Victorian comparative religion
Psyche's Task: A Discourse Concerning the Influence of Superstition on the Growth of Institutions
Intermediatecomplete
Frazer argues that superstition, although intellectually false, has historically served as a stabilizing force for social institutions. He claims that beliefs in taboos, ghosts, and divine retribution helped establish and preserve the sanctity of marriage, private property, and respect for government, effectively performing a 'task' for the development of civilization.
Also known asSir James George Frazer - Psyche's Task · The Psyche's Task
This edition1909
EditionMacmillan and Co., London
AnthropologyComparative ReligionEvolution of Human ThoughtVictorian Anthropology / Comparative EthnologyMythologyAnthropological FolkloreTaboos & Sacred PersonsSuperstition & Social InstitutionsComparative Mythologyritual documentationMagical thinking and religious beliefComparative study of religious phenomenaOrigins of Marriage & Property LoreSocial Utility of SuperstitionSocial Impact of SuperstitionDual Nature of Superstition
Contents27 chapters
- 01PSYCHE’S TASK
- 02[EPIGRAPHS]
- 03[DEDICATION]
- 04PREFACE
- 05NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION
- 06CONTENTS
- 07PSYCHE’S TASK
- 08I. INTRODUCTION
- 09II. GOVERNMENT
- 10III. PRIVATE PROPERTY
- 11IV. MARRIAGE
- 12V. RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE
- 13VI. CONCLUSION
- 14THE SCOPE OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
- 15THE SCOPE OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
- 16INDEX
- 17ENDNOTES
- 18Chapter I Notes
- 19Chapter II Notes
- 20Chapter III Notes
- 21Chapter IV Notes
- 22Chapter V Notes
- 23Chapter VI Notes
- 24The Scope of Social Anthropology Notes
- 25TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
- 26THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
- 27"Cover"
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