Features of adherence to various forms of magical ideas (based on approbating of the author’s research methodology)

  • Lizaveta V. Reut Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus
  • Alena V. Shkurova Institute of Philosophy, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1 Surganava Street, 2 building, Minsk 220072, Belarus

Abstract

The article is devoted to representing the results of approbating the author’s methodology for studying the level of commitment to exotericism. The categories of magic, magical ideas, mystical knowledge, esotericism, exotericism we re conceptualised. A questionnaire was developed on its basis, its expert assessment was made and subsequent correction was carried out based on the results of cognitive interviews. The article presents the results of a survey of followers of traditional Christian denominations, based on the results of which four types of scales were constructed to assess adherence to modernist, traditionalist, implicit ideas about the effectiveness of magical practices, and orientation towards church practices. The reliability of the scales was checked and a system of indicators was developed to characterise the degree of involvement in these belief systems. The methodology has passed psychometric tests of validity and reliability and can be used for diagnostic, research and prognostic purposes.

Author Biographies

Lizaveta V. Reut, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

lecturer at the department of social work and rehabilitation sciences, postgraduate student at the department of social and organisational psychology, faculty of philosophy and social sciences

Alena V. Shkurova, Institute of Philosophy, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1 Surganava Street, 2 building, Minsk 220072, Belarus

PhD (sociology), docent; senior researcher at the Belarusian-Turkish Research Center

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Published
2024-06-04
Keywords: magic, magical ideas, magical practices, esotericism, exotericism, level of commitment to exotericism
How to Cite
Reut, L. V., & Shkurova, A. V. (2024). Features of adherence to various forms of magical ideas (based on approbating of the author’s research methodology). Journal of the Belarusian State University. Philosophy and Psychology, 2, 47-59. Retrieved from https://journals.bsu.by/index.php/philosophy/article/view/6073