Education and literacy helped to dispel magical thinking from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
The spread of education and literacy played a crucial role in challenging the prevalence of magical thinking in society. As people became more educated and learned to read, they were exposed to different ideas and ways of thinking that contradicted the superstitious beliefs commonly held in their communities. This exposure to new knowledge and critical thinking skills helped individuals to question and rationalize the ideas and practices associated with magical thinking. Literacy allowed individuals to access a wider range of information, including scientific explanations for natural phenomena that were once attributed to magic. As people gained the ability to read and understand complex texts, they were able to see the world from a more empirical perspective, relying on evidence and reason rather than relying on superstition and supernatural beliefs. This shift towards a more rational and logical mindset undermined the foundations of magical thinking, as people began to view the world through a more skeptical and analytical lens. Education also played a role in dispelling magical thinking by promoting a more systematic approach to knowledge and learning. As people were taught to think critically and evaluate information based on evidence, they were less likely to accept superstitions and myths at face value. Education encouraged individuals to seek out explanations that were grounded in reality, rather than resorting to magical or supernatural interpretations of the world around them.- The rise of education and literacy was instrumental in challenging and ultimately dispelling magical thinking in society. By fostering critical thinking skills, promoting access to diverse sources of information, and encouraging a more rational approach to knowledge, education helped to undermine the influence of superstition and magical beliefs in the minds of individuals. This shift towards a more enlightened and rational mindset marked a significant turning point in the decline of magical thinking and the rise of a more scientifically grounded worldview.
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