The Theoretical Foundations of C. Geerts’ Interpretive Anthropology

Abstract

The aim of this paper. The authors intend to analyse the theoretical foundation and conceptual constitution of C. Geertz’s interpretive anthropology. The difference between his hermeneutical tack and the technique of conventional hermeneutics is clarified. Transition from inner hermeneutical experience to the outer experience of social science is explored. The scheme of interpretive anthropology conceptual constitution is explicated. The specificity of the concept of meaning, deployed by C. Geertz, is demonstrated. The peculiarity of cultural phenomena understanding in interpretive anthropology is outlined. Research methodology. The authors point out that C. Geertz expands on the “return of meaning” through clarification of the nature of social meanings. He shows their structure and the way of their interaction within the inner experience of social actor. Consequently, interpretive anthropology posits meaning as the core of the outer social experience. Hence, interpretive anthropology is not in for abstract constructions, but it is a positively-oriented discipline. Results. The authors come to conclusion that the logic of interpretive anthropology appeals to epistemological and mental tradition invoked by hermeneutical concept of meaning deduced from “inner experience” of individual and, simultaneously, to empirically oriented inductive logic of positive science which rests upon the content of objective “outer” experience. Novelty. The authors posit this dualism as the driving force of conceptual construction of the interpretive anthropology. They underscore that C. Geertz reduces the formation of conceptual apparatus to the arrangement and interaction of representations. The practical significance. The authors draw the inference that interpretive anthropology is an explanative social discipline which applies hermeneutical method as an instrument. It employs understanding as an auxiliary tool of explanation. Key words: cultural phenomena, interpretive anthropology, C. Geertz.