THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF FOOD AND EATING by Sidney W. Mintz^ and Christine M. Du Bois^ - Essay Example

Anthropology The influence of anthropological ideologies on human life cannot be ignored. Unlike philosophy, it entails dealing with empirically provable facts. Philosophy involves assertions or ideologies whose relevance depends on the argument fronted by the philosopher. The journal article by Johannes Fabian seeks to question fundamental concerns on anthropological knowledge. For instance, the author notes that anthropology, though being universal in the realms it covers, has evolved into a myriad disciplines.

For instance, while the British have cultural anthropology, the Americans have cultural anthropology. That notwithstanding, what comes out as of utmost importance in the article is what anthropology entails. From the reading, it is asserted that anthropology is concerned with unearthing the origin of human life, culture, as well as social interactions. In fact, through references made to Kant’s philosophy on reasoning, the concept of anthropology is epitomized. It seeks to find knowledge against which man gains understanding of the world.

Fabian fronts the idea that knowledge is a possession which contributes to the survival of mankind.The article by Roy Ellen mainly seeks to espouse on the theories that should be accepted as being anthropological. Just as argued by Fabian, anthropology is fundamentally based on theories just like in philosophical studies. In fronting his views on anthropological theories, the author argues that theories are basically presumptions. They constitute of suppositions which should aid one in developing a basis for ascertaining the truth behind contemporary occurrences or predicaments.

In doing, the author gives an example of how the theory of evolution from selected individual could be used to give presumptions on the rest of life. Anthropological theories, therefore, should seek to give directions on anthropological studies with the aim of giving information which could be used for the survival of the existent species. There are different theories which have been fronted in this discourse. The first is the simple correlative theory which is based on hypothesis which bear relevance to selected variables.

It works by minimizing the variables to selected ones which would best suit the situation at hand. The other is the theory of emergent systems which is characterized by probabilistic occurrences. The last theory is on socio-cultural change as well as its transmission. In reviewing the theories which are existent in anthropology, the writer digresses to the Darwinian Theory of evolution. He tries to integrate it to the ideas fronted in the discourse. This is a very informative journal which provides insightful knowledge on anthropological theories.

The last article is on food as well as eating habits. It is an article done by Mintz and Du bois. It should be noted that food bears relevance to anthropology since it enhances the survival of humanity. Without food, all forms of life would not ne in existence. The publication selectively delved on literature done after 1984. The article aims to integrate existent anthropological theories to the concept of dietary needs in the society1. It is undeniable that food influences many aspects of life including political, economic, together with social aspects.

The article has classified sections to delve into the discussion. The most important is the aspect of food insecurity since it seems to dominate human life. BibliographyMintz, Sidney W, and Christine Du Bois. "THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF FOOD AND EATING ." Annual Review Anthropology, 2002: 99-119.