The Dissenter

#1106 Kevin Hong: Magic, Divination, and Dream Interpretation Across Societies

Jun 5, 2025
Kevin Hong, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at The University of Macau, delves into the fascinating worlds of magic, divination, and dream interpretation. He explores how cognitive processes shape magical beliefs across various societies. Their conversation reveals the social functions of magical thinking and the intricate relationship between magic and divination. They discuss the cultural implications of chance and taboos, questioning the role these concepts play in both traditional and modern contexts.
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INSIGHT

Magic and Human Cognition

  • Magic arises naturally from human cognitive mechanisms as a form of intuitive causal reasoning.
  • People often mistake correlations for causality, leading to magical beliefs like sympathetic magic.
ANECDOTE

Voodoo Dolls and Sympathetic Magic

  • A voodoo doll embodies principles of similarity and contagion in sympathetic magic.
  • People harm the doll believing it will cause harm to the linked person.
INSIGHT

Social Roles of Magic

  • Magic can serve social control by instilling fear of supernatural punishment.
  • It may also enhance social cohesion and harmony in societies.
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