Evolutionary theory on the move: New perspectives on evolution in the cognitive science of religion

Abstract

This article discusses the use of evolutionary theory in the cognitive science of religion (CSR), with special attention to critical issues and new developments. In the first part of the article, I will discuss the definition of evolution and describe the Modern Synthesis (or neo-Darwinian theory). In the next part, I will consider various evolutionary perspectives in CSR, including evolutionary psychology, sexual selection, gene-culture co-evolution, and cultural evolution. In the final part, I will turn to the problems with the Modern Synthesis and present a new approach based on network theory, with potential applications to the study of biological and cultural systems.

Critical Remarks on the Cognitive Science of Religion

“…The question of the adaptivity of religion—both in terms of biological and cultural adaptation—still does matter. Another useful approach is an extension of CSR on sexual selection theory, which is still undervalued in CSR but discussed by Iikka Pyysiäinen (), Jason Slone (), and István Czachesz (). The key idea of the study of religion in terms of sexual selection theory is an assumption that female choice and male–male competition has played an important role in the process of acquisition and transmission of religious components.…”