Vital Energy and Afterlife: Implications for Cognitive Science of Religion

Authors

  • Maira Monteiro Roazzi Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Carl N. Johnson University of Pittsburgh; University of Pittsburgh
  • Melanie Nyhof Indiana University South Bend; Indiana University South Bend
  • Silvia Helena Koller Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Antonio Roazzi Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-43272561201502

Abstract

Literature investigating people’s concepts of supernatural agency (such as ghosts and deities) points to an intuitive theory of mind underlying such ideas, however, recent studies suggest that intuitive ideas over vital energy could also be involved. The present paper focuses on examining the culture and development of people’s conceptions on vital energy. A search was made using the keyword vital energy targeting literature from Anthropology, Psychology and Cognitive Science. A literature review over this topic was made yielding reflections over the development of vital energy concepts. Results suggest that an intuitive biology, grounded on ideas of biological energy (vital energy), may underlie an understanding of soul, spirit, and supernatural energy. Future empirical studies should target the development of vital energy intuitive theories with different age ranges and cultures.

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Published

2015-08-01

Issue

Section

Theorethical Study

How to Cite

Vital Energy and Afterlife: Implications for Cognitive Science of Religion . (2015). Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto), 25(61), 145-152. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-43272561201502