Rather than measure the actions of their subjects by reference to either universal rationality or cultural relativism, contributors in this volume describe ordinary people as they value human relationships and reason through the commonplace contradictions of their local way of life in a global age.
"Anthropologists have become used to people's voices, 'analyses' even - this book breaks new ground by listening to 'arguments'. Arguments over what's best or right, moments of doubt or paradox about what's worthwhile, conundrums that need reasoning through. The approach is an enriching one,offering a novel purchase on the predicaments of social values in flux." - Marilyn Strathern, Professor of Social Anthropology, Cambridge University.