Discuss the concept of animism and differentiate it from naturism. (UPSC CSE Mains 2024 - Sociology, Paper 1)
Animism and naturism are two important concepts in the study of religion and belief systems, particularly in early societies. While related, they have distinct characteristics and implications.
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Animism
• Coined by anthropologist Edward Tylor in 1871
• Belief that all things—including animals, plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena—possess a spirit or soul
• Considers these spirits as conscious entities that can influence human affairs
• Often involves practices to appease or communicate with these spirits
• Example: The Shinto religion in Japan, where natural objects like trees and rocks are believed to house spirits (kami)
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Naturism
• Developed by Max Müller as an alternative to animism
• Focuses on the worship of natural phenomena themselves, rather than spirits within them
• Views nature as inherently sacred or divine
• Often associated with personification of natural forces (e.g., sun god, rain goddess)
• Example: Ancient Egyptian religion, where Ra was worshipped as the sun god
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Differences between animism and naturism
- Animism attributes consciousness to objects and phenomena, while naturism venerates nature itself
- Animism involves a multitude of spirits, whereas naturism often leads to polytheistic or pantheistic systems
- Animism tends to be more localized and specific, while naturism can develop into more complex religious systems
While both concepts attempt to explain early religious thought, animism emphasizes spiritual essence in all things, whereas naturism focuses on the divinity of nature itself.
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