in establishing anthropology as a distinct academic discipline in America.
Pioneering cultural relativism in anthropology
Conducting fieldwork with Indigenous cultures
Founding modern anthropology in the USA
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