I. Scientific fieldwork models

A. Functionalism
B. Experimental science
C. Problems

1. Assume unbiased fieldworker
2. Assume "data" are clear, easily obtainable

 

II. Interpretive Anthropology's Attackon Science

A. Paul Rabinow

1. Studied philosophy, Universityof Chicago
2. Anthropology = interactive
3. Went to Morocco because of Geertz
4. Interested in French colonial influence
5. Symbolic Domination: Cultural Formand Historical Change in Morocco (1975)
6. Reflections: Focus on ethnographeras subject

a. conflicts with informants, symbolicviolence
b. sexuality
c. friendship

7. Hermeneutics: "the comprehension of the selfby the detour of the comprehension of the other"
8. Double historical situatedness, mediationof knowledge
9. Fieldwork = constructed hybrid culturalobject
10. Intersubjective communication: a process of knowing produced between people

B. Clifford Geertz

1. Semiotic notion of culture
2. Influenced by Max Weber (1864-1920)

a. motives of actors, subjective meanings
b. humans not subject to natural laws

3. Culture = "webs of significance"
4. Thick description

a. Glibert Ryle, winks versus twitches
b. Cockfight

i. Geertz rejects functionalist interpretation
ii. Geertz's interpretation: status, masculinity, double meaning of "cock," animal-like impulses
iii. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), deep play
iv. Cockfight as art form
v. Sentimental education in Balinese subjectivity
vi. A story the Balinese tell themselves about themselves

5. Anthropologists should read cultural texts by looking over informants'shoulders as they read the texts

 

III. Limits of Interpretive Anthropology

A. Partial view of culture

1. No women in cockfight
2. Only voice is Geertz's

B. How assess validity of interpretation?
C. Perhaps too much focus on the anthropologist