Magic and witchcraft are integral aspects of the human experience. Cultural beliefs are rooted in human cognition and psychology and shape our social behaviors. By acknowledging the inherent power of nature and seeking similarities within it, humans attempt to gain a sense of control and meaning in an unpredictable world.

For a clearer understanding of how magical thinking shapes human culture and impacts everything including religion and politics, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cultural anthropologist and author, Phillips Stevens Jr.

Phillips shares his research on the roots of religion and spiritualism in human culture. His latest book is Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.

This episode is part of The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide to Restoring Common Sense and Sanity in a Crazy World — produced in collaboration with renowned, fair-minded subject matter experts who provide strategies that enhance critical thinking, increase civic engagement, and foster healthy pleasure to boost personal well-being and relationship satisfaction.

Phillips Stevens Jr. — Hocus Pocus is Human Nature: 

• How hocus pocus helps humans make sense of the world. {18:54}
• Fundamental principles of magical thinking are not spirit-based. {8:27}
• Magic is hocus pocus intertwined with religious beliefs. {17:22}
• Some groups manipulate using magical thinking to create groupthink and xenophobia. {22:56}

Meet Our Guest:

Phillips Stevens Jr., PhD, is a cultural anthropologist whose research traces and analyzes the roots of religion and spiritualism in human culture. Phil earned his BA from Yale, served in the Peace Corps in Nigeria, and received his PhD from Northwestern. After a 48-year career in the Anthropology Department at the University of Buffalo, he retired in 2019.

Dr. Stevens is a respected author and lecturer known for his work on magic and witchcraft. His latest book is titled Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.

“Even within the religious context, there is a bit of magic.” - Lisa Cypers Kamen

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