Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World

Exam Questions for Feb. 3 Meeting

Topic: Magic, Science, and Religion

Questions from Louise W. Mullins

• What is meant in saying that religions have followers, while magic has clients?
• The people of the Nacirema group are known for their very strict rituals. Which of the following is not one of their rituals?
  1. daily body ritual in the shrine room.
  2. daily body ritual with the family.
  3. private mouth-rite
  4. visits to the "listener".

Questions from Sharon O'Regan

• Discuss some ideas on the differences between magic and religion.
• Name and define the two points of view from which anthropological studies are conducted.

Questions from Melissa Klotz

• How or why can magic and science coexist and has science been created from magic? Is this a linear movement or can magic come to the forefront again?
• Describe the intellectualist approach to religion, magic, and science discussed in Neusner.

Questions from Julie Alvarez

• Which concept(s) is (are) traditionally viewed as "irrational?"
  1. magic
  2. science
  3. religion
  4. both a and b
  5. both a and c
• In light of the view that magic represents a form of power or control over natural elements, can it be argued that magic serves a function in the people's lives who practice it?

Questions from Alex Gleason

• What are some of the factors one should concider when reading an anthropologist's report on 'secret magical rituals'?
• Why was it beneficial to require specific magical herbs/potions only be performed within a defined sanctuary?

Questions from Sheeja Kanacheril

• What examples, if any, of ritual are there in Magic,Superstition, Religion, and Science?
• Which contains more validity: Religion or Science? Explain.

Questions from Kristina Elenides

• Is there really a difference between magic and religion?

Questions from Sirida Graham

• Which of the following are common elements of both magic and religion?
  1. alchemy
  2. science
  3. supernatural sympathies
  4. ritual (*)
  5. both c & d
• Discuss the relationship between magic and religion. Cite 4 "fundamentally different positions" as described in Luck's introduction. (See Arcana Mundi, p. 4, 2nd paragraph

Questions from Rhonda Rowland

• How does an emic examination of magic compare to an etic examination of magic?
• How is magic distinguished (or not, as the case may be) from religion?
• In ancient Greece and Rome, why was it difficult to discern magic from the science and philosophies of the time (or, to go along with the next lecture, why were many scientists/philosophers considered to be Magicians).

Questions from Eric Moore

• Essay: Given what you have already read, how would you define magic?
• Short answer: How is any definiton of magic problematic? (this could also be an essay question I guess)

Questions from Krista Ernewein

• What is the importance of remaining objective in anthropological studies? How might becoming involved subjectively wit hthe subjects alter the study?
• Is magic and religion completely separate? Can science and magic coexist?
• Is magic cultural? Is there a different perception wit hthe use of magic in various cultures, or is it standard across the world?

Questions from Robin McEvoy

• How does an anthropologists view towards religion and magic effect his/her efforts to understaaand societies dependent upon the supernatural?
• Do ritual, religion and magic co-exist seperately or are they inter-related?

Questions from Jeremy Bufford

• How do we define the terms "etic" and "emic" in our pursuit to study magic from historical, anthropological and sociological perspectives?
• Is magic a rational or irrational practice? What defines rationality and irrationality? Can one person say what is or is not rational for another person, or is it a matter of personal opinion?