VOLUME 43:2. In this essay I examine the similarities … Again, it would depend who you asked. PAGES 101 120 Three of the most central concepts used in the social scientific studV' of religion are so poorly and inconsistently defined as to preclude coherent discussion, let alone theoretical progress. The only real difference is that modern science has a rigorous experimental basis. The division between magic, science, and religion was also important to Lévi-Strauss (1962) and others of the time. There are also significant overlaps between ‘magic’ and ‘science’ in the Middle Ages – a good example being astrology. Magic, science, & religion February 20, 2015 Gene Veith. RECONCEPTUALIZING RELIGION, MAGIC, AND SCIENCE* RODNEY STARK UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH, 2001. RECONCEPTUALIZING RELIGION, MAGIC, AND SCIENCE* RODNEY STARK UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH, 2001, VOLUME 43:2, PAGES 101 - 120 Three of the most central concepts used in the social scientific study of religion are so poorly and inconsistently defined as to preclude coherent discussion, let alone theoretical progress. Was this legitimate science based on logical principles of the observation of the heavens, or an illicit act of divination that operated via the meddling of demons? In order to grasp the difference between religion and magic and to gain a clear vision of the three-cornered constellation of magic, religion, and science, let us briefly realize the cultural function of each. The function of primitive knowledge and its value have been assessed already and indeed are not difficult to grasp. They are both systems of beliefs, or stories about how the world works. A lot of things that look pretty scientific to us were labelled ‘magic’ in the pre-modern period: chemistry, magnetism, even hydraulics – to say nothing of medicine. The links between science and magic are pretty obvious. Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Other articles where Magic, Science and Religion is discussed: magic: Sociological theories: …the Western Pacific (1922) and Magic, Science and Religion (1925). Science, basically, is magic that works. 23.6.0 Magic and Science 23.6.1 Magic and Religion 23.7 The Function of Magic, Science and Religion 23.8 Let Us Sum Up 23.9 Keywords 23.10 Further Reading 23.11 Specimen Answers to Check Your Progress 23.0 OBJECTIVES After reading this unit, you should be able to zdiscuss the views of Tylor, Frazer and Durkheim on magic, science and religion In this essay I examine the similarities … Radcliffe-Brown posited that the function of magic was to express the social importance of the desired event, while Malinowski regarded magic as directly and essentially concerned with the psychological needs of the individual.