The Composition of Worlds: Interviews with Pierre Charbonnier

Philippe Descola's autobiographical reflection examines his intellectual career, central themes, and key questions in anthropological debates. He sheds light on the evolution of his thinking from structuralism to an anthropology beyond the human, critiques the modern separation between nature and society, and proposes four schemas for the 'composition of worlds' that characterize our ways of inhabiting the earth. The book is presented in the form of an extended conversation with Pierre Charbonnier and is both a lucid introduction to Descola's work and an impassioned plea for more accommodating ontologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In this captivating autobiographical reflection, the esteemed anthropologist Philippe Descola takes us on a journey through his intellectual career, delving into the core themes that have defined his work and the pivotal questions that have shaped anthropological debates over the past forty years. Hailing from the esteemed lineage of Lévi-Strauss, Descola embarked on an ethnographic expedition in the late 1970s, immersing himself among the Achuar people of the upper Amazon. His research aimed to unravel the intricate connections between native societies and their environment, shedding light on the evolution of his thought from structuralism to an anthropology that transcends human boundaries.

In this profound book, Descola unveils fresh perspectives on the development of his ideas, from his initial fascination with structuralism to his eventual embrace of an anthropology that encompasses the non-human realm. He critically examines the modern divide between nature and society, challenging its detrimental effects on our understanding of the world. Moreover, he delves into the genesis and scope of his groundbreaking work, "Beyond Nature and Culture," a synthesis of human perspectives on their relationships with non-humans. This comprehensive exploration presents four schemas, or frameworks, for understanding the "composition of worlds" (animism, naturalism, totemism, and analogism), which shape our ways of inhabiting the earth.

Presented in the form of an engaging conversation with Pierre Charbonnier, this book serves as both a clear introduction to the remarkable work of Philippe Descola and an impassioned plea for ontologies that embrace the diversity of beings. Through his profound insights and thought-provoking arguments, Descola invites us to reimagine our understanding of the world and to cultivate a more inclusive and compassionate ontology that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life.

ISBN-13: 9781509555482