Research
The Social Epistemology of Anthropology: Insights from Judgment Aggregation
Abstract
Anthropological writings have, at times, been vague in the approach used to gather evidence of cultural and social beliefs of the peoples studied, and the method of representing the data to the reading public. This paper employs the theory of judgment aggregation in critiquing anthropological theory and practice. It will be structured in three parts: first, I will present the theory of judgment aggregation as constructed by Christian List and Philip Pettit; second, I will sketch some epistemological methods used by anthropologists, and assess their attitude toward the notions of judgment aggregation and group agency; and finally, I will apply List and Pettit’s arguments about effective group organization to anthropological practice of representing its studied peoples’ beliefs and judgments by proposing three possible changes in method that will allow for more accurate and faithful interpretations and descriptions.
How to Cite:
Douglas, D., 2018. The Social Epistemology of Anthropology: Insights from Judgment Aggregation. International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, 10(2), p.6. DOI: http://doi.org/10.7710/2155-4838.1177
Published on
07 Jun 2018.
Peer Reviewed
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