The Anthropological Paradox

Niches, Micro-worlds and Psychic Dissociation

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political, Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Reference & Language, Law
Cover of the book The Anthropological Paradox by Massimo De Carolis, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Massimo De Carolis ISBN: 9781351137522
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 1, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Massimo De Carolis
ISBN: 9781351137522
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 1, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book addresses how the erosion of traditional forms of political association and legal regulation has given rise to a pluralism of "imperfect communities" constantly exposed to the risk of dissolution. These are niches and micro-worlds that are connected through precarious and ambivalent ties. Such a far-reaching transformation affects at one and the same time both our psychic and social identity. The book argues that this phenomenon is linked to the proliferation of new forms of psychic "disorder" – depression, personality disorder, dissociation – typical of hypermodern societies. However, while these can easily turn into genuine disorders, they can also open onto richer forms of identity, more complex than those of the past. Based on this analysis, the book’s main claim is that this dynamic epitomizes a general anthropological paradox – one that has always marked the human animal: humans are bound by their own biological constitution to fend off disorder by drawing the boundaries of artificial niches, and yet they are inclined to expose themselves to unlimited contingency so that they can find a truly suitable environment.

Pursuing a novel understanding of the apparent collapse of traditional juridico-political settings, this book makes the case that the emergence of dissociations at several levels – individual, social, political, legal – does not stem from a lack of political imagination. Rather, it is a situation with which humans are inevitably confronted: a perennial tension between the limited and the unlimited, between the desire to take refuge and the desire to cross borders.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book addresses how the erosion of traditional forms of political association and legal regulation has given rise to a pluralism of "imperfect communities" constantly exposed to the risk of dissolution. These are niches and micro-worlds that are connected through precarious and ambivalent ties. Such a far-reaching transformation affects at one and the same time both our psychic and social identity. The book argues that this phenomenon is linked to the proliferation of new forms of psychic "disorder" – depression, personality disorder, dissociation – typical of hypermodern societies. However, while these can easily turn into genuine disorders, they can also open onto richer forms of identity, more complex than those of the past. Based on this analysis, the book’s main claim is that this dynamic epitomizes a general anthropological paradox – one that has always marked the human animal: humans are bound by their own biological constitution to fend off disorder by drawing the boundaries of artificial niches, and yet they are inclined to expose themselves to unlimited contingency so that they can find a truly suitable environment.

Pursuing a novel understanding of the apparent collapse of traditional juridico-political settings, this book makes the case that the emergence of dissociations at several levels – individual, social, political, legal – does not stem from a lack of political imagination. Rather, it is a situation with which humans are inevitably confronted: a perennial tension between the limited and the unlimited, between the desire to take refuge and the desire to cross borders.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Psychotherapy and Religion in Japan by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Education, Inequality and Social Class by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Anti-Semitism and Schooling Under the Third Reich by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Across the Borders by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Visual Analytics for Management by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Rethinking Job Security by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Inventive Politicians and Ethnic Ascent in American Politics by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Digital Archaeology by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Domestic Politics and Family Absence by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Global Explorers by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book The Green Studio Handbook by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Sexual Minorities by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Communication, Public Opinion, and Globalization in Urban China by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Climate and Agriculture by Massimo De Carolis
Cover of the book Full Circle by Massimo De Carolis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy