Durkheim Flashcards
Durkheim- Why did Durkheim research primitive religions?
Because he believed that they provided the framework for modern religions
Durkheim- How did Durkheim compare religions?
Durkheim stated that some religions are better than others because their ideas are richer in thought, but all are equally religious because they provide material for specific contextual human needs
Durkheim - What do religious representations express?
Collective realities which are born in the context of assembled groups
Durkheim - Explain the two groups of religious phenomena and their relationship
Beliefs, which are states of opinion and consist of representation of sacred things and the way in which they interact with each other
Rites, which are modes of action and rules which describe how one must conduct themselves with the sacred
One must understand the belief to understand the rite
Durkheim - Describe the sacred and the profane, and explain the relationship between the two
The sacred is something which is special or symbolic to a specific religious institution, such as a place or a practice.
The profane is everything which exists outside of the sacred
Through ceremonies, the profane can pass into the sacred realm
Durkheim - What is the plurality of sacred things?
The concept of beliefs being formed from multiple ideas, connections and experiences
Durkheim - Define religion
A unified system of beliefs and practises relative to sacred things, set apart and forbidden - beliefs and practises which unite into a single, moral community
Durkheim - What is the difference between magic and religion?
Unlike religion, magic does not bind those who practise it
Durkheim - What is totemism?
Totemism is the emphasis and celebration of an object. The process designates identity, provides religious distinction, and creates a collective, representative identity
Durkheim - What is a churinga?
A churinga is a totem specific to a clan. Usually a sacred object, the totem which is generationally owned, provides a link to the clan’s ancestors and forms a collective identity
Durkheim - Describe the effect of performing rituals
Performing rituals affirms the values of a specific clan through social cohesion, and yields collective effervescence
Durkheim - What is a church?
A church is a society whose members are united because they imagine the sacred world and its relation to the profane in the same way, and because they translate this representation into the same practises.
Durkheim - What is a primitive religion?
A primitive religion is one which is explainable without reference to another religion.
