RS260 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Polytheism, Atheism, Edward Burnett Tylor
Document Summary
Tried to emphasize that studying religion objectively is important. Studying the other as opposed to themselves. Asserted that all groups have a culture. Back then, this was a big deal, because culture would imply a civilization. The other cultures were not uncivilized: b. tylor. Looked at religion hierarchically animism polytheism monotheism atheism: g. frazer. People performed rituals to appeal to the spirits in things. These spirits have personalities can lead to polytheism (hierarchical view). Relied on darwin"s theory of evolution and applied it to religion. Magic, science, and religion all have different functions. Believed magic was the result of emotional uncertainties. Participant observation: when anthropologists study other cultures by engaging with and participating in them. Living in a foreign society for a long period of time. Learning their customs (i. e. what is appropriate) Lived religion: studying not what people are supposed to do, but what they actually do within their tradition.
