LESLIE A WHITE

Energy technological theory of evolution

universal cultural evolutionist

historical background

brought up under boasean approach,not satisfied with boas quest for data. said anthro can advance only if it is able to generalize or give theory

influenced by evolutionist , their findings were of high order. problem - did not know universal standard o measuring evolution

methodology

premises

universal standard of measurement - terms of energy and technology

measuring univ standard with help of energy

technology for harnessing energy

interested in most fundamental principle because of which evolution occurs and not interested in evolution of particular culture

simple societies - pastoralists , less energy and T use , used free floating energy

agricultural society - more energy and T use

civilization - highest T and energy use

energy can be measured in terms of harnessing per capita per individual

energy not harnessed by itself , here AXE is a technique coupled with energy obtained manually. without technique the energy remains free floating

three possibilities

(low)E X (high)T = CULTURE (inferior quality)

(high)E X (low)T = CULTURE(inferior quality)

(high)E X (high)T = CULTURE(Superior quality)

basis of E and T gave two laws

degree of cultural development varies directly as the amount of energy per capita per year harnessed, other things remaining equal

other things remaining equal, cultural development varies directly as efficiency of technological means with which energy is harnessed

both were combined and law given : amount of E harnessed or efficiency of T is increased , both factors increased simultaneously , it is called cultural development

criticism

no ethnological evidence for correlation between T and social organizations

E and T theory questioned since 1960s due to new forms of energy like nuclear and chemical

Robert Loewi - white's theory is immature metaphysical notion

negligible place to the role of evolution of particular society hence called universal cultural evolutionist

considered environmental factor constant