A Cognitive Theory of Magic

The author presents a new theory of magical actions based on a wide array of recent findings in the cognitive sciences. Analysing classical ethnographic cases, he argues that paying close attention to the underlying cognitive processes will not only explain why magical rituals look the way they do, it will also supply new insights into the role of magic in the formation of institutionalised religion.

Jesper Sorensen, Ph.D., is associate professor in comparative religion at the Institute of Philosophy, Education, and the Study of Religions, University of Southern Denmark

Figures	p. vii
Introduction	p. 1
Magic in the History of the Social Sciences	p. 9
The Cognitive Foundation of Magical Action	p. 31
Magical Rituals and Conceptual Blending	p. 63
Transformation and Manipulation: A Typology of Magical Actions	p. 95
Frames of Ritual Action: Causation, Diagnosis and Prognosis	p. 141
Ritual Purpose and the Relation Between Magic, Culture and Religion	p. 171
References	p. 193
Index	p. 209
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A Cognitive Theory of Magic

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials