Living with Concepts: Anthropology in the Grip of Reality

This volume explores the concept of concepts, challenging conventional approaches that treat them as mere tools or signs to be deciphered. It argues that concepts are intrinsically embedded in our forms of life and constitute the substrate of our existence as humans who lead lives in language. It offers a critical and timely intervention into contemporary philosophy and anthropological theory by unsettling the distinction between thought and reality and showing how the supposed need to grasp reality may be replaced by an acknowledgement that we are in its grip.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 15 June 2021
\n Publisher: Fordham University Press
\n

This comprehensive volume delves into a concept that is frequently assumed but seldom scrutinized: the concept itself. It explores the multifaceted nature of concepts, their functions, and their origins in our daily lives. Challenging traditional approaches that view concepts as mere tools for analysis or as straightforward equivalents to signs to be deciphered, the contributors to this volume adopt a different perspective. They argue that concepts are deeply ingrained in our forms of life and constitute the very foundation of our existence as humans who navigate the world through language.

Rather than seeking to ascend from the rough terrain of reality to the lofty realms of theory, the volume encourages us to embrace the inherent nature of thinking as an integral part of living with and through concepts. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that thinking is congenital to our existence and that it permeates every aspect of our lives.

The volume offers a critical and timely intervention into contemporary philosophy and anthropological theory. By unsettling the distinction between thought and reality that is often taken for granted, it demonstrates how the supposed need to grasp reality can be replaced by an acknowledgment that we are already in its grip.

Contributors to this volume include renowned anthropologists, philosophers, and scholars from various fields. Their diverse perspectives and insights shed light on the complexities of concepts, their role in shaping our understanding of the world, and the ways in which they influence our lives.

Through a series of engaging essays, the volume explores various aspects of concepts, including their ontological and epistemological dimensions. It examines how concepts emerge, evolve, and are transmitted across cultures, and how they shape our experiences, beliefs, and behaviors. The contributors also discuss the ethical implications of concepts, such as their role in perpetuating social inequality, discrimination, and violence.

In addition to its theoretical contributions, the volume provides practical insights into the application of concepts in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and the media. It explores how concepts can be used to enhance our understanding of complex phenomena, develop new tools and methodologies, and promote social change.

Overall, this volume offers a rich and thought-provoking exploration of the concept itself. It challenges our preconceived notions and encourages us to reevaluate our understanding of the world. By exploring the multifaceted nature of concepts, their functions, and their origins, it provides valuable insights into the human experience and the complexities of our existence.

\n Weight: 524g\n
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780823294275\n \n