ANTH 4751 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Zande People, Natural Philosophy, Family Therapy
Document Summary
The notion of witchcraft explains unfortunate events [evans- Concept of witchcraft provides a natural philosophy to explain the relations between men and unfortunate events and a ready and stereotyped means of reacting to such events. Embraces a system of values that regulates human conduct. Expects to come across witchcraft at any time of day or night. Intertwined with everyday happenings; not a matter of surprise. Coincidence in time and space is seen, but there is no explanation of why the coincidence happened in the first place. Witchcraft explains why events are harmful to man and not how they happen. Belief in witchcraft does not contradict empirical knowledge of cause and effect. Witchcraft is not used to explain every failure and misfortune. Common-sense judgement of cause (tell a lie, commit adultery, steal) Excluded in questions of moral and legal responsibility. When there is a breach of taboo and death is not involved. Labelling of witchcraft depends on whether they are involved.
