Franz Boas

Anthropologist and linguist

Franz Boas - Anthropologist and linguist
Born

July 9th, 1858
166 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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