animism

/'ænimizm/

Thân thiện

Animism holds that the forest itself possesses a living spirit.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or conscious life: Animism is a religious or philosophical doctrine attributing a spiritual essence to plants, inanimate objects, and natural events.
   • The attribution of a living soul to inanimate objects and natural phenomena: This concept often involves the belief that spirits inhabit rocks, rivers, mountains, and animals, influencing human affairs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The anthropologist studied the tribe's animism, which held that the river and the ancient trees were sacred beings.
  • Animism is a core component of many indigenous spiritual traditions around the world.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical/Anthropological Context: In academic discourse, "animism" is often discussed as a foundational stage in the development of religious thought, contrasting with monotheism or modern scientific materialism.
  • The debate centered on whether early human societies universally passed through an animistic stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Animist (noun): A person who believes in or practices animism.
  • The animist made an offering to the spirit of the forest.
• Animistic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by animism.
  • Their animistic beliefs were reflected in their respectful treatment of the natural world.

Synonyms

• Spiritualism: (in this specific context) The belief that spirits are present in the natural world.
• Pantheism: (related but distinct) The doctrine that God is identical with the universe and its phenomena. Note: Pantheism often sees a single divine spirit in everything, while animism typically involves many distinct spirits.

Idioms and Phrases

Học thuật

Noun

1. the doctrine that all natural objects and the universe itself have souls
   • animism is common among primitive peoples