The Evolutionary Theory and Cultural Relativism of Edward Tyler in Anthropology

Edward Tyler (1832-1917)

Difference and similarity is attributable to culture

Edward Tyler (1832-1917) was a British social anthropologist best known for his theory of cultural evolution. Tyler’s work was groundbreaking in the field of anthropology and helped establish the discipline as a formal science. His work on the concept of culture, which he defined as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society,” constitutes a key element of modern anthropological thought.

Tyler’s theory of cultural evolution is based on the idea that human societies have evolved over time from simple to complex, passing through three distinct stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization. He believed that this process was driven by the development of technology and the accumulation of knowledge, and that each stage was characterized by different economic, social, and political structures.

Tyler’s work also helped to establish the concept of cultural relativism, which holds that cultures cannot be compared or evaluated based on a single standard. Instead, cultural practices and beliefs must be understood within the context of their own cultural systems. This idea has become a core principle of modern anthropology.

In addition to his theoretical contributions, Tyler was an important fieldworker and prolific writer, who produced numerous influential works on cultures and societies from around the world. His work had a significant impact on subsequent generations of anthropologists, and continues to be studied and debated today.

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