Sir Edward Burnett Tylor’s Definition of Religion

Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, a prominent English anthropologist of the 19th century, made notable contributions to the study of religion and anthropology. His work provided crucial insights into the nature of religion and its role in human societies. This article explores Tylor’s definition of religion and its significance within the discipline of anthropology.

The Belief in Spiritual Beings as Fundamental

Tylor posited that the belief in spiritual beings is a fundamental aspect of religion across all known societies. According to him, religious beliefs and practices emerge from the human inclination to attribute life and agency to natural phenomena and objects. Tylor argued that this attribution serves as the foundation for religious thought and behavior in diverse cultural contexts.

Reintroducing Animism

Tylor reintroduced the term “animism” and considered it the initial phase in the development of religions. Animism, as conceptualized by Tylor, refers to the belief in individual souls or animas present in all things and natural manifestations. He observed that many societies hold a belief in spirits that inhabit not only living beings but also inanimate objects such as rocks, trees, and rivers. Tylor regarded animism as an early and universal form of religious belief.

Cultural Evolutionism and the Development of Society and Religion

Tylor’s ideas on cultural evolutionism played a significant role in shaping his understanding of religion. He proposed that there is a functional basis for the development of society and religion, which he considered universal. Tylor argued that all societies progress through three fundamental stages: from savagery, through barbarism, to civilization. Religion, in Tylor’s view, evolves alongside society, adapting to the changing needs and circumstances of human communities.

Contributions to Anthropology

Sir Edward Burnett Tylor is widely recognized as a foundational figure in the field of social anthropology. His scholarly works, including “Primitive Culture” (1871) and “Anthropology” (1881), played a crucial role in establishing anthropology as a distinct discipline in the nineteenth century. Tylor’s emphasis on studying religious beliefs and practices as a means to comprehend human societies paved the way for future anthropologists to explore the cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of religion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sir Edward Burnett Tylor’s definition of religion centered around the belief in spiritual beings as a fundamental aspect of human culture. Through his concept of animism and his ideas on cultural evolutionism, Tylor provided valuable insights into the development and function of religion within societies. His contributions to anthropology laid the foundation for the cross-cultural study of religion and continue to shape the field today.

Sources:

• Encyclopedia of Religion and Social Science – Edward Burnett Tylor: http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/tylor.htm
• Edward Burnett Tylor – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Burnett_Tylor
• E. B. Tylor – Animistic Theory of Religion and Religion in ‘Primitive Culture’ – Bishop’s Encyclopedia of Religion, Society and Philosophy: https://jamesbishopblog.com/2020/03/16/e-b-tylor-animistic-theory-of-religion-and-religion-in-primitive-culture/

FAQs

Sir Edward Burnett Tylor’s Definition of Religion

What was Sir Edward Burnett Tylor’s definition of religion?

Tylor defined religion as the belief in spiritual beings, which he considered a fundamental aspect present in all known societies. According to Tylor, this belief in spiritual beings forms the basis of religious thought and behavior across cultures.

What is animism, and how did Tylor relate it to religion?

Tylor reintroduced the term “animism” and regarded it as the initial phase in the development of religions. Animism, as defined by Tylor, is the belief in individual souls or animas present in all things and natural manifestations. Tylor observed that many societies hold a belief in spirits that inhabit not only living beings but also inanimate objects. He considered animism to be an early and universal form of religious belief.

How did Tylor view the relationship between society and religion?

Tylor’s ideas on cultural evolutionism shaped his understanding of the relationship between society and religion. He proposed that there is a functional basis for the development of both society and religion, which he believed to be universal. Tylor argued that as societies progress through different stages of development, religion evolves alongside them, adapting to the changing needs and circumstances of human communities.

What were the three stages of development proposed by Tylor?

Tylor maintained that all societies pass through three basic stages of development: from savagery, through barbarism, to civilization. These stages represent different levels of social organization and cultural complexity, with religion evolving and transforming along with societal advancements.

What were Sir Edward Burnett Tylor’s contributions to the field of anthropology?

Tylor is considered a founding figure of the science of social anthropology. His scholarly works, such as “Primitive Culture” and “Anthropology,” were instrumental in the development of anthropology as a distinct discipline in the nineteenth century. Tylor’s emphasis on studying religious beliefs and practices as a means to understand human societies paved the way for future anthropologists to explore the cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of religion.

How did Tylor’s definition of religion influence the study of anthropology?

Tylor’s definition of religion and his insights into its universality and development had a profound impact on the study of anthropology. By considering religion as a fundamental aspect of human culture, Tylor provided a framework for cross-cultural comparisons and analysis. His ideas laid the foundation for the scientific study of religion within the broader field of anthropology, enabling scholars to explore the diverse expressions and functions of religion across different societies and historical periods.