Who is considered the "father of anthropology"?

Edward Burnett Tylor is recognized as the "father of anthropology" primarily due to his foundational contributions to the field in the late 19th century. He was one of the first to systematically study human cultures and laid the groundwork for cultural anthropology. Tylor defined culture in a way that is still relevant today, seeing it as a complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society. His work emphasized the importance of understanding cultures in their own context, which is a cornerstone of anthropological study.

Tylor's influential works, particularly "Primitive Culture," established a framework for cultural evolutionism, which proposed that cultures develop in a progression from "primitive" to more "civilized" states. While these ideas have evolved and been critiqued, Tylor's influence on the establishment of anthropology as a formal academic discipline is undeniable, earning him the title of the discipline's father. His legacy is evident in the way anthropology has developed, focusing on the breadth and diversity of human experience.