This book develops a schema, consisting of a hierarchically organized list of the phenomena of interest to human scientists, and the causal links (influences) which exist among these. The advantages of such a schema for research and teaching are outlined, and philosophical justification is provided. The value and validity of the schema are illustrated by studying causal links to and from cultural phenomena. This organizing device, and particularly the 'unpacking' of 'culture' into its constituent phenomena, allows the true complexity of culture to be captured. Unpacking also allows us to sail between the twin dangers of culture bigotry and cultural relativism. The book shows that a full understanding of culture requires the study of hundreds or thousands of causal links, and openness to diverse theories. In particular, it guides us to appreciate that cultural phenomena both influence and are influenced by diverse other phenomena.
