faith Flashcards
What is a paradigm?
A set of norms, or a kind of culture or a set of beliefs shared by a group of scientists.
Paradigms shape the way scientists perceive and interact with the world.
What characterizes an open belief system?
All knowledge is open to scrutiny; theories are open to criticism and testing by others.
This principle is known as falsification.
What is a closed belief system?
Religion claims to have special, perfect knowledge of the absolute truth that cannot be challenged.
Those who challenge it may be punished for heresy.
Define organised scepticism.
No knowledge claim is sacred; every idea is open to questioning.
This concept emphasizes critical inquiry in scientific practice.
What does ‘sacred’ refer to in functionalism?
Things that are special because they are a product of a higher being or supernatural power.
Sacred items are often associated with rules and invoke fear.
What does ‘profane’ mean?
Things that have no special significance; they are ordinary and mundane.
Profane items contrast with sacred ones.
What is collective conscience?
Shared norms and values that make individuals feel a sense of belonging.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion.
What is civil religion?
The relationship between religion and national identity.
It often intertwines religious symbols with national rituals.
Define alienation in the context of Marxism.
Becoming separated from or losing control over something that one has produced or created.
This concept highlights the disconnection between workers and the products of their labor.
What does hegemony mean?
Ideological domination or leadership of society.
It refers to the ways in which ruling classes maintain their power.
What is counter hegemony?
An alternative version of how society should be organised based on socialist rather than capitalist values.
It seeks to challenge dominant ideologies.
What is false consciousness?
The working class is unable to see through their positions and exploitation; they are under the illusion of the ruling class.
This term describes a lack of awareness of one’s social conditions.
What is predestination?
The belief that God has already decided who will enter the kingdom of heaven before birth.
This concept leads to individual salvation anxiety.
What does divine transcendence imply?
No individual can rival God or predict His wishes; the only source of information is the Bible itself.
Even priests cannot predict God’s will.
Define asceticism.
Leading a life of abstinence, denying themselves pleasures that could distract them from their devotion to their faith.
This practice is often associated with religious devotion.
What is other world asceticism?
A calling to serve God.
It emphasizes spiritual duties over earthly pleasures.
What is this world asceticism?
Belief that the only way to glorify God is to devote themselves to their work.
This perspective integrates spiritual duty with daily labor.
Define denomination.
A religious organization that has broken away from the main religious organization and accepts the legitimacy of other religious organizations.
It is mid-way between a church and a sect.
What is a sect?
A relatively small religious organization in conflict with other belief systems in society.
Sects often arise from breaking away from mainstream religion.
What characterizes a cult?
A relatively small organization with non-rational beliefs considered deviant by most but coexists with other belief systems.
Cults often have unique practices and beliefs.
Define church in a religious context.
A large religious organization that represents the main religion of society.
Churches typically have a significant influence on social norms.
What are new religious movements?
Religious organizations that have a short time-scale of existence.
They may emerge in response to contemporary social issues.
What are schisms?
Splits in existing organizations.
Schisms often occur due to ideological differences.
Define theodicy of disprivilege.
A religious explanation and justification of the working class’s poverty and suffering.
This concept provides a framework for understanding social inequalities.
What is the New Age movement?
A range of spiritual or religious practices and beliefs.
It often emphasizes personal spirituality and holistic approaches.
What does economic deprivation refer to?
A lack of income and other resources.
Economic deprivation affects individuals’ quality of life.
Define social deprivation.
Limited access to society’s resources and status due to poverty, discrimination, or other disadvantage.
It highlights social inequalities impacting opportunities.
What is psychic deprivation?
Lack of a spiritual connection.
This term addresses the emotional and spiritual impacts of deprivation.
Define ethical deprivation.
Lack of a traditional value consensus.
It reflects a disconnection from shared moral principles.
What is fundamentalism?
An extreme and radical view of religion.
Fundamentalists often reject modernity and seek a return to traditional beliefs.
What does cosmopolitanism mean?
A way of thinking that embraces modernity and aligns with today’s globalising world.
It encourages openness to diverse cultures and ideas.
Define civilization.
The society, culture, and way of life of a particular area.
Civilizations often reflect shared values and practices.
What is secularization?
The decline of religion; the process by which religious beliefs, practices, and institutions lose their importance or influence.
This phenomenon is observed in many modern societies.
What is structural differentiation?
The process by which institutions in society become separated and specialized.
It can lead to increased complexity in social structures.
Define existential security.
The feeling that survival is secure enough that it can be taken for granted.
This sense of security can influence individuals’ spiritual and social behaviors.
