Anthropology of the Enlightenment: Moral Social Relations Then and Today

Anthropology can be used to acknowledge, explore, and interpret divergence and ideological conflict over human meaning. This volume argues that moral sentiment offered a guiding idea in Enlightenment thought and focuses on Adam Smith's attempts to understand modernity. With an afterword from Marilyn Strathern, the volume will be a strong addition to the Association of Social Anthropologists conference proceedings.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 208 pages
\n Publication date: 09 July 2020
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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In a period of profound intellectual ambiguity, the pressing question of how we can ascertain our knowledge about human lives takes on heightened significance. The essays compiled in this volume contend that anthropology possesses the potential to acknowledge, explore, and interpret divergences and ideological conflicts surrounding human meaning. Drawing upon the inquiries raised during the Enlightenment movement, this volume is organized around several key themes that emerged during that era, including human nature, time, Earth and the Cosmos, beauty, order, harmony, and design, moral sentiments, and the intriguing debate about whether wealthy nations foster healthy publics.

In particular, the volume delves into the role of moral sentiment as a guiding principle in Enlightenment thought. The concept of moral sentiment is central to the essays that address the ethical concerns of contemporary anthropology. Consequently, the essays trace historical connections and fissures while also focusing on Adam Smith's endeavors to comprehend what would later be termed modernity. The volume concludes with an afterword by Marilyn Strathern, which makes it an invaluable addition to the proceedings of the Association of Social Anthropologists.

\n Weight: 358g\n
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781350086593\n \n