The decline of magic represents a shift towards secularism and rationalism from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
Keith Thomas examines the historical process by which belief in magic declined in Western society. He argues that as society progressed, there was a noticeable shift towards secularism and rationalism, which led to a decreased reliance on magical beliefs and practices. Throughout history, magic had served as a way for individuals to make sense of the world and exert control over their circumstances. However, as scientific advancements and intellectual movements gained prominence, people began to question the efficacy of magical rituals and charms. The rise of rationalism led individuals to seek logical explanations for phenomena that had previously been attributed to magical forces. Furthermore, the inc...
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