Introduction to anthropology
What are the scientific conditions, and not merely moral, for genuine respect for others? Social anthropology arose from the difficulty of seriously applying the theory of evolution to human cultures, classifying them from the most primitive to the most evolved (that is to say, Westerners). This break was made possible in particular by the practice of fieldwork, which involves the researcher living with the people observed and learning to participate in their social life.
The seminar is an introduction to social anthropology, in other words to the comparative study of human societies. The knowledge of different societies and the consideration of "other" points of view are based on monographic facts drawn from field surveys in which the researcher immerses in another society to study ways of living and thinking different from their own. These data are the basis for comparisons between different forms of social life. It enables us to grasp the unity of the human race through its most diverse manifestations and to put into perspective some of our conceptions of reason, power, social organization, kinship, wealth and so on.
Each session is organized around a theme that is structured around a case study of a particular society.
Outline
A brief history of the other.
Rationality in perspective. Evolutionism, belief and witchcraft
Is nature a modern invention? Nature, culture, science.
From Elementary Forms of Religious Life to the École Polytechnique: religion and ritual.
Societies without states?
Societies against the state?
Societies against wealth?
Foreigners, here and elsewhere.
Kinship, men and women.
The anthropology of change or the limits of social engineering.
Evaluation methods: participation in discussions and submission of a written paper in the form of a reading note on a theme from the course or chosen in consultation with the teacher.