In Defense of Things

Archaeology and the Ontology of Objects

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Phenomenology, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology
Cover of the book In Defense of Things by Bjørnar Olsen, AltaMira Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Bjørnar Olsen ISBN: 9780759119321
Publisher: AltaMira Press Publication: July 16, 2010
Imprint: AltaMira Press Language: English
Author: Bjørnar Olsen
ISBN: 9780759119321
Publisher: AltaMira Press
Publication: July 16, 2010
Imprint: AltaMira Press
Language: English

In much recent thinking, social and cultural realms are thought of as existing prior to—or detached from—things, materiality, and landscape. It is often assumed, for example, that things are entirely 'constructed' by social or cultural perceptions and have no existence in and of themselves. Bjornar Olsen takes a different position. Drawing on a range of theories, especially phenomenology and actor-network-theory, Olsen claims that human life is fully mixed up with things and that humanity and human history emerge from such relationships. Things, moreover, possess unique qualities that are inherent in our cohabitation with them—qualities that help to facilitate existential security and memory of the past. This important work of archaeological theory challenges us to reconsider our ideas about the nature of things, past and present, demonstrating that objects themselves possess a dynamic presence that we must take into account if we are to understand the world we and they inhabit.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In much recent thinking, social and cultural realms are thought of as existing prior to—or detached from—things, materiality, and landscape. It is often assumed, for example, that things are entirely 'constructed' by social or cultural perceptions and have no existence in and of themselves. Bjornar Olsen takes a different position. Drawing on a range of theories, especially phenomenology and actor-network-theory, Olsen claims that human life is fully mixed up with things and that humanity and human history emerge from such relationships. Things, moreover, possess unique qualities that are inherent in our cohabitation with them—qualities that help to facilitate existential security and memory of the past. This important work of archaeological theory challenges us to reconsider our ideas about the nature of things, past and present, demonstrating that objects themselves possess a dynamic presence that we must take into account if we are to understand the world we and they inhabit.

More books from AltaMira Press

Cover of the book Early Civilizations of Southeast Asia by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Ambiguous Images by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book In Search of Naunny's Grave by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book History of Oral History by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Tribal Criminal Law and Procedure by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Modes of Religiosity by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Totems and Teachers by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Contemporary American Religion by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Chronicling Cultures by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Financing American Religion by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Ancient Mesoamerican Warfare by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book What Makes Learning Fun? by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Constructing the Life Course by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Polynesians in America by Bjørnar Olsen
Cover of the book Ritual and Belief by Bjørnar Olsen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy