The Alternative Introduction to Biological Anthropology

by Jonathan Marks

In The Alternative Introduction to Biological Anthropology , author Jon Marks presents an innovative framework for thinking about the major issues in the field with fourteen original essays designed to correlate to the core chapters in standard textbooks. Each chapter draws on and
complements--but does not reconstitute (except for the sake of clarity)--the major data and ideas presented in standard texts. Marks explores such topics as how we make sense of data about our origins, where our modern ideas comes from, our inability to separate natural facts from cultural facts and
values as we try to understand ourselves, and the social and political aspects of science as a culturally situated mental activity.

Features

* Offers clear, intelligent, and completely original discussions-injected with a sense of humor-that will keep students reading
* Addresses core topics in a way that does not simply mirror what is in the basic textbooks but offers a new spin, thereby fostering critical thinking
* Complements traditional textbooks in biological anthropology and explores connections between biological and general anthropology
* Provides expert integration of topics, coherent narratives, and salient examples
* Utilizes theme statements at the start of each chapter that introduce the breadth of information covered and engage students in the material

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Science, Biology, Textbooks, College

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jessica M Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anthropology as we are all aware of, is the study of humans, biologically and mentally. The questions that we must ask are, who eyes are we viewing humans from? Should we trust ALL information from textbooks? In Jonathan Marks’ “Biological Anthropology” (2011) he “brilliantly” pieces together the origin of anthropology as well as a timeline of studies from well-known scientists, physicists, philosophers, and astronomers. Going back in time using my mind’s eye and the physical eyes that I have attained by means of reproduction, I am fully aware of Europeans using their personal biases to judge others. Their views are flawed and it proves that throughout history, they were on a mission to manifest their superiority. Not only demonstrating their mental “supremacy” but attempting to show beyond doubt their physical dominance against the indigenous Natives and Africans of the World. How can you effectively evaluate someone using ethnography thinking that you’re better than them?

Another problem that I have encountered while reading this book is the dismissal of traditional knowledge. Why must scientists address their authority over cultural belief systems? How does their belief system (only a couple hundred years old) outweigh knowledge that was created before the birth of Christ? Again we are faced with the unequal discourse amongst peers. Theories CAN NOT be proved! They are only a system of ideas (that can not be tested.) that are generalized to make something clear. This is a problem, shouldn’t you be able to combine and share knowledge to get to a mutual agreement? If the world revolved around this idea, it would be more understanding in, and of the Universe. Acceptance of the unknowns would be the first step to discover the hidden knowledge of this Plane.

What bothered me the most was the early anthropologists, the genocide of the Natives was heartbreaking and unsettling. Instead of learning from this mistake that manifested their underdeveloped mindset, what occurs? Digging ancestral remains and disrespecting their spirits. The Natives could not feel at home because of European colonists as it is, now they can’t even rest peacefully because their bones are being tampered with. Which in my opinion throws the cosmic balance completely out of frequency. Think about it, permission was not given whatsoever to these invaders. The author continues to feed us knowledge on how anthropology has changed by stating “Anthropology now studies all people, not just powerless indigenous ones” (pg. 5). The amount of disrespect is something that you can not fathom. I am assuming that their anthropological gaze has been fine-tuned to completely understand other cultures and different people of racial backgrounds. As my eyes skated around the words that I was reading, I soon see that as I move forward “polygenism” activates my third eye. Polygenism is the belief that the human race is of different origins. I would have believed this theory if it stated that the human species are of different origins, but that is not so. Moving on now that we have adapted to the monogenic model, it is safe to know that all life was created in Africa.

I honestly couldn’t finish all of chapter 2 because of the lack of cultural relativism Europeans portrayed. I just feel that if you choose to study humans, you should start with your own race to make things fair. Practice makes perfect, looking at yourself in the mirror and meditating is the first step to getting a better view of the world and gain some understanding.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

" 'The Alternative Introduction to Biological Anthropology' by Jonathan Marks was required reading last semester as a companion to the formal textbook for my class in - you guessed it! - biological anthropology. Marks does a great job of breaking down all the core concepts without losing anything vital to a basic understanding of the field: he covers a brief introduction into what anthropology is; discusses theories of evolution; genetics and heredity; non-human primates; early hominids; and more. Each chapter ends with a list of references and further reading recommendations, should you be interested in delving a little deeper into a particular subject. ..."

For full review, please visit me at Here Be Bookwyrms on Blogger:

http://herebebookwyrms.blogspot.com/2...

[J Yarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to have to pair with Biological/Physical Anthropology. The Alternative Introduction to Biological Anthropology is also a great read in and of itself. Jonathan Marks excels at communicating the main points and in a way that really makes this book a grear work.

[Riversue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introductory text that explores alternative views and has a fabulous section on ethics.

[hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for one of my anthropology classes, and I genuinely enjoyed it so so so much! Lost a star for being written by one of many many many white, cis-het men dominating the field of anthropology and using some outdated terms. But super interesting, well written, and I learned a ton. Definitely a book for people that want to learn something new cause it is so well written with some humor sprinkled in there but very dense!! Really made me think about the inextricable nature of culture and science, and there are so many fun, cool facts throughout. Marks discusses evolution, how it's impacted by culture, why we really really can't just take science at face value and need to do outs own research, how scientists are wrongly "naturalizing" differences to form a false biological basis for discrimination, and so much more. Now I want to read a similar book written by someone who is not white nor a man and see how the info differs. But - I definitely recommend!!!!

[Nicolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bom é um livro introdutório de antropologia biológica, então é didático.
Não aborda todos os assuntos que eu esperei e alguns deles eu já tinha estudado, por isso pode ser repetitivo, porém explicou diversas facetas do campo, frisando que este é interdisciplinar. É um bom livro pra quem pretende conhecer melhor sobre antropologia, até mesmo sobre a antropologia cultural.

[Katie Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly a very enjoyable read. It skims over things that I think should have more emphasis but over is a great overview of the subject. Very palatable for people from different subfields of anthropology!

Would definitely recommend Marks in tandem with a traditional textbook.

[Mills College Library]

599.9 M3466 2011