Scientific advancements further eroded belief in magic from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
The progress of science, with its insistent questioning and steady accumulation of evidence, had a profound impact on the beliefs and practices of individuals during the period explored in this work. As new discoveries were made and old theories were disproven, the once solid foundation of magical thinking began to crumble. The scientific method, with its emphasis on empirical observation and logical reasoning, provided an alternative framework for understanding the world that was at odds with the supernatural explanations offered by magic. This clash of perspectives led many to reevaluate their beliefs and eventually abandon the reliance on magic that had been so prevalent in earlier times. One of the key ways in which scientific advancements eroded belief in magic was by offering natural explanations for previously mysterious phenomena. The study of anatomy, for example, revealed the inner workings of the human body and dispelled myths about the causes of disease and death. Instead of attributing illness to curses or malevolent spirits, people began to understand the role of germs and contagion in spreading sickness. Similarly, advances in astronomy and physics challenged the notion of a world governed by unseen forces and instead presented a universe operating according to predictable laws. As scientific knowledge continued to expand, the gap between the empirical evidence provided by researchers and the superstitions promoted by magical practitioners widened. The credibility of magic as a legitimate source of power and knowledge was called into question, as more and more people turned to science to explain the mysteries of the natural world. The decline of magic can thus be seen as a direct result of the increasing influence of scientific thought on the beliefs and practices of society.- The rise of scientific advancements during this time period had a profound impact on the erosion of belief in magic. The empirical evidence and logical reasoning offered by the scientific method provided a stark contrast to the supernatural explanations put forth by magical thinking. As people began to embrace a more rational and evidence-based worldview, the allure of magic as a means of understanding and controlling the world diminished. The decline of magic can thus be seen as a natural consequence of the progress of science and the changing attitudes towards the supernatural that accompanied it.
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