In this paper, we discuss the limits of the traditional view that supernatural beliefs and behaviours 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: Adaptations for social life or by-products of cognitive adaptations?
PIEVANI, DIETELMO;
2014
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the limits of the traditional view that supernatural beliefs and behaviours 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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