What is anthropology?

Considering Temperance Brennan is an anthropologist, maybe some of you would like to know what an anthropologist is, besides someone who simply looks at bones.

Well, the best thing to start with is a definition (Wikipedia):

Anthropology (from the Greek word άνθρωπος, "human" or "person") consists of the study of humanity (see genus Homo). It is holistic in two senses: it is concerned with all humans at all times and with all dimensions of humanity. Anthropology is traditionally distinguished from other disciplines by its emphasis on cultural relativity, in-depth examination of context, and cross-cultural comparisons.

An anthropologist is basically someone who studies people in general and their relation to culture. Archaeology, which we’re familiar with from many movies, is a type of Anthropology. I actually took a really great class in University on Archaeology. Trying to analyze human society in ancient times by the things and the evidence of things left behind. Very interesting.

Anyway, Temperance Brennan is specifically a Forensic Anthropologist:

the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim’s remains are more or less skeletonized. A forensic anthropologist can also assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable. The adjective "forensic" refers to the application of this subfield of science to a court of law.

Ah, so here we have "Bones", right? The study of bones in criminal cases to identify the body and, in the case of our Dr. Brennan, the crime. It’s interesting to note that the definition of Forensic Anthropology includes a caveat saying that not many people do this full time. That they are usually employed as consultants as needed – just like in our show!

Kathy Reichs, the forensic anthropologist behind the books and the show, is listed as one of the "notables" in this field. Hence probably why the show is so accurate!!

Tags: anthropology, bones, kathy reichs, forensics, forensic anthropology