Mythical Thinking: What Is It And How Does It Direct Our Mind?
Human beings have tried since their beginnings find meaning in existence who we are and what happens around us.
To achieve this, it has used very diverse strategies, which have ended up leading to current scientific thinking, which works based on empirical evidence and the testing of hypotheses with the available means.
However, before this there have been different types of explanation of reality that have been based on different elements. One of the types of thinking that have preceded scientific thinking when interpreting the different phenomena and unknowns of life is the mythical thought
We call mythical thinking a type of worldview or attempted explanation of reality characterized by the use of logic based on symbolism. An attempt is made to satisfy the need to give meaning to what surrounds us, based on the beliefs and values of the time and the situation in which it occurs.
In mythical thought it is intended to account for various aspects based on fantastic narratives, in which subjective elements and references to heroic figures abound. Metaphorical use is made of such narratives, which are called myths, using them based on the association between contiguous or similar elements. The way in which the content of this thought is maintained is through tradition and the passing of myths from generation to generation, whether orally or in writing.
It is common for references to deities and supernatural elements to be made that allow us to personify aspects whose cause is unknown so that what we know (such as purposeful human behavior) is used to explain what is extraordinary to us (such as a lightning strike). Furthermore, it has a mainly practical purpose when seeking explanations for phenomena that have an effect on us.
Offers a direct explanation of reality so focused on the culture itself that works on it, without in the mythical thought itself there being a questioning or an attempt to falsify said explanation. Likewise, the type of answers they offer tend to be deterministic and based on the belief regarding destiny, so that it usually gives rise to the belief that one’s own actions cannot alter the course of nature.
Differences between mythical thinking and scientific thinking
Mythical thought is, as we have seen, the predecessor of philosophical thought and scientist They have in common that both types of thinking try to offer human beings an explanation of why reality is the way it is and the origin of different phenomena, as well as the fact that they are based on theories that are usually based on the stability of reality..
When it comes to differences, one of the main points of divergence is that while mythical thinking focuses on offering an explanation based on subjectivity and beliefs Scientific thinking aims to obtain knowledge based on empirical evidence which can be observed directly.
Likewise, scientific thinking allows the falsification and contrast of its results, thereby allowing self-criticism and refutation of what has already been stipulated. Mythical thought, on the other hand, tends to be dogmatic and not accept alterations nor look for visible evidence of its veracity.
Another divergent aspect is that we can see how scientific thinking has sought to overcome ethnocentric conceptions to focus on establishing an explanation that is as universal as possible for the events.
The mythical thought It is often assimilated with religious thought The reasons for this are varied, such as the fact that many religions have actually developed their own myths as explanatory elements of reality, many of them of an ethnocentric nature, which use supernatural elements in their interpretation of it and which have been transmitted through of generations until reaching the present day. In fact, in many cases it has been proposed that the origin of religions can be found in this type of thinking.
However, although linked and although they share some characteristics, mythical thought does not necessarily overlap with religion.
Among other differences, we can highlight that religion does not have to offer a deterministic conception of reality and generally religious faith is elaborated in a way that establishes a code of ethics and conduct among those who share the same beliefs. Furthermore, some religions do not use explanations based on personification or supernatural elements to explain natural phenomena.
Its importance
Although today it is considered that mythical thought has been superseded by scientific thought, it must be taken into account that mythical thought has had a great influence and importance in society both in the past and currently.
Among other things, it has allowed us to advance little by little towards ways of explaining reality that are more limited to what is observable. He has also contributed greatly to the development of culture, allowing different perspectives regarding life, reality and the unknown to exist. Religious beliefs have also been able to develop thanks to this type of thinking.
Ethics has also been influenced by mythical thinking In myths we can observe the values of our ancestors, which have been developed in different ways thanks to culture. Likewise, also in the world of art it has had and continues to have a great influence, serving many myths of artistic inspiration in all existing art forms.
