Superstition

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that the concept of superstition is often commonly understood only in a vague sense as a term that is somehow related to the occult, magic and the paranormal. One of the central aims of this paper is to show that superstitions are often the remnants of knowledge that has been lost or neglected by modern science and forgotten and that they are in many cases not just false beliefs. This approach to the meaning of superstition is one that will allow the reader to understand the term in the context of and in relation to the occult and paranormal traditions in the world. The writer concludes that in the final analysis, the term superstition should be seen as the possible remnant of a larger body of knowledge, which is commonly known as the occult tradition. In this sense, superstition is understood as a watered down version of some greater truth. However, the writer notes that it should also be borne in mind that not all superstitions can be seen in this light and that many are fictitious constructions of fantasy.

From the Paper:

"These definitions point to two different ways of looking at superstition. The first and more conventional view sees superstition, as an empty and fanciful set of beliefs that have no foundation in any reality. This is a view that sees superstition as separate from the occult and paranormal traditions of knowledge.
"The second understanding of superstitions is related to the perception of superstitions as linked to other religious views or to the larger occult traditions in religious systems throughout the world. This meaning is more in line with the idea of occult and paranormal traditions. This view would therefore explain superstitions as being based to a greater or lesser extent on knowledge and lost traditions; or at least having its roots in such knowledge rather than seeing it as mere blind faith and empty fancy."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Jahoda, Gustav. The Psychology of Superstition. London: Allen Lane, 1969. Questia. 19 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=24368337>.
• Kors, Alan Charles. "Did Western Civilization Survive the 20th Century?." The National Interest Winter 1999: 97. Questia. 19 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001854701>.
• Selberg, Torunn. "Taking Superstitions Seriously [1]." Folklore 114.3 (2003): 297+. Questia. 19 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5006399272>.
• Traditions, Superstitions, Truth. November 17, 2007. <http://www.teosofia.com/Mumbai/7509truth.html>
• The Reader's Digest great Encyclopedia Dictionary. London: The Reader's Digest Association. 1964.

More papers on Superstition:

• Book Review # 119153 : "Dracula": Science, Religion, and Superstition"
• Book Review # 134732 : "The Iowa Baseball Confederacy and Baseball Superstition"
• Essay # 21059 : "Superstition and Christianity"

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