Cosmopolitan Canopy Elijah Anderson Summary

1) In Andersons, Cosmopolitan Canopy, he clearly demonstrated the use of Lonergan’s Generalized Empirical Method. The first level that is operated by Anderson is the level of consciousness- or the empirical level. This book is composed of Elijah Anderson’s ethnographic commentary as well as examples and stories from interviewed citizens of Philadelphia. Anderson collects all of his data through direct observations and interactions. He uses first hand experiences as his sources allowing us to sense, perceive, visualize and feel exactly what he writes. The fact that this piece is a narrative allows for the readers to feel as though they are inside of the book. For example, his first chapter is a walking tour of Philadelphia, and while reading along, one can put themselves into Anderson’s …show more content…
Anderson describes his interpersonal relations on streets with an intimate and expressive voice, emphasizing his personal experience under these canopies. He uses what he calls “ folk ethnography” which is a kind of “fly on the wall” observation. He considers himself to be an “observing participant” in Philadelphia, being both a sociologist and citizen in the social life there. He describes his notes through first- person commentary and journal entries. He includes vignettes from informal interviews with friends, workers and people he encountered by chance who fit within different urban Philadelphia communities. Anderson explains that as an ethnographer, he tries to represent his knowledge in a way that others will be able to comprehend. Through the use of his detailed field notes and interview excerpts from real life people, Anderson was able to clearly demonstrate this level of the