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Book: How to Do Things with Myths

Chapter: “Sola Scriptura”: Max Müller’s Theory of Myths

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.44967

Blurb:

An exposition of Friedrich Max Müller’s theory of myths, here a paradigm of a static, textual, intellectualist – non-performative -- theory of myths. Müller interpreted myths from Vedic India, as conveying profound philosophical ideas. Even though today’s students of myth no longer respect Müller’s theory, his flair for cross-cultural comparison, his desire to be free of confessional biases, and his intellectual rigor, all exemplify traits of successful theorizing about myths.

Chapter Contributors

  • Ivan Strenski (ivan.strenski@ucr.edu - istrenski) 'University of California Riverside (retired)'