ISBN:
9781138928343
Language:
English
Pages:
Online-Ressource (174 p)
Series Statement:
Routledge Library Editions: Social and Cultural Anthropology
Parallel Title:
Print version Rationality and Relativism : In Search of a Philosophy and History of Anthropology
DDC:
306.01
Keywords:
Electronic books
Abstract:
Anthropology revolves round answers to problems about the nature, development and unity of mankind; problems that are both philosophical and scientific. In this book, first published in 1984, Professor Jarvie applies Popper's philosophy of science to understanding the history and theory of anthropology. Jarvie describes how the ancient view that the aim of science and philosophy was to get at the truth is challenged in anthropology by the doctrine of cultural relativism; that is, that truth varies with the cultural framework. He shows how philosophers as various as Peter Winch, W.V.O. Quine, W
Description / Table of Contents:
Cover; Half Title; Title; Copyright; Original Title; Original Copyright; Contents; Preface; Acknowledgments; Prologue Metaphysical anthropology; P.1 The fundamental problems of anthropology; P.2 The methodology of problems; P.3 Sketchy metaphysical history; Part One Rationality; 1.1 The problem stated; 1.2 Ideas about reason and rationality; 1.3 Reduction of variation; 1.4 Anthropology and rationality; 1.5 The centrality of belief and science; 1.6 Anti-cognitive views of magic and religion; 1.7 Digression: rationality and racialism; 1.8 Cargo cults as an illustration
Description / Table of Contents:
1.9 Weak and strong rationality1.10 Further problems with cognitive interpretations; 1.11 Views of science; 1.12 Rationality as rational thinking; 1.13 Rationality as rational belief; 1.14 Science as the supreme embodiment of rationality; Part Two Relativism; 2.1 Relativism, moral and cognitive; 2.2 Herskovits on method and practice; 2.3 Relativism as a philosophy; 2.4 The case for and against relativism; 2.5 Relativism and diversity; Part Three Rationality and relativism; 3.1 Relativism in its cognitive dimension; 3.2 The connection of weak absolutism with rationality
Description / Table of Contents:
3.3 The connection of weak absolutism with moralityEpilogue Anthropology and socio-cultural transcendence; E.1 Reflections; E.2 Recollections; E.3 Lessons; Notes; Bibliography; Index of names; Index of subjects
Note:
Description based upon print version of record
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