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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

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 scholars from various fields, including philosophy, anthropology, and linguistics. Their diverse perspectives and insights contribute to a rich and nuanced exploration of the concept itself.

Through a series of engaging essays, the volume examines the various dimensions of concepts, including their cognitive, social, and cultural aspects. It explores how concepts shape our understanding of the world, influence our interactions with others, and shape our identities. The contributors also examine the historical and cultural variations in the use and understanding of concepts, highlighting the ways in which they differ across different societies and time periods.

One of the key themes of the volume is the relationship between concepts and language. It argues that language is not merely a means of communication but is also a fundamental tool for the creation and manipulation of concepts. Concepts are not static entities but are constantly evolving and adapting to new experiences and contexts. Language plays a crucial role in this process, as it provides the means for the expression and transmission of concepts, as well as the means for their interpretation and refinement.

Another important theme of the volume is the role of concepts in scientific inquiry. It explores how concepts are used in scientific research and experimentation, and how they contribute to the development of new knowledge and understanding. The contributors discuss the challenges and limitations of using concepts in scientific inquiry, as well as the ways in which they can be used to enhance our understanding of the natural world.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a valuable and thought-provoking exploration of the concept itself. It challenges conventional approaches and encourages us to reevaluate our understanding of the role of concepts in our lives. By examining the multifaceted nature of concepts, their functions, and their origins, the volume provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the human experience. It is an essential read for scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, anthropology, and linguistics, as well as anyone interested in the broader study of human cognition and existence.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823294268