Is the occult a forgotten science, a secret philosophy, or just an intellectual waste-basket?
In short: The term occult, derived from the Latin for hidden, has shifted from describing 16th-century natural sciences to a modern catch-all for the paranormal. Far from mere superstition, it represents a complex, evolving attempt to reconcile ancient esoteric wisdom with the disenchanted, scientific reality of our post-Enlightenment world.
The term occult science originally emerged in 16th-century Europe to categorize astrology, alchemy, and natural magic. These practices were not seen as inherently anti-scientific at the time; rather, they were systematic investigations of nature that relied on the belief in hidden qualities or forces. Even Isaac Newton faced criticism from contemporaries who labeled his theory of gravity as occult because it proposed action at a distance without a known rational explanation.
By the 19th century, the meaning shifted significantly. Figures like Éliphas Lévi helped popularize the term occultism in France, framing it as a synthesis of religion, science, and philosophy. This movement was deeply intertwined with radical social reform and socialist ideas of the era. Unlike traditional esotericism, which accepted an enchanted world, modern occultism sought to adapt to a disenchanted society, often using scientific terminology to demonstrate its validity.
In the 21st century, scholars like Wouter Hanegraaff have attempted to define occultism as a category for esoteric currents that emerged since the mid-19th century, such as Theosophy, Spiritualism, and the New Age. However, this remains contested. Some researchers argue that the term is often used as an intellectual waste-basket for anything that fails to fit neatly into the categories of organized religion or mainstream science, ranging from UFO abductions to parapsychology.
Today, the study of the occult has expanded into new domains, including the intersection of technology and media. Scholars examine how occult movements utilize modern apparatuses to reveal hidden realities, while others explore how the horror genre or cybernetic theories draw upon these ancient themes. Whether viewed as a historical relic or a living spiritual environment, the occult remains a persistent, if elusive, feature of Western culture.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Occult
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-occult.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Traditions & customs · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
