Animatism

Animatism is a term coined by R. R. Marett to refer to the belief of certain cultures in supernatural forces and powers.

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These forces are inanimate and impersonal, which is not the case with the beliefs classed as animism. For example. the Melanesians, believe in mana as a force inherent in all objects. It is not physical per se, but may manifest itself physically. So, in their system of belief, a warrior who performs bravely in battle does so because of a mana-containing amulet he wears, and not because of his prowess.

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R. R. Marett: Redirect Robert Ranulph Marett...

Supernatural: The supernatural (Latin: super- "exceeding" + nature) comprises forces and phenomena which are beyond the realm of current scientific understanding, and which may actually directly contradict conventional scientific understandings....

Animism: Animism has been used in a number of ways since Edward Tylor used it (in 1871) as a label to define the essence of religion as the 'belief in spirits' (i.e. metaphyisical, non-empirical or imagined entities). The majority of this entry discusses the original term, and the changes in its definition o...