Two Kinds Of Rationality: Kibbutz Democracy and Generational Conflict (Contradictions of Modernity) - Hardcover

Evens, T.M.S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816626421 ISBN 13: 9780816626427

Publisher: University of Minnesota Press, 1995

Synopsis

Beginning with a discussion of mind-body dualism in social anthropology, Evens presents a profound theory of human conduct that insists on choice, ambiguity and contradiction. He utilizes the case study of an Israeli kibbutz to address the central anthropological problems of rationality. Of particular interest is Even's interpretation of the myth of Genesis, as well as his interpretation of Rousseau's revision of this myth, as paradigms of generational conflict and the kibbutz's logic of moral order. He also discusses the controversial introduction of a secret ballot into a particular Israeli kibbutz' decision-making process, as well as the concept of ambiguity in social hierarchy and practice. "Two Kinds of Rationality" offers a critique of theoretical approaches to social action, and a rethinking of contemporary notions of human agency. Evens analyzes two kinds of rationality, mythic and instrumental, and projects reality as basically ambiguous. This important and revolutionary theoretical work should appeal to social and political theorists, anthropologists, and students of cultural studies, social movements and Jewish studies.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible to scholars, students, researchers, and general readers. Rich with historical and cultural value, these works are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions. The books offered through Minnesota Archive Editions are produced in limited quantities according to customer demand and are available through select distribution partners.

About the Author

T.M.S. Evens is professor of anthropology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is the author of numerous articles and coeditor of Transcendence in Society: Case Studies (1990), a comparative study of social movements.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0816626421
• ISBN 13: 9780816626427
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272