Body, Rites, Dreams, Time: Essays in Medieval Anthropology
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Jean-Claude Schmitt, Le Corps, les rites, les rêves, le temps. Essais d’anthropologie médiévale
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: Paris, Gallimard, 2001, 439 p. (illustr.) (coll. « Bibliothèque des Histoires »)
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Jean-Pierre Albert
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: Jean-Claude Schmitt, Le Corps, les rites, les rêves, le temps. Essais d’anthropologie médiévale
Year: 2002 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.1673
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The text discusses Jean-Claude Schmitt's work titled "Le Corps, les rites, les rêves, le temps. Essais d’anthropologie médiévale," published in 2001 by Gallimard. This compilation includes seventeen essays written between the mid-1970s and 2000, with many previously unpublished in French. Throughout the text, Schmitt reflects on the intellectual context that shaped his entry into medieval studies, notably the influence of Jacques Le Goff and the expansion of historical inquiry into new dimensions, including anthropology and linguistic studies. Schmitt aims to reconstruct the lived experiences of people in the Middle Ages through an anthropological lens, emphasizing the importance of bodily experiences, collective rituals, and the societal understanding of time.
2) The Importance of the Body in Medieval Experience
One critical concept in Schmitt’s work is the exploration of the relationship between the body and culture, which he argues has a profound impact on medieval societal norms. He examines how cultural practices and rituals shape the physical body and vice versa, highlighting the intricate ways in which the corporeal experience is woven into the fabric of medieval life. Schmitt’s previous work, particularly "La raison des gestes," contributes to this discourse by underscoring the significance of gestures and corporeal activities in understanding the medieval world. This perspective opens a pathway for analyzing how medieval individuals engaged with their bodies within their cultural contexts, thus enriching our understanding of everyday life during this period.
3) Interpreting Dreams and Their Social Significance
Another significant concept addressed in Schmitt's essays is the exploration of dreams and their meanings in medieval society. He investigates the theories surrounding dreams, their motifs, and their social uses, examining how they intersect with notions of the supernatural. This analysis not only reveals the medieval mindset regarding the dream state but also illustrates how dreams functioned as a medium for interpreting reality and cultural beliefs. The exploration of dreams is linked to Schmitt’s earlier works on the relations between the living and the dead, underscoring the complexity of human experience in the Middle Ages and the multifaceted layers of belief that influenced individuals' perceptions of their world.
4) Conclusion
In conclusion, Jean-Claude Schmitt's "Le Corps, les rites, les rêves, le temps" is a significant contribution to medieval studies, intertwining history and anthropology to shed light on the complexities of medieval life. Schmitt’s focus on the body and dreams underscores the diverse and often conflicting social realities that existed during the Middle Ages. Through his essays, he not only reclaims the lived experiences of the past but also challenges contemporary researchers in social sciences to reconsider how individual cultures shape collective beliefs and practices. The richness of Schmitt’s work continues to resonate, providing a valuable framework for understanding the interplay of body, ritual, and societal constructs in historical contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of Jean-Claude Schmitt's book?
Jean-Claude Schmitt's book explores the lived experiences of medieval people, emphasizing cultural categories related to the body, rituals, dreams, and time, all framed within an anthropological perspective.
What cultural perspectives does Schmitt integrate in his work?
Schmitt integrates perspectives from history, anthropology, linguistics, and literature, highlighting the interplay between tradition, folklore, and scholarly culture, while also acknowledging the diversity within medieval societies.
How does Schmitt address the concept of belief in the Middle Ages?
Schmitt approaches the concept of belief by examining indigenous definitions and uses within medieval cultures, aiming to renew often abstract studies on the subject through concrete historical contexts.
What significant socio-political changes does the book highlight?
The book details the fragmentation of the Catholic world in the 1960s and 70s, emphasizing the developing pluralism that undermined the legitimacy of political systems tied to a unified Catholic identity.
What is the importance of the book for modern social sciences?
Schmitt's work extends beyond medieval history, offering valuable insights for social sciences by prompting discussions on the role of myths in maintaining social cohesion in post-national societies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Body, Rites, Dreams, Time: Essays in Medieval Anthropology�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Book:
The 'Book' titled 'The Body, Rites, Dreams, and Time' brings together essays exploring medieval anthropology, highlighting the significance of cultural experiences and beliefs in shaping human history.
2) Religion:
The theme of 'Religion' is central to the discussions in the essays, examining how religious beliefs and practices interact with social structures and the lived experiences of individuals in medieval societies.
3) Dream (Dreaming):
In the context of medieval anthropology, 'Dream' plays an important role by exploring how dreams influenced societal beliefs and practices, revealing the connection between human psyche and spirituality.
4) Paris:
Authored in 'Paris,' the book reflects on the intellectual environment of the author and the influence of French scholars on the study of anthropology and medieval history.
5) Experience:
The term 'Experience' captures the core of the author's analysis, focusing on the lived realities of individuals in medieval times and how these shaped their understanding of the world.
6) Debate:
The ongoing 'Debate' around concepts like 'popular religion' and the characterization of beliefs showcases the dynamic discussions within the field of medieval studies influenced by various scholarly viewpoints.
7) Dead:
The theme of the 'Dead' is examined in relation to how medieval societies understood the connection between the living and the deceased, particularly through dreams and cultural practices.
8) Linguistics:
The incorporation of 'Linguistics' into medieval studies facilitates a deeper understanding of oral traditions and narratives that shaped medieval cultures and their religious practices.
9) Literature:
Medieval 'Literature' serves as a key resource for understanding cultural expressions and beliefs, with texts providing insights into the social fabric of the time and resonating with anthropological themes.
10) Reflection:
'Reflection' in the essays prompts scholars to reconsider established narratives about medieval life, encouraging a critical approach to historical methodology and anthropological insights.
11) Medicine:
'Medicine' is addressed in the context of its interplay with religious practices, examining how beliefs influenced medical practices and the autonomy of medicine within human societies.
12) Richness:
The 'Richness' of medieval cultural expressions is explored through various lenses, enabling a nuanced understanding of societal differences, beliefs, and practices, reinforcing the depth of the analyses presented.
13) Dialogue:
The author encourages a 'Dialogue' between disciplines, highlighting the intersection of history, anthropology, and religious studies to enrich understanding of medieval human experiences.
14) External:
'External' cultural influences are analyzed in the context of how folkloric practices resisted institutional religious norms, emphasizing the diverse expressions of belief within medieval societies.
15) Tangible:
'Tangible' elements of medieval culture, such as rituals and texts, are examined to uncover deeper meanings and insights into the lived experiences of individuals in historical contexts.
16) Gesture:
'Gesture' is significant in understanding ritual practices, wherein the body is central to the expression of cultural and religious identity, as explored through the author’s earlier works.
17) Devotion (Devoted):
'Devoted' studies in the book reflect the author's commitment to uncovering the complexities of human experiences during the medieval period, centering on diverse social groups and beliefs.
18) Psyche:
'Psyche' relates to the exploration of human consciousness and dreams, addressing how the mental and emotional states of individuals influenced their beliefs and societal interactions.
19) Future:
By considering notions of 'Future' in medieval thought, the author addresses how people envisioned coming times based on past experiences and cultural narratives that shaped their worldview.
20) Horse:
[see source text or glossary: #horse#]
21) House:
'House' can be symbolically linked to the idea of social structures within medieval communities, representing the cultural settings where rituals and beliefs were practiced.
22) Frame:
The 'Frame' of analysis in the book extends beyond traditional historical narratives, examining how different cultural lenses inform the approach to understanding medieval societies.
23) Image:
'Image' refers to the representations and perceptions of medieval practices, beliefs, and cultural identities, shaping how these elements are understood within anthropological studies.
24) Space:
'Space' in the medieval context relates to how physical and social environments influenced rituals, community life, and the interplay between religion and everyday experiences.
25) Logic (Logical):
'Logic' is leveraged in the book to discuss the rationales behind cultural practices and beliefs, demonstrating how different social groups articulated their understandings of the world.
26) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
[see source text or glossary: #limit#]
27) Realm:
'Realm' indicates the spheres of human activity, including the overlap between the sacred and secular, a recurrent theme in the interdisciplinary discussions presented in the essays.
28) Human:
'Human' experience is at the center of the book, exploring the diverse manifestations of life, beliefs, and cultural practices in medieval contexts comprehensively.