Lévi-Strauss Argumentative Analysis

I would argue that Lévi-Strauss is right to use science to establish patterns found in religions. The use of science with religion is no easy task as the need for empirical evidence is prominent throughout. However, I do think that Lévi-Strauss makes a compelling argument for it. He asserts that there is a common belief or characteristic of mystical properties in dealing with the origin of twins. He then goes on to support his theory through his observation of the various Native pan-American societies. These various ethnic groups share a commonality that, while mundane on the surface, have a much more deeper meaning when given proper subtext. The idea that twins arise not through our modern interpretations, but through violence or trickery is something to behold. The use of violence to split an animal in half is an interesting tool used by Lévi-Strauss as allegory for explaining that twins are two pieces of a whole. The use of trickery on the other hand explains that the twins are a byproduct of young women destined for husband only to be lied too. This resulting lie leads to the birth of two separate children from two separate fathers. Oddly enough, in some …show more content…
Contending against ethnocentric biases, Lévi-Strauss attempted to defend the notion that the 'primitive' mind was anything but mentally inferior. He juxtaposed the 'primitive' mind of traditional societies against minds of the modern day and theorized that they, like us, are capable of disinterest. The man of traditional societies was, in his view, very capable of learning, thinking, and achieving incredible feats. However, these feats are limited due in part by our limited ability to develop a portion of our mental power. This portion is significantly altered not by ones race, but by their own environment. Therefore the 'primitive' mind was not inferior because of its birth, but simply different due to its