Opening with the provocative query “what might an anthropology of the secular look like?†this book explores the concepts; practices; and political formations of secularism; with emphasis on the major historical shifts that have shaped secular sensibilities and attitudes in the modern West and the Middle East. Talal Asad proceeds to dismantle commonly held assumptions about the secular and the terrain it allegedly covers. He argues that while anthropologists have oriented themselves to the study of the “strangeness of the non-European world†and to what are seen as non-rational dimensions of social life (things like myth; taboo; and religion);the modern and the secular have not been adequately examined. The conclusion is that the secular cannot be viewed as a successor to religion; or be seen as on the side of the rational. It is a category with a multi-layered history; related to major premises of modernity; democracy; and the concept of human rights. This book will appeal to anthropologists; historians; religious studies scholars; as well as scholars working on modernity.
#926060 in Books Theodore Winthrop 2006-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .58 x 5.51l; .74 #File Name: 0803298633240 pagesThe Canoe and the Saddle A Critical Edition
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy blue tigarAll is fine!!3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Articulate and Perceptive Trip Back in TimeBy Jess HungateWinthrop's articulate and intelligent; and dryly humerous; view of very early life in the US Northwest is well worth reading. Knowing that he died soon afterward; in one of the first battles of the Civil War; only adds poignancy to this description. I would highly recommend this work - but also gently suggest that people put aside their modern reactions to some of his views and just let the descriptions flow through their minds; remembering the common culture and attitudes of the times. Then they will really enjoy this wonderful trip back in time.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A gem!By Mr. Green in the LibraryFrom a historical viewpoint this is a gem. But it is hard to "get the language" used and so not a good read. Worthwhile if for only the land descriptions. A primary source of that time in history.
