An Anthology of Learned Nonsense About Primitive Society

By Marshall Sahlins

An Anthology of Learned Nonsense About Primitive Society is a book by Marshall Sahlins that critiques the work of other anthropologists who have written about primitive societies. Sahlins argues that these anthropologists have often made false assumptions about the nature of primitive societies and have failed to understand the cultural diversity of these societies.

Ship of Fools: An Anthology of Learned Nonsense about Primitive Society

by C.R. Hallpike

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	186 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Sahlins begins his book by defining what he means by "primitive society." He argues that primitive societies are not simply less developed versions of modern societies, but rather are unique and distinct forms of social organization. Primitive societies are often characterized by their small size, their lack of social stratification, and their reliance on kinship ties.

Sahlins then goes on to critique the work of several anthropologists who have written about primitive societies. He argues that these anthropologists have often made false assumptions about the nature of these societies and have failed to understand the cultural diversity of these societies.

For example, Sahlins criticizes the work of Claude Lévi-Strauss, who has argued that primitive societies are based on a universal pattern of kinship relations. Sahlins argues that Lévi-Strauss's theory is based on a false assumption about the nature of primitive societies and that it fails to take into account the cultural diversity of these societies.

Sahlins also criticizes the work of Bronisław Malinowski, who has argued that primitive societies are based on a system of reciprocal exchange. Sahlins argues that Malinowski's theory is based on a false assumption about the nature of primitive societies and that it fails to take into account the cultural diversity of these societies.

Sahlins concludes his book by arguing that anthropologists need to be more careful in their assumptions about primitive societies and that they need to be more open to the cultural diversity of these societies.

An Anthology of Learned Nonsense About Primitive Society is a powerful critique of the work of other anthropologists who have written about primitive societies. Sahlins argues that these anthropologists have often made false assumptions about the nature of primitive societies and have failed to understand the cultural diversity of these societies. Sahlins's book is a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the study of primitive societies.

Ship of Fools: An Anthology of Learned Nonsense about Primitive Society

by C.R. Hallpike

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	186 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE