The Thick and the Thin: On the Interpretive Theoretical Program of Clifford Geertz [and Comments and Reply]

Abstract

The promise of interpretive theory has led Clifford Geertz to call for a new and different anthropology as well as a broad "refiguration of social thought" in the social sciences and humanities. This essay examines Geertz's theoretical program, including its application to the specific cases of Balinese trance and the Balinese theatre state. Special attention is given to Geertz's claim that interpretive theory is superior to conventional social science, and a critical reevaluation of interpretive theory is suggested.