Arguing with Anthropology is a fresh and wholly original guide to key elements in anthropology, which teaches the ability to think, write and argue critically. Using the famous 'question of the gift' as a master-issue for discussion, and drawing on a rich variety of methods, aims, knowledge and understanding. The books' unique hypothetical approach takes gift-theory - the science of obligation and reciprocity - as the theme of a virtual enquiry which explores how the discipline has evolved historically, how it is applied in practice and how it can be argued with critically. By asking readers to participate in projected situations and dilemmas, and in arguments about the form and nature of enquiry, this distinctive book offers working practice of dealing with the obstacles and choices involved in anthropological study.