Sample Essay On What Can The Study Of Cultural Anthropology Teach US About People Around The World? Can It Teach US About Ourselves?

International Studies

Is biological evolution as described by Darwin and others “only a theory” or should it be accepted as fact?
Darwin’s theory of evolution has been one of the most dubious and discussed topic for a lengthy period. Critics and experts in various fields offered their respective explanations for it but up until now, the matter is still greatly probed. Some experts in the field imply that Darwin’s theory is not validated because it is not reinforced by enough facts and proofs. Evolution has different definitions. Some may take it as any life forms one can actually perceive currently but they could be entirely different from the past. It can also denote to minor alterations or modifications in physical aspects of particular beings. However, minor changes or modifications will not satisfy Darwin’s critics in terms of presenting a convincing explanation. The Neo-Darwinian side came up with a concept that the merging of the understanding of DNA and heredities to assert that changes in DNA deliver the disparity into which natural selection chances in a totally unguided manner. It is very important to emphasize a comprehensive and sensible definition of “theory” and “fact”. Some may be convinced that it is a fact or just a theory but it actually depends on their respective personal judgment. Either some people will support their claim with scientific evidence or mere assumptions; it will actually rely on one’s conviction.

The quest for getting more knowledge about Cultural Anthropology will definitely provide people with the necessary skills about understanding the different civilizations around the world. The understanding of digging significant facts on who people really are and where they came from is indeed a very significant venture. It will offer eager learners to gather more wisdom about the society and relating to the anthropological perception to learn important matters of our own culture. It will help people to concentrate on some specific characteristic of human values.
When talking about who you are, what is more important, our heredity or our environment? Be sure to discuss possible sources of environmental influence including perhaps religion, learning, and geography.
Many academics and experts in different fields believe that environmental influences predominantly cause cultural variances. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily mean that the factor heredity is neglected. Both factors have different thoughts or ideas about how much apiece contribute and how they interrelate. Genetic variances in nature are only tendencies to conduct one in definite behaviors, and environmental settings may direct to diverse types of individuals with the similar disposition in to some extent diverse ways. Parenting is one very good example of an environmental aspect of which contributes to how an individual matures and shapes his or her own personality. Parenting methods is proven to have fundamental effects on the behaviors of children but it will still manifest moderate impacts on a person’s character. Choices or decisions can also be attributed to the influences of the environment but the hereditary aspects may still be of significant factor. The kind of education, the religion introduced and the household surroundings may be among the greatest factors that contribute to a child’s general disposition but then the behavioral temperament is still linked to genetics. Both heredity and the environment greatly influence any person’s life and every aspect of his or her being. No single concept can be treated as more important than the other because it is still dependent on the surroundings of the person and how one is raised or nurtured. There should be more studies conducted to further explore on the difference or similarities between them.

References:

Antrosio, J. (2014). Anthropology, Sex, Gender, Sexuality: Gender is a Social Construction. Retrieved from http://www.livinganthropologically.com/2012/05/16/anthropology-sex-gender-sexuality-social-constructions/
Saudino, K. (2005). Behavioral Genetics and Child Temperament. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1188235/