Iranian Journal Of Antheropology

Iranian Journal Of Antheropology

Paul Radin's Anthropology

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Ghorban Elmi 1
Zahra Shahbazi 2
1 associate Prof. of Religions and Comparative Mysticism, Tehran university, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. student of Religions and Comparative Mysticism, Tehran university, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The distinguishing feature of Paul Radin's research approach with other ethnologists is the observance of the principle of neutrality as much as possible and the self-conscious removal of the researcher from his historical background in order to achieve the originality of the research on primitive peoples. During his studies and experiences, Radin came to the general opinion that the history, individuality and psychological and social facts of these peoples should be taken into account by ethnologists and he found the broad commonalities of the perceptual nature of primitive and progressive societies. Not only did he not consider all primitive people to have a pre-rational and low mind, but he also stated that in all societies, whether primitive or advanced, there are people with the essence of philosophizing and thinking, who are able to meet their needs and their material or spiritual needs benefit from their inner creativity and lead the common and practical people of the society to accept and believe in these capabilities. In Paul Radin's ethnological research, the primitive people of a society composed of practical and thoughtful people are introduced with different levels of independence of individual truth to attraction to social realities. Therefore, Radin removes himself from expressing and developing specific theories to describe the nature of primitive societies, and despite his eloquent attempts to identify them by focusing on their history and individuality and using analytical psychology, he always leaves open the parentheses of his explanations.
Keywords
Paul Radin
Anthropology
primitive ethnics
religion
Philosophy
Subjects
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Iranian Journal Of Antheropology
Volume 21, Issue 38
Spring & Summer 2024
September 2024
Pages 301-319