RE: Evolutionary Theories of Religion
August 4, 2015 at 3:49 pm
(This post was last modified: August 4, 2015 at 3:50 pm by Whateverist.)
(August 4, 2015 at 2:42 pm)rainmac Wrote: I was hoping a few might have some thoughts on why the existing adaptations for social cohesion in other species are seemingly insufficient for humans that religious (ritual) behaviors evolved to increase fitness. What it suggests to me is that, for those who support the social cohesion function of religion, there is something more rudimentary or basic to explain the evolution of human religion, and social cohesion is a secondary effect.
My own best guess is that self reflection would have been an offshoot of inter-tribal warfare. To anticipate the intentions of your scummy neighbors it would help to have insight into your own tendencies. Once we were in the habit of interpreting the malevolent (or not) intentions of other humans, perhaps reading intentions into discomfiting natural calamities might follow. I suspect conflict within our own species would explain most of what we find exceptional in our species.
(August 4, 2015 at 2:42 pm)rainmac Wrote:(August 4, 2015 at 12:32 pm)Whateverist the White Wrote: Just as the giraffe is stuck with some biologically inefficient anatomy, so we seem to be stuck with god belief long after any direct need for it can be demonstrated.I will say that for those of us imbued in evolutionary theory, it is not within our purview to claim that the giraffe neck is biologically inefficient any more than god belief is not necessary. While I'm not a believer, I can't second guess evolution, who is the final arbiter. Sorry for the anthropomorphism, but I don't know how to talk about evolution otherwise.
Yes, I agree with you. I tend to see religion neutrally as an important clue for understanding our species, not a flawed attempt at science.
What I meant to point at was some routing issues with the giraffes blood system which I've read others argue as proof that the giraffe did evolve from a creature without such a long neck. (I'm sure neither of us has an issue with that.) Unfortunately I don't recall now just what that detail consisted of.
