Culture and Practical Rationality

Author: Marshall Sahlins
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: This book is an anthropological critique of a certain notion that posits culture as gradually forming from practical activities and the pragmatic interests behind them. The author attempts to integrate anthropological theories of "culture" with sociological theories of "practice." It is one of the representative works of the renowned American anthropologist and sociologist, Marshall Sahlins. From an anthropological perspective, the author conducts in-depth comparative studies between Marxist historical materialism, British structuralism, French structuralism, and various anthropological traditions. He provides a profound analysis of the essence and significance of Western culture, as well as clarifies the internal debates within anthropology regarding practical and cultural rationality. The author presents many original insights in the book, such as the relationship between matter and spirit, materialism and idealism, and the relationship between the subject and the object. He advocates for communication and dialogue between different schools of thought, which will help to clarify thinking, broaden perspectives, and inspire reflection.