September 7, 2007
Conference: On the relationship of empirical research and anthropological theory
Conference of the German Anthropological Association
1st-4th October 2007, University of Halle (Saale)
Questions of dispute – On the relationship of empirical research and anthropological theory in the beginning 21st century
The dispute between an interpretive and an explanatory, hypothesis-examining anthropology has not really been settled. It rather has been overscored by a succession of so-called turns (linguistic turn, literary turn, cultural turn, iconic turn) and their respective counter-movements. Also, excitements over postmodern approaches have worn off – without a result that can easily be identified. The various adjectives – interpretive, positivist, constructionist, postmodern – have become mutual sweeping judgments without much expertise and disposition to distinguish.
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