Formation of concepts in C. Geertz’ interpretive anthropology

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the problem of explication of the universals in the interpretive anthropology of C. Geertz. Authors analyse the method and conceptual constitution of C. Geertz’s interpretive anthropology. In accordance with the thesis of the availability of "things themselves", C. Heertz defines universals as "empirically observable universal phenomena", which should represent "something essential", and not be "empty categories". They categorize it as a positively-oriented discipline aiming to explanative conclusions. The scheme of conceptual formation is explicated.