Philosophical anthropology – from Croatian theoretical anthropology to Malinowski’s off the veranda

This paper presents a comparative analysis of Polish and Croatian philosophical anthropology, focusing on the empirical work of Bronisław Malinowski in contrast to the theoretical approaches of Croatian philosophers such as Stjepan Zimmermann, Rudi Supek, and Pavao Vuk-Pavlović. Malinowski's groundbreaking ethnographic work, particularly his »off the veranda« principle, emphasized the importance of immersive, field-based research, which challenged the detached and speculative »armchair philosophy« prevalent in Croatian thought. By examining key anthropological concepts, such as the Kula ring and its implications for understanding reciprocity and social relationships, this paper critiques the limitations of purely theoretical frameworks and highlights the necessity of bottom-up approaches in anthropological research. The analysis further explores how Croatian philosophical anthropology–rooted in theology, biology, and cultural dualism–remains abstract compared to Malinowski's empirical contributions. The paper concludes by underscoring the importance of grounding anthropological theories in lived cultural experiences for a more comprehensive understanding of human nature and society.