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Aurelie Nevot

Rethinking Relation-Substance Dualism: Submutances and the Body

Rethinking Relation-Substance Dualism: Submutances and the Body

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  • More about Rethinking Relation-Substance Dualism: Submutances and the Body

This book reconsiders anthropological debates on "relationism" and "substance" with regards to the body. It argues for the replacement of the "nature-culture" dualism with the "substance-relation" dualism and explores the role of Chinese ethnographic material in moving beyond the relation-substance dualism of Western heritage. It is valuable reading for scholars interested in the theory and history of anthropology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd


This book delves into the intricate debates surrounding the concept of "relationism" in anthropology, encompassing both methodological and theoretical aspects. It seeks to reexamine these discussions in light of the notion of "substance," which is typically linked to the physical body. By reflecting on the philosophical roots and implications of these two concepts, the author aims to bring them to the forefront of contemporary anthropological discourse. The book also addresses the erasure or blurring of "substance" in favor of "relation," arguing that the conceptual pairing of "substance-relation" should replace the dominant "nature-culture" dualism in structural anthropology.

The chapters engage with the work of scholars like Philippe Descola, Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, and Wang Mingming, challenging and decentering the traditional foundations of anthropology. Additionally, the book explores the role of the anthropology of China in re-evaluating the relationship between relation and substance. The concept of "submutance" is introduced with Chinese ethnographic material to explore the possibility of moving beyond the relation-substance dualism of Western heritage.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars interested in the theory and history of anthropology, offering a fresh perspective on these critical concepts. It sheds light on the ongoing debates within the field and encourages scholars to reimagine the boundaries of anthropological inquiry.


Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032426631

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