Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of
Science and Ideas

 

 

 

shamans and magicians in different cultures describe
their activity in terms of some "other world", a parallel
level of reality populated with mythical beings like devils
and fairies, ancient heroes and spirits of forefathers,
nature gods and totemic animals. the magician
connects to the other reality, e.g. by means of ritual,
music and dance, or drugs. once there, he/she can
communicate directly with these "magical agents",
block their malign attacks, or receive advice and help
from them for protection, cure etc.

 

the lecture describes the change in attitude towards the
"other world" in western culture, from brutal rejection at
the beginning of the modern period to its re-discovery
in late 20th century popular and technological culture,
and touches on some societal and gender aspects of
this change.