Theorizing the Anthropology of Belief: Magic, Conspiracies, and Misinformation

The book explores the relationship between anthropology and ontology, proposing a shift in consensus from epistemologies based on unneeded metaphysical assumptions to ontology-first approaches. It applies this theory to case studies of conspiracy theories, misinformation, and magical thinking, asserting that reconstructing historical events can be a fruitful area for quantitative methods to study humanistic questions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 98 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between scientific and humanistic theoretical traditions in anthropology, offering a profound exploration through the lens of ontology. In the first part, the author examines diverse methods for generating valid anthropological knowledge, proposing a significant shift in the prevailing consensus. Instead of relying solely on 20th-century theorists, the book draws inspiration from Western scholars of antiquity and the medieval period, advocating for a return to ontological assumptions about the potential existence of various entities. By doing so, it establishes a foundation for developing epistemologies that can effectively study these entities.

The book then applies the ontology-first theory to a series of case studies, encompassing modern-day conspiracy theories, misinformation, and magical thinking. It challenges the notion that conspiracy theories must necessarily be misinformation and suggests that reconstructing specific historical events can be a fertile ground for applying quantitative methods to humanistic inquiries. The author's thoughtful analysis and compelling arguments make Theorizing the Anthropology of Belief an invaluable supplementary resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in anthropological theory.

Through its comprehensive and thought-provoking approach, this book provides students with a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between science, belief, and culture, equipping them with the tools to analyze and interpret the world around them from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032420332