Animism

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/animism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the related philosophical concepts?Panpsychism, vitalism, indigenous cosmologies, neopaganism
2. Why do some people think rocks and trees have feelings?Because many ancient cultures believed that all parts of nature are alive and can talk, so they felt a special connection to them.
3. How does animism help people take care of nature?It reminds us that hurting nature is like hurting ourselves, so we try to treat the Earth kindly and share with it.

Metaphysical: Pertaining to the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the universe beyond empirical observation.
Agency: The capacity of an entity to act independently, make choices, and exert influence on its environment.
Spiritual Essence: An intrinsic, non-physical quality or force that animates and defines an entity's being.