Religion v. Science

The reading itself explains how religion and science can work together seamlessly. While in our country there always seems to be a battle raging between the two, very few people take the time to realize that both are valid.

Those who get solely behind science do so because it proves things. With it, there is a physical evidence behind everything not labeled a theory, many processes are explained through it, etc. However, much is left unexplained. People strive to explain the unexplainable through religion. This diminishes the need for further research because a certain outcome could be "God's will." This is why, in our country specifically, those who have faith in religion are looked at as ignorant. It should not be that way though. There are plenty of things we may never explain such as the ever-expanding universe, why we're here, and how everything came to be. Since science cannot currently explain such ideas, this makes a valid argument for religion. Many of the great scientists believed in God and science and understood how both could serve important roles in the life of a person.

Both religion and science have their place in society. Obviously, you cannot use one to explain the other but this only further proves why they're both necessary.

Separation of science and magic

In Malinowski's description of the Trobiband islander's gardening and agriculture he explains the difference between magic and science to them. The islanders have a clear knowledge of the natural course of growth, pests, weeding, and all other natural occurrences one must know in order to properly farm. Then there are also the "unaccountable and adverse influences" and "unearned" streaks of "fortunate coincidence". So as not to remain helpless in the face of these unknowns and chance occurrences, the islanders employ specific rituals and magic. They use both magic and science- with no confusions that one is the same as the other- in order to ensure the best crops. The article also goes on to explain the same distinctions in canoe building. 

Rationality, I don't believe, suggests a lack of faith in magical rites or religion. People who are smart and scientific, can still be religious. There only needs to be a separation between science and magic (similar to the separation of church and state in my opinion). I think most people need to believe in something that will protect them from, or at least explain, all the unknown elements that are still everywhere in our world. 

Magic, Science and Religion Blog

For this blog, please either answer one or more of these questions or pose your own questions about the reading for this week (Malinowski's "Magic, Science, and Relgion").

How does Malinowski categorize the sacred and profane?

What do you think about his arguments? His definitions?

Narrate Malinowski’s examples of magical and scientific behaviors.

How does Malinowski distinguish between magic and science and between magic and religion?

What is signified by setting apart the sphere of work from the sphere of ritual among the ‘Trobriand Islanders?

Does a rational outlook to one’s surroundings imply the absence of
faith in magical rites?