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On visual coherence and visual excess: Writing, diagrams, and anthropological form

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Candea, Mathieu 

Abstract

This article reflects on the power and dangers of diagrams as a mode of anthropological exposition, comparing this particular form of non-text to the brief dalliance of mid-century anthropology with algebraic and logical formulae. It has been claimed that diagrams, like formulae, are clearer, simpler, or less deceptive than textual argument. By contrast, this article argues that diagrams are just as slippery and tricky as words, but that images and words slip and slide in different ways. Holding both diagrams and words together when building an argument enables not only a specific kind of rigor, but also moments of unexpected theoretical invention. This technique of holding together contrasting heuristics scales up as a productive epistemic device for anthropology more broadly.

Description

Keywords

anthropology, coherence, comparison, diagrams, excess, form

Journal Title

Social Analysis: international journal of cultural and social practice

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0155-977X
1558-5727

Volume Title

63

Publisher

Berghahn Journals

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
European Research Council (683033)
ERC