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 worki...
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