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Mind God's mind: History, development, and teaching
Andreas Demetriou1, Nikos Makris2, Dimitris Pnevmatikos3
1Department of Social Sciences,University of Nicosia,Egkomi 1700,Cyprus.ademetriou@ucy.ac.cyhttp://www.unic.ac.cy/
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|March 8, 2016
Summary
Belief in Big Gods may not have driven societal growth; instead, larger societies might have fostered belief in Big Gods. Basic theory of mind (ToM) alone is insufficient for understanding Big Gods, requiring deeper cognitive insights.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Theories suggest belief in "Big Gods" (supernatural agents with moral concerns) facilitated the development of large-scale human societies.
- Understanding the cognitive underpinnings of religious beliefs is crucial for explaining human social evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the causal link between "Big God" beliefs and the rise of large societies.
- To explore the cognitive requirements for conceptualizing "Big Gods" beyond basic theory of mind (ToM).
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of existing theories on religion and social complexity.
- Theoretical examination of cognitive capacities necessary for complex supernatural agent concepts.
Main Results:
- The direction of causality may be inverted: large societies potentially facilitated "Big God" beliefs.
- Basic theory of mind (ToM) is necessary but not sufficient for conceiving "Big Gods"; other mental state understandings are required.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between "Big God" beliefs and societal size is complex and potentially bidirectional.
- Advanced cognitive abilities, beyond basic ToM, are implicated in the development of complex religious concepts.
- Theory of mind (ToM) remains a valuable framework for religious education.
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