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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2018/Paper I/Anthropology of Religion
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper I 2018 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Difference Between Science and Magic — 2018 Paper I

Question · 2018 · Paper I · 10 Marks

Difference between Science and Magic

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Differentiate science and magic anthropologically in terms of principles, methods and understanding of causation.
  • Structuring the Response: Present Frazer’s distinction, compare their characteristics, and use Malinowski to show why magic persists alongside empirical knowledge.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: Frazer, similarity, contagion, empirical verification, causation, Malinowski, Trobriand Islanders and uncertainty.

Model Answer

Introduction: Both science and magic attempt to establish control over events, but they differ fundamentally in their understanding of causation, verification and effectiveness. James Frazer distinguished magic from science while observing that both assume regularity in nature.

Major differences

Science Magic
Based on empirical observation Based on supernatural/mystical assumptions
Hypotheses can be tested Beliefs are generally not experimentally tested
Causal relationships are demonstrable Causation is symbolic or analogical
Open to correction Failure may be attributed to incorrect ritual
Knowledge is cumulative Knowledge is often traditional and ritualized

Frazer identified two principles of sympathetic magic:

  1. Law of Similarity: Like produces like — homeopathic magic.
  2. Law of Contagion: Things once connected continue to influence each other — contagious magic.

Thus:

Science → Empirical causation
Magic → Symbolic/mystical causation

Malinowski, studying the Trobriand Islanders, showed that magic did not replace practical knowledge. Islanders used empirical skills in safe lagoon fishing but relied more heavily on magic in uncertain open-sea fishing.

Conclusion: Science provides empirically testable explanations, whereas magic operates through culturally accepted symbolic causation. Anthropologically, magic also serves psychological and social functions under uncertainty.

2026 Myth as oral literature. 2026 How do religious beliefs help people to devise cultural mechanisms to adapt to their environment? Discuss in detail with appropriate examples. 2025 Critically examine James Frazer's theory of evolutionism. Elucidate the place of religion in modernity. 2023 How did Clifford Geertz look at religion ? Differentiate between anthropological and psychological approaches to the study of religion.

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