Magic, Science and Religion

work by Malinowski

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June 17, 2026

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Bronisław Malinowski's work, Magic, Science and Religion, explores the distinct roles these three concepts play in human societies. Malinowski viewed magic as fulfilling individual psychological needs, contrasting it with religion's communal aspects and science's rational logic. He argued that magic is not simply flawed science but serves a vital function, such as sustaining confidence in endeavors where outcomes are uncertain. His research, particularly among the Trobriand Islanders, emphasized understanding these practices within their cultural context rather than dismissing them as primitive superstitions.123

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Sociological theories
…the Western Pacific (1922) and Magic, Science and Religion (1925). Radcliffe-Brown posited that the function of magic was to express the social importance of the desired event, while Malinowski regarded magic as directly and essentially concerned with the psychological needs of the individual.
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…the Western Pacific (1922) and Magic, Science and Religion (1925). Radcliffe-Brown posited that the function of magic was to express the social importance of the desired event, while Malinowski regarded magic as directly and essentially concerned with the psychological needs of the individual.
Read More