Question

Who defined Anthropology as the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences ?

• A. Eric Wolf
• B. E.H. Morgan
• C. Ruth Benedict
• D. Margaret Mead

Hint:

Eric Wolf described anthropology as “the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Anthropology is a holistic discipline that studies humans from biological, cultural, social, and historical perspectives. It combines:
• Scientific methods,
• Humanistic understanding,
• Cultural interpretation,
• Comparative analysis. Because of this unique combination, anthropology occupies a special place among academic disciplines.

Step 1: Understanding the famous statement. The statement: \[ \textit{“Anthropology is the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences.”} \] emphasizes that anthropology:
• Uses scientific methods like observation and analysis,
• Simultaneously studies human values, beliefs, and culture. Thus, anthropology bridges: \[ \text{Science and Humanities} \]

Step 2: Identifying the scholar associated with the statement. This famous statement is attributed to: \[ \boxed{\text{Eric Wolf}} \] Eric Wolf was a well-known anthropologist who emphasized:
• Human societies,
• Historical processes,
• Interdisciplinary understanding,
• Integration of science and humanities. Therefore: \[ \text{Option (A) is correct.} \]

Step 3: Analyzing other options carefully. Option (B): \[ \text{E.H. Morgan} \] Morgan contributed to:
• Evolutionary anthropology,
• Kinship studies. But the quoted statement is not attributed to him. Hence, incorrect. Option (C): \[ \text{Ruth Benedict} \] She was famous for:
• Culture and personality studies,
• Patterns of Culture. However, the statement does not belong to her. Option (D): \[ \text{Margaret Mead} \] Margaret Mead worked on:
• Adolescence,
• Culture and gender,
• Pacific societies. But the quotation is not attributed to her.

Step 4: Final conclusion. Hence, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Eric Wolf}} \]