Is it possible not to be a naturalist? The treatment of supernatural non-humans by some “classical” anthropologists
Charrasse, Fanny
Is it possible not to be a naturalist? The treatment of supernatural non-humans by some “classical” anthropologists - 2023.
62
Anthropology, the daughter and mother of the Great Divide, this radical split between nature and culture that Philippe Descola calls “naturalism”, sometimes tends to put it into question today. Starting from this paradox, this article examines whether it’s really possible not to be a naturalist when you’re an anthropologist, and what it means from an epistemological point of view. In order to find this out, it analyses the way in which supernatural non-humans – spirits, demons, etc. – have been treated by some of the “classics” of the anthropological literature, and observes the naturalistic approach of their authors. In conclusion, it identifies the tools that have contributed (and still contribute) to anthropology’s growing reflexivity about naturalism, and proposes a consistent methodology for investigating magic.
Is it possible not to be a naturalist? The treatment of supernatural non-humans by some “classical” anthropologists - 2023.
62
Anthropology, the daughter and mother of the Great Divide, this radical split between nature and culture that Philippe Descola calls “naturalism”, sometimes tends to put it into question today. Starting from this paradox, this article examines whether it’s really possible not to be a naturalist when you’re an anthropologist, and what it means from an epistemological point of view. In order to find this out, it analyses the way in which supernatural non-humans – spirits, demons, etc. – have been treated by some of the “classics” of the anthropological literature, and observes the naturalistic approach of their authors. In conclusion, it identifies the tools that have contributed (and still contribute) to anthropology’s growing reflexivity about naturalism, and proposes a consistent methodology for investigating magic.
Réseaux sociaux