The decline of magic was part of a broader shift towards modernity from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
The decline of magic did not occur in isolation. It was intertwined with a larger societal transformation towards modernity. As people began to embrace new scientific discoveries and rational thinking, the old beliefs in magic and superstition started to lose their grip. The shift towards modernity brought about changes in various aspects of life, including religion, politics, and social norms. Religion played a significant role in this transition. The Reformation challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and paved the way for new interpretations of religious doctrine. As Protestantism gained ground, it brought with it a more rational and less superstitious approach to spirituality. This shift in religious beliefs had a ripple effect on the way people viewed magic and the supernatural. Furthermore, the rise of the modern state also played a role in the decline of magic. As centralized governments gained power and control, they sought to regulate and standardize various aspects of society, including religion and magic. The state's increasing influence over religious practices and beliefs contributed to the marginalization of magic as a legitimate form of knowledge or power. The emergence of new technologies and scientific advancements further eroded belief in magic. The Age of Enlightenment ushered in an era of reason and empirical inquiry, challenging traditional beliefs in the supernatural. As people began to understand the natural world through a scientific lens, the need for magical explanations diminished.- The decline of magic can be seen as a natural consequence of broader societal changes towards modernity. As people embraced new ways of thinking and understanding the world, the old beliefs in magic and superstition lost their credibility. The shift towards modernity brought about a fundamental transformation in the way people viewed religion, politics, and knowledge, ultimately leading to the decline of magic as a legitimate form of power or authority.
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