In this paper, we discuss the limits of the traditional view that supernatural beliefs and behaviors are adaptations for social life. We compare it to an alternative hypothesis, according to which supernatural thinking is a secondary effect of cognitive predispositions originally shaped for different adaptive reasons. Finally, we discuss the respective role of such predispositions and socio-cultural factors in shaping and promoting the diffusion of supernatural beliefs
Supernatural beliefs: Adaptation for social life or byproducts of cognitive adaptations?
GIROTTO, VITTORIO;
2014-01-01
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the limits of the traditional view that supernatural beliefs and behaviors are adaptations for social life. We compare it to an alternative hypothesis, according to which supernatural thinking is a secondary effect of cognitive predispositions originally shaped for different adaptive reasons. Finally, we discuss the respective role of such predispositions and socio-cultural factors in shaping and promoting the diffusion of supernatural beliefs
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