3.8 Article

MCI theory: a critical discussion

Journal

RELIGION BRAIN & BEHAVIOR
Volume 6, Issue 3, Pages 207-248

Publisher

ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/2153599X.2015.1024915

Keywords

cognitive anthropology; cognitive science of religion; MCI theory; memory; religious concepts

Categories

Funding

  1. Cultural Evolution of Religion Research Consortium (CERC)
  2. SSHRC
  3. John Templeton Foundation

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In this paper, we critically review MCI theory and the evidence supporting it. MCI theory typically posits that religious concepts violate what we call deep inferences, intuitions stemming from our evolved cognitive architecture rather than shallow inferences that are specific and flexible informational units also used for inference-making. We point to serious problems facing the approach, and propose a few corrective measures, avenues for further research, and an alternative view.

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