Ideology, Science And Religion Flashcards
3 main ways that sociologist have defined religious belief systems?
1) Inclusive or functional
2) Exclusive or substantive
3) Religion as a social construction
What is Inclusive or functional definitions of religion?
Defines a set of beliefs as religious if such beliefs have a positive social and psychological use, for individuals or societies.
What is Exclusive or substantive definitions of religion?
Attempts to explain what religion is by referring to characteristics unique to religious belief system, such as belief in gods or gods.
What is religion as a social construct?
Beckford argues that religious belief system are social constructions. This refers to a phenomenon, category or perception that is manufactured or constructed by society or powerful groups.
Criticism of Inclusive or functional definitions of religion?
Aldridge- may be too broad and may include too much, science and philosophy are also with this view.
Scharf- says it allows any kind of enthusiastic purpose or strong loyalty, provided it Is shared by a group, to count as religion.
Aldridge- prevents sociologists from assessing whether religion is growing, stable or in decline.
Criticism of Exclusive or substantive definitions of religion?
Unclear what can or can’t be defined as supernatural and therefore religious, for example, belief in magic could be considered as religious.
Giddens suggests that many definitions of religion do not focus exclusively on the relationship between the supernatural and humanity.
Criticism on religion as a social construction?
Aldridge- argues that religion should be defined as a cultural resource that shapes and influences peoples everyday behaviours rather than a set of beliefs that result in slavish devotion.
What is the sacred and the profane?
Sacred- includes anything that is seen as symbolic of divine or supernatural power venerated as holy.
Profane- refers to ordinary things that must remain at a distance from the sacred.
Name 3 types of religion?
1) Animism
2) totemism
3) Theistic religions
What is animism?
Belief that a supernatural or spiritual force organises and shapes the physical or material world. Usually associated with religions that are no longer followed, e.g Roman and Aztec.
What is totemism?
When tribes adopt a totem as their divine protector and provider. A totem is some aspect of nature. Totems also refer to the origins of the tribe.
What is theistic regions?
Focuses on beliefs in a sacred, higher and controlling power that is god or gods.
2 types of theistic religions:
1) Monotheistic religions- believe in one divine power.
2) Polytheistic religions- believe in a purity of gods.
The difference between Science and Religion?
Science- is an open belief system because the data collected is open to rational scrutiny, criticism and testing by others. Knowledge is cumulative.
Religion- seen as a closed belief system m this is because religions knowledge is sacred and cannot be challenged. It can’t change, punishes for heresy.
What is Intelligent Design Theory?
Says that there is scientific evidence that life was created by an Intelligent designer.
What does Feyerabend suggest about science?
Says science is not as open as it says it is. Claims that there is no actual scientific model that they follow, says that they follow their own rules and often deviate from rational thinking.
