Etnoantropološki Problemi (Mar 2016)

Cognitive Evolution and Religion: Cognition and Religious Evolution

  • Harvey Whitehouse

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 3

Abstract

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This paper presents contemporary cognitive approaches to the evolution of religious beliefs. Arguments are put forward that different types of beliefs, or ‘modes of religiosity’, occur as a result of a number of evolutionary factors (biological, cultural, socio-political etc). At the same time, religions across the world retain a significant level of common and shared elements, also explained in evolutionary terms.