Q&A: Anthropology
Anthropology
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I would like to study anthropology. My question is whether one needs to exercise some special caution, since these studies can bring a person closer to belief in determinism and what follows from it, or whether there is no need for concern?
Answer
There is no need to be cautious about any information. But learning should always be done critically. If you arrive at a deterministic conclusion, then that will be your position. Why is your current position preferable to the one you may later hold? Especially since that one would be reached on the basis of more information than you have today.
Of course, in my opinion there is no reason at all to reach deterministic conclusions from anthropology. But as I said, that does not affect the point of your question.
Discussion on Answer
Culture influences; it does not determine. One should not confuse the two. I discussed this at length in my book The Science of Freedom and in the article that summarizes it here on the site.
Why should determinism not be connected to anthropology? After all, assuming that culture shapes people and channels them into a certain line of thought and behavior, then their actions are necessary, aren’t they?