the science of magic religion

How does Malinowski distinguish between magic and science and between magic and religion?


Throughout the reading, Malinowski provided several key differences in how to distinguish between magic and science. Malinowski argues that sciences is “guided by reason and based on the conception of natural forces” where as magic is “made by tradition and springs from the idea of a certain mystic, impersonal power.” Malinowski believes that “savage” communities have the basic beginnings of sciences, but it is very underdeveloped. Many of the magic ceremonies preformed seem to mainly take place due to tradition instead of superstitions. For example the natives regard magic as an absolutely indispensable part of the welfare of their gardens, no one knew exactly what would happen to the gardens without the magic ritual, but they did know that their magic ritual could not protect the gardens from mother nature; but they continued to do the magic ritual anyways. Now the difference between magic and religion are simple; where magic is based on “man’s confidence that he can dominate nature directly”and is more of a social grouping of beliefs and practices, religion does not cling to anyone object or class of objects, and is not identical with Society.