180009 LPS Introduction to Structural Anthropology (2017S)

The philosophical approach of 'Structural Anthropology' concerns questions that are suited for an introduction to basic concepts like 'substance', 'system' or 'structure' and their historical development in the context of Philosophical Anthropology/Anthropologies. The concept of Structural Anthropology goes back to Heinrich Rombach. In contrast to classical concepts of Philosophical Anthropology the concept of Structural Anthropology is not based on a principal separation of body and soul. Whereas classical concepts are guided in this respect by attributions like 'metaphysical' or 'physical', Structural Anthropology puts, in a historical as well as in a systematic-phenomenological regard, both 'fields' as resulting from and shaping each other. This approach turns out to be helpful for intercultural questions and for the constructive and critical participation in current debates about the 'understanding of being human' (e.g. the transition of nature-human being-technology).
The seminar will be held as a close-reading-seminar and serves as introduction to philosophical reading and understanding of texts.