The Science of Culture
A Study of Man and Civilization
Published on 1. May 2005
Book
Paperback/Softback
502 pages
978-0-9752738-2-1 (ISBN)
Description
Leslie White was one of the most important-and controversial-figures in American anthropology. This classic work, initially published in 1949, contains White's definitive statement on what he termed 'culturology.' In his new prologue to this reprint of the second edition (originally published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 1969), Robert Carneiro outlines the key events in White's life and career, especially his championing of cultural evolutionism and cultural materialism.
Reviews / Votes
'Republishing these pioneer articles now makes White's fundamental exposition easily available to a new generation of social scientists.' (Richard N. Adams, University of Texas)'One of the best works ever produced by an anthropologist. White was a remarkable thinker and his writings were filled with "intellectual content."' (Lewis R. Binford, Southern Methodist University)
'The enduring foundation of a science of culture is made supremely accessible thanks to the lucidity of White's writing.' (Robert Bates Graber, Truman State University)
'Written with a straightforward crispness. A welcome treat in an age when obscurity is often confused with profundity.' (David Kaplan, Brandeis University)
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Clinton Corners
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 204 mm
Width: 139 mm
Thickness: 34 mm
Weight
646 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-9752738-2-1 (9780975273821)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Leslie A. White
Robert L. Carneiro, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York (new prologue)
Robert L. Carneiro, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York (new prologue)
Content
Prologue to the Percheron Press Edition, Robert L. Carneiro
I. Science and Symbols
Introduction
Chapter 1. Science Is Sciencing
Chapter 2. The Symbol: The Origin and Basis of Human Behavior
Chapter 3. On the Use of Tools by Primates
Chapter 4. Mind Is Minding
Chapter 5. The Expansion of the Scope of Science
II. Man and Culture
Introduction
Chapter 6. Culturological vs. Psychological Interpretations of Human Behavior
Chapter 7. Cultural Determinants of Mind
Chapter 8. Genius: Its Causes and Incidence
Chapter 9. Ikhnaton: The Great Man vs. the Culture Process
Chapter 10. The Locus of Mathematical Reality
Chapter 11. The Definition and Prohibition of Incest
Chapter 12. Man's Control over Civilization: An Anthropocentric Illusion
III. Energy and Civilization
Introduction
Chapter 13. Energy and the Evolution of Culture
IV. Culturology
Chapter 14. The Science of Culture
Chapter References
Bibliography
Index
I. Science and Symbols
Introduction
Chapter 1. Science Is Sciencing
Chapter 2. The Symbol: The Origin and Basis of Human Behavior
Chapter 3. On the Use of Tools by Primates
Chapter 4. Mind Is Minding
Chapter 5. The Expansion of the Scope of Science
II. Man and Culture
Introduction
Chapter 6. Culturological vs. Psychological Interpretations of Human Behavior
Chapter 7. Cultural Determinants of Mind
Chapter 8. Genius: Its Causes and Incidence
Chapter 9. Ikhnaton: The Great Man vs. the Culture Process
Chapter 10. The Locus of Mathematical Reality
Chapter 11. The Definition and Prohibition of Incest
Chapter 12. Man's Control over Civilization: An Anthropocentric Illusion
III. Energy and Civilization
Introduction
Chapter 13. Energy and the Evolution of Culture
IV. Culturology
Chapter 14. The Science of Culture
Chapter References
Bibliography
Index