The Subject of Virtue

The anthropology of ethics has become an important and fast-growing field in recent years. This book argues that it represents not just a new subfield within anthropology but a conceptual renewal of the discipline as a whole, enabling it to take account of a major dimension of human conduct which social theory has so far failed adequately to address. An ideal introduction for students and researchers in anthropology and related human sciences. Shows how ethical concepts such as virtue, character, freedom and responsibility may be incorporated into anthropological analysis Surveys the history of anthropology's engagement with morality Examines the relevance for anthropology of two major philosophical approaches to moral life.