A British philosopher known for his critique of Cartesian dualism and his concept of thick description, Ryle's ideas significantly influence Geertz's approach to ethnography and the study of culture.

A foundational figure in modern social science, Weber's theories of rationalization and the Verstehen methodology play crucial roles in Geertz's analyses, especially in the context of Balinese religion and the interpretive aspect of anthropology.

An American sociologist known for his structural-functional analysis, Parsons' frameworks on social action are foundational to Geertz's theoretical revisions, particularly in relation to social order and cultural systems.

A French anthropologist and a leading advocate of structuralism, Levi-Strauss is extensively discussed by Geertz, who examines his contributions to the debates on objectivity and subjectivity in social sciences.

The first president of Indonesia, whose leadership provides a key example in Geertz's exploration of new state politics, ideology as a cultural system, and the challenges of forming a cohesive national identity.