Alfred Kroeber and the concept of the superorganic

Abstract

Alfred Kroeber was a student of Franz Boas, and thus Boas' influence is visible in some aspects of Kroeber's relationship towards biology. However, in the theoretical sense, Kroeber's biggest contribution is the re-formulation of Spencer's concept of the superorganic which Kroeber used to analyze the notion of culture. The paper analyzes Kroeber's version of the superorganic, the critique he received for it as well as the latter (supposed) change in his theoretical position. Also, in Kroeber's anthropological system the classification of sciences and the configurations which are tightly connected to earlier articulations of the superorganic are of importance. Finally, the harmful consequences of such an understanding when it comes to anthropology and its connection to biology and evolution are pointed out.