What did Malinowski discover about the trobriand islanders?
His participant observation found that their religion is based on Animism, they use magic to influence spirits, cast spells and rituals before going to sea providing a sense of control over the weather and sea spirits; reassures them of safety
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What is Animism?
An early form of religion that see humans, animals and plants as all having spiritis or souls.
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What does Tylor say about animism?
it is the most basic and the earliest form of religion
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Why did Malinowksi argue that religion exists?
To 'plug' the gaps in tehir empirical knowledge. E.g. T.islanders were highly skilled gardeners that turnt to magic when they reached the limits of their practical knowledge
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What does belief rely on?
faith rather than truth. Until evidence is found to support any theory, we cannot say it is true or claim it as knowledge
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'Belief systems are based on what we think but don't actually know', what does this suggest about ideologies, religions and philosophies?
That they have no firm factual basis, and they are all merely attempts to explain the world in the absence of knowledge
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What is meant by something 'religious'?
Back
something and/or someone that is considered to be spiritual and sacred
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