The Differences of Anthropology and Human Studies

Abstract

The writing indicates the differences of Anthropology and Human Studies with its aim of distinguishing the training and research functions of the Institute of Ethnology from those of the Institute of Human Studies belonging to the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. According to the authors of this writing, the basic differences of two above scientific disciplines are as follows: i. Anthropology is a specialist science which has its distinct theory and methodology; ii. Human Studies is an interdisciplinary science which does not have its own theory and methodology and so applies the theories and methodologies of disciplines appropriate to each specific research case. The history of relation of Anthropology and Human Studies in Vietnam in the past time is a lesson of scientific awareness and management. This lesson shows when setting up the scientific base for the development of a scientific discipline in Vietnam, it is needed to study it thoroughly and above all to have a fair conscience.