Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences: Concept of «Supernatural» and Difference Between Scientific and Religious Mentality

Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Concept of «Supernatural» and Difference Between Scientific and Religious Mentality

Issue: Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2012 5 (1)
Authors: Popov, Petr L.
Contact information: Popov, Petr L. : Sochava Geography institute SD RAS , 1 Ulanbatorskaya, Irkutsk, 664033 Russia , e-mail:
Keywords: religious mentality; natural and supernatural forces; scientific mentality; unrestricted observation; thinking effort economy
Abstract: Confidence in the existence of supernatural forces and their impact onto human being is the essence of the religious mentality. This article considers the concept content of supernatural realities (forces, worlds, capacities). The difference between science and religion is associated with the requirement for the possibility of unrestricted observation of a phenomenon, which is typical for science, but not for religion. It is a prerequisite for such phenomenon to be included into the world view and a special meaning of the thinking effort economy for science. It is observed that particular areas of knowledge hold what in certain respects is an intermediary position between religion and science.
Pages: 141-150
Paper at repository of SibFU: https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/2645