Johannes Lenhard Livres

This book puts forward a new role for mathematics in the natural sciences. In the traditional understanding, a strong viewpoint is advocated, on the one hand, according to which mathematics is used for truthfully expressing laws of nature and thus for rendering the rational structure of the world. In a weaker understanding, many deny that these fundamental laws are of an essentially mathematical character, and suggest that mathematics is merely a convenient tool for systematizing observational knowledge. The position developed in this volume combines features of both the strong and the weak viewpoint. In accordance with the former, mathematics is assigned an active and even shaping role in the sciences, but at the same time, employing mathematics as a tool is taken to be independent from the possible mathematical structure of the objects under consideration. Hence the tool perspective is contextual rather than ontological. Furthermore, tool-use has to respect conditions like suitability, efficacy, optimality, and others. There is a spectrum of means that will normally differ in how well they serve particular purposes. The tool perspective underlines the inevitably provisional validity of mathematics: any tool can be adjusted, improved, or lose its adequacy upon changing practical conditions.

Focusing on the concept of an art laboratory, the paper explores its theoretical framework and practical application through the lens of Andy Warhol and his iconic Factory. It examines how Warhol's innovative approach to art-making and collaboration transformed the creative process, positioning his studio as a pivotal space in modern art. The analysis highlights the intersection of art, performance, and installation, providing insights into Warhol's influence on contemporary artistic practices.

Exploring the concept of marriage payments, this essay critiques the traditional view that focuses solely on material exchanges, arguing instead for a broader understanding tied to social reproduction. It challenges structural-functionalist perspectives that reduce marriage transactions to a simple exchange of money for rights. The author emphasizes that rights encompass various aspects of social life, including women, children, and sexuality, suggesting that these elements are part of a complex system of reciprocal exchanges rather than mere economic transactions.

The essay delves into the complexity of the Incwala ritual in Swaziland, illustrating how interpretations have evolved since Kuper's original account in 1944. It critiques various perspectives, from sociological-functionalist views to symbolist analyses, highlighting their limitations. By incorporating a practice-oriented approach, the author argues for a multifaceted understanding that reflects the ritual's diverse historical forms. This nuanced analysis emphasizes that no singular interpretation can fully capture the intricacies of the Incwala ritual.

Focusing on the exploration of social bonds, this essay delves into Durkheim's investigation of solidarity in different societal contexts. It emphasizes his early works, which contrast the communal ties found in pre-industrial societies with those emerging in industrialized communities. The analysis highlights Durkheim's central inquiry into the connections that unite individuals, providing a foundational understanding of his sociological theories and their relevance to the evolution of social structures.

The essay critically examines the wars in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan within the framework of liberal democratic peace theory, particularly challenging its validity against recent conflicts. It argues that while these wars involved democracies and despotic states, they still highlight significant violations of Immanuel Kant's predictions regarding peace. The discussion extends to contemporary theorists like Doyle, analyzing how these conflicts serve as potential falsifications of the liberal peace theory. The essay offers a nuanced perspective on the relationship between theory and real-world political events.

The essay explores the longstanding tension between real and symbolic, material and meaning within cultural theory, referencing influential philosophers and sociologists. It critiques the traditional view of their relationship as oppositional, proposing that practice theory offers a more unified perspective. By examining the works of theorists like Reckwitz and Shove & Pantzar, the author argues for an inclusive approach that reconciles these categories, highlighting the evolution of thought in cultural studies.

The essay explores Georg Simmel's sociological framework, particularly focusing on the concept of sexuality, which he largely omitted from his works. It aims to define sexuality as a reciprocal interaction characterized by love and lust, using Simmel's categories of social form and content. The analysis then contrasts two extreme examples—pornography and celibacy—to evaluate the implications of Simmel's theories on human interaction. Through this examination, the essay seeks to uncover the inherent aspects of sexuality within Simmel's sociological perspective.

Set against the backdrop of the fifteenth century, the essay explores the tumultuous lives of the Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne, as they navigate the demands of King Henry VIII. It examines Anne's ascent to queenhood and her struggles with fertility, which ultimately led to her downfall. The author posits that modern reproductive technologies and genetic predictions could have altered their fate, potentially securing a prosperous future for the Boleyn family and allowing Anne to thrive. The narrative intertwines historical context with speculative insights on kinship and legacy.

The essay explores the complexities of Geertz's approach to interpretive anthropology, emphasizing his integration of various intellectual traditions from social sciences and philosophy. It critiques the idea of a singular theory of cultural interpretation, suggesting that Geertz's work is a synthesis rather than a definitive framework. Key concepts such as semiotic culture, thick description, and the importance of local narratives are discussed, highlighting how these elements contribute to understanding cultural practices in depth.