It is based on true and logical assumptions.Īccording to Frazer, magic carries an attitude of fear, awe, amazement, expectation, unpredictability, etc. It is based on wrong assumptions regarding daily life situations and human relations. Scientific discussion revolves around the natural world. Magic is related to belief in the supernatural world Tylor that is to say, he applied a comparative and evolutionist approach to. His work was deeply influenced by Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, and E. He was the best-known anthropologist of his time.
Difference between magic and science Magic Sir James George Frazer was born in Glasgow, in 1854 he died in 1941 in Cambridge, where he spent most of his academic life. The table given below illustrates the difference identified by Frazer between magic and science. Belief in supernatural beings influences people to attempt to appease at all times. According to him, religion is a belief in personal and supernatural powers rather than a product of any rational thinking. With reference to religion, he says it is a momentary departure from truth in the path of human thought. In Frazer’s view, both science and magic have some common things i.e. To justify his viewpoint, Frazer gives an example of Alchemy which eventually ended up becoming chemistry. magic, religion, and science while reading about James George Frazer’s views on religion.įrazer believed primitive people practiced magic which gradually developed into religion which in turn led to science or rational thinking. You will come across three important terminologies i.e. His book ‘the Golden Bough’ written in 1890 is famous for its discourse on primitive religion and culture. James George Frazer (1854-1941) was a Scottish social anthropologist.