ANT376H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Michel De Montaigne, Anthropocentrism, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach
Document Summary
Two active edges: not distant divisions in time; pulled in all moments (disassociation and association) Selective modernity that postmodern critics deal with. Described as the great divide by cultural/social theorists (nature vs. culture dualism) Categorical separation between nature and culture; western conceptual boundary -> cultural narratives and social practices. Reinforced through hierarchy where the human = ascendant i. e. aristotle + great chain of being continuing. Culture = over nature; culture = active part of dualism/on top/in control. 1600s and 1700s: key moment in asserting hierarchy of culture over nature. Man = master of separate nature through differences (rationality, soul, science) Power of science -> ways of thinking. Father of modern philosophy - idealism, rationality. I think, therefore i am - thinking subject = basis of existence. Metaphysics: basis for how we know things. Cautious about what he"s writing (blasphemers - christian church) Prove existence of god through rational meaning.
