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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Animism and Animatism?

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Animism and animatism are both anthropological terms related to the belief in spirits residing in objects and beings. However, they differ in their focus and interpretation of these spirits.

Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence. It perceives all things, such as animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even words, as animated and alive. Animists believe that spirits can interact with people and may have their own characteristics, such as gender, temperament, and morality. Animism is found in various religions, including Shinto, Neopaganism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Animatism, on the other hand, is the belief that a common and impersonal power exists in all living and nonliving objects. This belief is less focused on individual spirit beings and more on the idea that a single, impersonal power is present in everything. Animatism is often associated with the placebo effect and positive thinking, promoting respect for other beings and objects since they are inhabited by spirits.

In summary, while both animism and animatism involve the belief in spirits residing in various objects and beings, animism focuses on individual spirit beings with distinct characteristics, whereas animatism emphasizes a common, impersonal power present in all things.

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  • What is the Difference Between Animism and Animatism?
  • Comparative Table: Animism vs Animatism

    • Comparative Table: Animism vs Animatism

    Here is a table comparing Animism and Animatism:

    Feature Animism Animatism
    Definition Animism is a religious and ontological perspective common to many indigenous cultures across the globe, which views elements of the external world as sharing a common interiority. Animatism is the belief that natural objects are animated by spirits. It can also be seen as a type of animism, focusing specifically on the belief in elemental spirits/deities.
    Nature Not one religion, but a cultural-specific worldview that changes per the cultures it is practiced in. A belief, not a religion, which can be part of various religions.
    Beliefs Humans and non-human entities possess the same type of interiority, and some features of the natural environment, such as trees, lakes, and mountains, are considered persons. Natural objects are animated by spirits, and there is a clear distinction between elemental spirits/deities (animism) and organized religions.
    Examples Belief in innumerable spiritual beings concerned with human affairs and capable of helping or harming human interests. Belief in elemental spirits/deities, such as spirits associated with stones, trees, rivers, animals, and the atmosphere.

    Please note that the distinction between Animism and Animatism can be subtle, and some sources may use the terms interchangeably or consider Animatism a type of Animism.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.