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Dualism, disembodiment and the divine: supernatural agent representations in the cognitive science of religion

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

The authors argue that contrary to the current trend in the cognitive science of religion (CSR), supernatural agents are not intuitively represented by the folk as disembodied minds as the theory of intuitive dualism suggests. Instead, it is argued that a thesis of social embodiment regarding those representations is wholly compatible with the growing body of empirical evidence. Once researchers stop looking for embodiment in mundane biological processes and focus on social relationships, the signs of embodiment will appear.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCognition, evolution, and history in the study of religion: a new synthesis: festschrift in honour of Armin W. Geertz
EditorsAnders Klostergaard Petersen, Gilhus Ingvild Sælid, Luther H. Martin, Jeppe Sinding Jensen, Jesper Sørensen
PublisherBrill
Chapter19
Pages309-321
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9789004385375
ISBN (Print)9789004385108
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Oct 2018

Publication series

NameSupplements to Method & Theory in the Study of Religion
Volume13
ISSN (Electronic)2214-3270

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