Life on the Boundaries: Magic, Religion and Science in Africa

I am using Paul Tillich's notion of boundary to argue that magic, religion and science constitute boundaries of existence which people cross frequently in their attempts to come to terms with reality. I highlight theories of magic proposed by Marcel Mauss, Bronislaw Malinowski, and with reference to Africa argue that Edward Evans-Prichard's subordination of magic to witchcraft has led to the theoretical demise of the concept of magic in African studies. Such a demise however, has not destroyed magic. Furthermore, I will argue that religion and science have influenced perception and life but have not eclipsed magic. Those three entities co-exist and are employed by people as the need arises. I will conclude the lecture by arguing that magic, religion and science share one similarity which deserves critical attention and that similarity is the view that magic provides possibilities for rethinking ethical theory.