myth and adaptation module 2 Flashcards
What are some of the core functions of myths according to Mircea Eliade?
Myths embody ideal values, express the “perfect” cosmic order, and provide models for human behavior.
Myths help people orient their lives in harmony with the cosmos and sacred time, bringing humans closer to perfection and sacred origins.
How do myths serve as “windows” to the human unconscious, according to Eliade and Jung?
Myths reveal unconscious structures and needs, representing an expressive level of the psyche.
: What do religious symbols in myths represent?
They point to universal aspects of human nature and reflect the structures of the world in the human mind and nature.
What deeper level of reality do mythological symbols point to?
They point to a plane of existence that lies beyond human consciousness, linking natural and cosmic orders.
What argument is made regarding the universal presence of myths in human cultures?
It is suggested that the creation of myths is an evolutionary accomplishment, helping humans understand the universe and coordinate their behavior.
How do myths serve a socialization function?
Myths internalize the order of the outside world into individual psychology, helping people manage unconscious and subconscious drives.
How do myths help humans adapt to their environment?
Myths provide rational frameworks for understanding and adapting to the environment, making natural phenomena predictable and comprehensible.
What role do myths play in the social organization?
Myths express a social charter, providing guidelines for individual and collective behavior, and representing human nature and capabilities.
