The Human Enterprise: A Critical Introduction To Anthropological Theory

By James William Lett

The Human Enterprise presents a wide-ranging but well-integrated analysis of contemporary anthropological theory. The author explains clearly and cogently how to evaluate scientific theories and encourages students to think critically about the nature of theory itself. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, this text should be a stimulating addition to courses on anthropological theory.Part One examines the philosophical foundations of anthropological theory, with particular attention to the nature of scientific inquiry and the mechanisms of scientific progress. The author proposes an original approach to the comparison and evaluation of competing scientific paradigms. Part Two explores the nature of social science and describes distinctive features of anthropology such as the concept of culture and the emic/etic distinction.The author then surveys the range of research strategies employed by anthropologists and presents a detailed analysis of cultural materialism, structuralism, and symbolic anthropology. The final section uses two celebrated issues--the argument about the image of limited good and the sacred cow controversy--to illustrate the current nature of paradigmatic debate and to indicate how a clearer understanding of the nature of paradigms and theory might resolve such controversies.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813304229
• ISBN13: 9780813304229
• Release Date: October 1987
• Publisher: Westview Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 0.6"

Customer Reviews

a practical guide to understanding social science

this book is more than just a book on anthropological knowledge. it is an extremely well written book on understanding knowledge within social science and how best to approach these knowledges.Lett is truly a gifted writer who use clear and concise explanations for the most abstract constructs without compromising on the intent and quality of its scholarly work. this is a great book for anyone who wants a headstart into anthropology and more importantly, social science studies. this book is a lot more than just an "introduction". it is a classic for all social scientists and enthusiasts. it is informed and intuitive.i would recommend it to beginners or just about anyone who wants a refresher.