Experiments in Holism: Theory and Practice in Contemporary Anthropologypresents a series of essays from leading anthropologists that critically reexamine the relevance of holism as a foundational tenet of anthropology, and its theoretical and methodological potential in today's world. Represents the first volume to consider the modern role of holism as a central anthropological concern across a wide range of anthropological traditions ; Critically examines the past and present predicament of holism and its potential for the renewal of future practice ; Features contributions from leading anthropologists which discuss how anthropology should be re-designed in the context of a changing world; Challenges many of contemporary anthropology's central methods, theory, and functions