Anthropology of the Supernatural

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to the academic study of the supernatural in anthropology.

Religious Pluralism

The coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and practices within a society.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for cultural differences, particularly in the context of communication and interaction.

Colonialism

The practice or policy of controlling another country or region, often through military force or economic domination.

Supernatural

Existing or occurring through some agency beyond the forces of nature; often associated with religious beliefs and experiences.

Unilinear Cultural Evolution

The theory that cultures evolve in a single linear trajectory from simple to complex forms.

Witchcraft

A practice involving magic and supernatural beliefs often used within a cultural context to explain misfortune.

Participatory Consciousness

A way of knowing that emphasizes connection and participation, contrasting with rationality.

Rationality

A way of thinking based on logic and reason, often emphasizing detached observation.

Causation

The relationship between cause and effect, essential in understanding supernatural beliefs.

Anthropology

The scientific study of human societies, cultures, and their development.