The Interpretation of Cultures

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book The Interpretation of Cultures by Abena Dadze-Arthur, Macat Library
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Abena Dadze-Arthur ISBN: 9781351353182
Publisher: Macat Library Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Macat Library Language: English
Author: Abena Dadze-Arthur
ISBN: 9781351353182
Publisher: Macat Library
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Macat Library
Language: English

Clifford Geertz has been called ‘the most original anthropologist of his generation’ – and this reputation rests largely on the huge contributions to the methodology and approaches of anthropological interpretation that he outlined in The Interpretation of Cultures.

The centrality of interpretative skills to anthropology is uncontested: in a subject that is all about understanding mankind, and which seeks to outline the differences and the common ground that exists between cultures, interpretation is the crucial skillset. For Geertz, however, standard interpretative approaches did not go deep enough, and his life’s work concentrated on deepening and perfecting his subject’s interpretative skills.

Geertz is best known for his definition of ‘culture,’ and his theory of ‘thick description,’ an influential technique that depends on fresh interpretative approaches. For Geertz, ‘cultures’ are ‘webs of meaning’ in which everyone is suspended. Understanding culture, therefore, is not so much a matter of going in search of law, but of setting out an interpretative framework for meaning that focuses directly on attempts to define the real meaning of things within a given culture. The best way to do this, for Geertz, is via ‘thick description:’ a way of recording things that explores context and surroundings, and articulates meaning within the web of culture. Ambitious and bold, Geertz’s greatest creation is a method all critical thinkers can learn from.

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

Clifford Geertz has been called ‘the most original anthropologist of his generation’ – and this reputation rests largely on the huge contributions to the methodology and approaches of anthropological interpretation that he outlined in The Interpretation of Cultures.

The centrality of interpretative skills to anthropology is uncontested: in a subject that is all about understanding mankind, and which seeks to outline the differences and the common ground that exists between cultures, interpretation is the crucial skillset. For Geertz, however, standard interpretative approaches did not go deep enough, and his life’s work concentrated on deepening and perfecting his subject’s interpretative skills.

Geertz is best known for his definition of ‘culture,’ and his theory of ‘thick description,’ an influential technique that depends on fresh interpretative approaches. For Geertz, ‘cultures’ are ‘webs of meaning’ in which everyone is suspended. Understanding culture, therefore, is not so much a matter of going in search of law, but of setting out an interpretative framework for meaning that focuses directly on attempts to define the real meaning of things within a given culture. The best way to do this, for Geertz, is via ‘thick description:’ a way of recording things that explores context and surroundings, and articulates meaning within the web of culture. Ambitious and bold, Geertz’s greatest creation is a method all critical thinkers can learn from.

More books from Macat Library

Cover of the book The Gift by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Liquidated by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The Principles of Psychology by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Two Treatises of Government by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Friedrich Schleiermacher's On Religion by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Orientalism by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The Social Contract by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Democracy and its Critics by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The Anti-Politics Machine by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The End of History and the Last Man by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The True Believer by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The Sacred Wood by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book The Role of Monetary Policy by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Competitive Strategy by Abena Dadze-Arthur
Cover of the book Is Justified True Belief Knowledge? by Abena Dadze-Arthur
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