RELS 161 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: James George Frazer, Sigmund Freud, Neurology
14 May 2018
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DEFINITIONS -REVIEW
• Definitions that depend on observable things are flexible
• Substantive definitions (substance: thing itself)
• Functional definitions (function: what it does)
• Taxonomy / Classification: determining key or ‘essential’ aspects (substantive) or
functions (functional)
• Definitions can be formal or informal
• Definitions are affected by power (law, expertise)
• Definitions can change with new data
• Religion is not an observable thing: definition comes first
• The ways we define religion / the aspects or functions we deem essential determines the
object of study (religion)
• Key Theoretical Approaches
• Competing definitions / assessments of religion
• Each approach sees religion differently (creates a different object of study)
KEY THEORETICAL APPROACHES
• Karl Marx (1818-1883)
• German philosopher, economist, revolutionary socialist
• Definition: religion is the opium of the people + the heart of heartless world
• Religion (Christianity) contributes to the oppression of the working class
• Religion as false consciousness
• Otherworldly goals distract from actual suffering
• “The meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)
• Heaven vs. this-worldly considerations
• Religion communicates illusions that maintain the status quo / benefit the powerful
• Yet these illusions provide ’heart’ to a heartless world
• Ambiguous view
• Functionalist approach: religion defined according to its essential functions
KEY THEORETICAL APPROACHES
• Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
• Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis
• Definition: religion is an illusion born from a universal need for a powerful father figure
+ need to control primal urges
• Theory of the Unconscious: Superego (morality), Ego (rational self), Id (unconscious
drives –sex, aggression)
• Religion as Superego: provides moral guidelines
• Religion as potentially neurotic (pathological)
• Religion is an illusion but serves important functions in society (i.e. provides moral
guidance)
• Ambivalent view
• Functionalist approach
KEY THEORETICAL APPROACHES
• James George Frazer (1854-1941)
• Scottish Anthropologist
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Document Summary
Key theoretical approaches: sigmund freud (1856-1939, austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, definition: religion is an illusion born from a universal need for a powerful father figure. Key theoretical approaches: james george frazer (1854-1941, scottish anthropologist, definition: religion is the propitiation or conciliation of powers superior to man which are believed to direct and control the course of nature and of human life. Primitive magic" polytheism monotheism rational monotheism" science: religion involves pleasing god(s) for specific benefits, progressive view: older forms superseded by newer ones, substantive approach: religion defined according to its essential features (i. e. belief + interaction with superior powers) Key theoretical approaches: russell t. mccutcheon (b. Interested in religion" not religion: how and why do certain ideas, objects, texts, etc. become classified as religion" or. Key theoretical approaches: what do these theorists have in common, owm, euro-american.
