Evolution of the Human Capacity for Beliefs

Abstract. Evolution of the human capacity for beliefs is considered in relation to the emergence in human phylogeny of the ability to formulate propositions, evaluate their worth as bases for action, and make emotional attachments to them. Most of the relevant capabilities had appeared in primate ev...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zygon
Main Author: Goodenough, Ward H. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell 1993
In: Zygon
Further subjects:B Language
B Beliefs
B Human Evolution
B Cognition
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Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
Description
Summary:Abstract. Evolution of the human capacity for beliefs is considered in relation to the emergence in human phylogeny of the ability to formulate propositions, evaluate their worth as bases for action, and make emotional attachments to them. Most of the relevant capabilities had appeared in primate evolution before the emergence of the Hominidae. The combination of capabilities peculiar to evolving hominines was that involved in the development of language, which ontogenetic evidence suggests began as a tool for implementing intentionality in social interaction and whose subsequent elaboration was associated with later reportorial and narrative uses.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1993.tb01016.x