Beliefs in Society Key Concepts

Substantive

Substantive

Religious definition focusing on the content, defining it as the belief in a supernatural power/god

Functional

Religious definition focussing on its function, defining religion as having a role in society like social integration or for an individual like providing answers of life after death

Constructionist

Religious definition focusing on how individuals define religion instead of requiring a belief in god or a similar function for all

Pluralistically legitimate

Having your own beliefs but recognising other beliefs are legitimate and could be true.

Circulatory explanations

Explaining religious beliefs via other beliefs within the religion

Subsidiary explanations

Using ‘get out’ clauses to explain occurrences that contradict religious beliefs.

Denial of legitimacy to rivals

Blatantly rejecting other beliefs

CUDOS norms

4 key principles of modern science

Communism

Scientific knowledge is shared throughout the community

Universalism

Scientific theories are objectively judged and agreed collectively, not just by one nation or social group

Disinterestedness

Scientists have no stakes in the knowledge to avoid bias and exaggerating their findings.

Organised Scepticism

There is no sacred scientific knowledge, all is open to objective investigation and criticism.

Imagined community

Nationalism creating a false sense of togetherness within a country.