AI Says...
A Contrast Between Japan and Other Societies
The development of human societies depends on several factors, including social organization, education, the economy, and culture. A crucial but often overlooked aspect in this context is how beliefs, particularly religious and superstitious, influence collective behavior and societal progress. This phenomenon can be explored through the concept of "paramagical reason," which is defined as a mode of thinking where explanations and decisions are based on irrational, magical, or superstitious beliefs, rather than logic, science, or rationality.
An analysis of the relationship between paramagical reason and underdevelopment reveals significant differences between nations like Japan, influenced by ancestral beliefs such as Shintoism, and some African or Muslim countries, where magical-religious practices sometimes seem to hinder economic and social progress.
Japan: A Fusion of Beliefs and Modernity
Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion, is based on the belief in spirits (kami) inhabiting natural elements, along with rituals aimed at maintaining harmony between humans and these spirits. This belief may seem archaic and rooted in superstitions associated with a form of paramagical reasoning. However, Japan's uniqueness lies in its ability to integrate these beliefs without compromising technological and economic development.
Several factors can explain this difference:
The flexibility of Shintoism: Unlike more rigid religious systems, Shintoism has easily adapted to social and political changes. Japan capitalized on modernization during the Meiji era (1868–1912), adopting Western technologies while preserving its religious traditions. Thus, instead of hindering development, religion played a more cultural than dogmatic role.
Coexistence with science: While maintaining its spiritual traditions, Japan quickly adopted science and technology as pillars of development. Shintoist beliefs did not replace educational systems or economic institutions. This contrasts with societies where paramagical practices interfere with public policies or investments in education and research.
The role of ethics and community: Belief in the kami and respect for ancestors fostered social cohesion and a sense of collective duty. This type of community ethics helped strengthen institutions and maintain discipline, which supported rapid economic growth.
Africa and the Muslim World: Paramagical Reason and Obstacles to Development
In Africa and some Muslim countries, forms of paramagical reason heavily influence social and economic practices. These beliefs, ranging from witchcraft to divination, have negative impacts on societies in several areas.
Barriers to scientific rationality: In some regions of Africa, belief in witchcraft and occult magic remains powerful, influencing political, judicial, and economic decisions. For example, leaders may consult soothsayers before making important decisions, while certain diseases are attributed to black magic rather than biological or environmental causes. This diverts resources that could be allocated to education and scientific research, which are essential for development.
Fragmented societies and lack of national solidarity: Belief in witchcraft often divides communities. Accusations of witchcraft can create tensions and social fractures, hindering the cooperation necessary for economic development. In some countries, entire villages may be ostracized due to accusations of occult practices, weakening the social fabric.
Religious fatalism and immobility: In some Muslim societies, a literal interpretation of predestination (destiny being seen as entirely controlled by God) can create a sense of helplessness in the face of socio-economic challenges. This fatalistic attitude sometimes prevents the adoption of initiatives for change. While other societies invest in innovation and social reforms, behaviors guided by paramagical reasoning can encourage passive acceptance of difficulties, limiting efforts to overcome them.
Concrete examples:
In Tanzania, reliance on witchcraft to explain natural or economic phenomena has led to violent acts, such as attacks on albinos, whose body parts are believed to possess magical powers.
In some parts of the Muslim world, distrust of scientific advances is evident in health and education, where vaccinations and school reforms have been rejected on the grounds that they contradict religious teachings or favor conspiracies.
The Key to Development: Rationality, Institutions, and Beliefs
The contrast between Japan and certain African or Muslim countries shows that the mere presence of paramagical beliefs or superstitions does not fully explain underdevelopment. What matters more is how these beliefs interact with political, economic, and educational institutions.
Japan: Traditional beliefs have been integrated into a modern framework where science, technology, and education dominate development, with a society that knows how to benefit from both.
Africa and the Muslim world: In some cases, paramagical reason tends to paralyze modernization efforts by weakening scientific rationality, fragmenting society, and instilling a sense of immobility.
Thus, the true factor for success lies in the ability to establish strong institutions, promote science and education, and frame traditional beliefs so they do not become an obstacle to progress.
Conclusion
Paramagical reason, while integral to certain cultures, is not an absolute determinant of underdevelopment. What makes the difference is how societies manage to balance beliefs and rationality, tradition and modernity. Japan demonstrates that it is possible to embrace an ancient spirituality while fostering innovation and development, while other nations must overcome the negative impacts of paramagical reasoning to progress.