Tremlett, Paul-Francois
(2011).
 | This is the latest version of this eprint. |
|
Due to copyright restrictions, this file is not available for public download Click here to request a copy from the OU Author. |
| DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link: | http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1163/157006811X608421 |
|---|---|
| Google Scholar: | Look up in Google Scholar |
Abstract
Cognitivism in the anthropology of religion and religious studies is an approach to religion that appeals to evolved or selected architectures of cognition from which theories of-and explanations for-religion, can be generated. Cognitive approaches to religion are hardly new, though today, cognitive theory draws upon an evidence base heavily influenced by the insights of evolutionary psychology. The writings of scholars such as Dan Sperber, Pascal Boyer and Ilkka Pyysiäinen are defining this new field of research into religion. In this essay I want to consider the place of Claude Lévi-Strauss in relation to this 'cognitive turn' in the study of religion (Jensen 2009: 145). Lévi-Strauss' work has been described as an approach that 'we could call cognitivist today' (Hénaff 1998: 119) but I will argue that his cognitively oriented writings on religion lead-though not unequivocally-to an alternative theory of the mind to that posed by evolutionary psychology.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Copyright Holders: | 2011 Koninklijke Brill NV |
| ISSN: | 1570-0682 |
| Keywords: | Claude Lévi-Strauss; totemism; myth; evolutionary psychology; dynamic systems theory |
| Academic Unit/Department: | Arts > Religious Studies |
| Item ID: | 30295 |
| Depositing User: | Paul-Francois Tremlett |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Dec 2011 11:30 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Oct 2012 04:51 |
| URI: | http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/30295 |
Available Versions of this Item
-
Structure amongst the modules: Lévi-Strauss and cognitive theorizing about religion. (deposited 05 Dec 2011 09:25)
- Structure amongst the modules: Lévi-Strauss and cognitive theorizing about religion. (deposited 06 Dec 2011 11:30) [Currently Displayed]
Actions (login may be required)
| View Item | |
| Report issue / request change |