Primitive Man as Philosopher

by Paul Radin, John Dewey (Foreword), Neni Panourgia (Preface)

Primitive Man as Philosopher is influential anthropologist and ethnologist Paul Radin’s enduringly relevant survey of an array of aboriginal cultures and belief systems, including those of the Winnebago, Oglala Sioux, Maori, Banda, the Buin of Melanesia, Tahitian, Hawaiian, Zuni, and Ewe. Radin examines the conditioning of thought and religion practiced among the members of each society and the freedom of individuals to deviate from the group and to affect change. Written in a straightforward, almost conversational style, Radin’s discourse is rooted in firsthand accounts. He allows his subjects to speak for themselves by quoting extensively from interviews (many of which he conducted in the course of his own fieldwork), and includes a veritable anthology of poems and songs from the varied traditions. Radin, known in his field for his honesty and integrity, offers brilliant interpretations of myth and symbolism in his exploration of their deeper meanings in each culture. Readers both in and out of the field will appreciate the rich and varied insights of this classic of anthropology. Celebrated anthropologist Neni Panourgiá provides a new introduction to this landmark and pioneering work.

Genres: Philosophy, Anthropology, History, Nonfiction, Religion, Folklore, Theory

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

He was an American cultural anthropologist and folklorist.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Radin

Reviews

[Peter Crofts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A problematic text. Makes all kinds of sweeping generalizations about the modern western worldview and "primitive" cultures. It continually purports to prove various generalizations by reliance on a handful of translated sources from around the globe. I found as I read further in it was less and less convincing, even though some of the arguments are ones I am very partial to. There seems to be more than a bit of axe grinding going on as well, though about precisely what I'm not sure. I find it surprising that this is the work, albeit a relatively early work, of a noted anthropologist.

Perhaps some of the axe grinding is directed towards Social Darwinism since the book was first published in the 1920s. I don't think these days many would argue with the view that neolithic cultures are complicated and possess sophisticated worldviews. I find most any anthropological text I come across completely riveting. This isn't. It's actually rather dull.

[James Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book from the 1920s, at the beginnings of anthropology, Paul Radin set out to show that the thought of primitive man is as intellectually sophisticated as that of modern, technologically advanced cultures. Their concerns are the same, I think: the structure of nature, the meaning of life and death, and the meaning of right versus the nature of evil. But primitive explanations are unrefined by comparison. He's right that the 2 groups think alike. It's just that the technologically advanced thought is more cultivated.

I didn't love this. One hundred year old social science is bound to show signs of wear. The book is a valuable and engaging source for examples of folklore across many different cultures.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A century is a long passage of time in human terms. Many attitudes change in a century, yet nothing changes at all. In our age of political correctness, we would admonish Paul Radin for using the term ‘primitive man,’ even though it was common in his time. Yet, anyone reading about modern conflicts and how we treat others who differ from us – we ‘other’ them- often use derogatory language when referring to them. Nothing has changed since Paul Radin’s time except the language.
Therefore, I suggest we read Paul Radin’s book through modern eyes, always remembering that those we consider backward have their cultures, philosophy, poems, writing, religious attitudes, etc.
Paul Radin’s book portrays ‘primitive man’ sympathetically and illustrates his thesis systematically. After a few expository pages, he adopts one theme per chapter and illustrates his point with poems, hymns, and tales. ‘Primitive societies’ are astute and have deep connections with nature, a connection modern society has lost. He explored several themes in the book: the relationship of people in these societies with each other, with concepts like death, relationships, religion, nature, etc.
In doing so, he reveals the astonishing sophistication
Many will consider his writing dry and hard to read, but if you persist and read the book patiently, it will reward you and hopefully open your eyes to new perspectives.

[Angel 🦢]

DNF