Belief Systems

Question 1

What are beliefs?

Answer 1

Beliefs are ideas about things we hold to be true. There is a wide range of beliefs in society.

Question 2

Open Belief Systems

Answer 2

Karl Popper argues that an open belief system is a belief system or theory that is open to scrutiny, criticism and testing by others. This means it can ultimately be disproved. Eg science is governed by the principle of falsification where scientists deliberately seek evidence that would disprove existent theories.

Question 3

Closed Belief Systems

Answer 3

Robin Horton distinguishes between open and closed belief systems. He sees science as an open belief system. Contrastingly, religion is a closed belief system as they make claims about knowledge that can not be overturned or disproved.

Question 4

Defining religion - functional definitions

Answer 4

These types of definitions focus on the functions that religions perform in society. An advantage is they are inclusive but a disadvantage is it presumes religion integrates individuals into groups and could mean therefore that football could be classed as a religion because it is too broad.

Question 5

Defining religion - functional definitions

Answer 5

These types of definitions focus on the functions that religions perform in society. An advantage is they are inclusive but a disadvantage is it presumes religion integrates individuals into groups and could mean therefore that football could be classed as a religion because it is too broad.

Question 6

Defining religion - substantive definitions

Answer 6

These definitions are concerned with the content of religion rather than its function or purpose eg a belief in god or the supernatural. This makes these definitions exclusive. An advantage of this is it conforms to a commonly held view of religion eg belief in god but a disadvantage is it does not allow for beliefs and practices that perform similar functions to religion but there is no belief in god. They are accused of being biased towards western religions.

Question 7

Glock and Stark five key characteristics common to all religions

Answer 7

1 - beliefs - member will accept the major beliefs of that religion
2 - practice - a member will engage in certain practices
3 - experience - a religious person will have some experience or communication with a god
4 - knowledge - a religious person will have some knowledge and understanding of the teachings of their religion
5 - behaviour - a religious person will be expected to adopt a behaviour that fits into their religion.