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In reply to the discussion: Our brains have evolved to look for patterns and assign meaning, even when none exist. [View all]Jim__
(14,075 posts)48. Post #9 was my opening of this sub-thread.
I asked a question: Why do you suppose evolutionary processes selected-for a brain with beliefs?
Some people gave answers that I did not, and do not, see as any explanation for why evolution would select-for a brain with beliefs - and particularly a brain that generates beliefs in non-existent patterns. I haven't seen any explanation of Shermer clarifying that point. The answers offered didn't seem show any reproductive value over other, simpler types of behavior.
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Our brains have evolved to look for patterns and assign meaning, even when none exist. [View all]
cleanhippie
Mar 2012
OP
So basically saying science can be used to study the brain and the evolution of it is...
Humanist_Activist
Mar 2012
#5
The simplest example of this would be the constellations and looking for shapes in clouds...
Humanist_Activist
Mar 2012
#6
Exactly. And unfortunately, people still assign agenticity as seen in horoscopes.
cleanhippie
Mar 2012
#10
I don't forget that we live in groups, your explanation didn't have anything to do with groups.
Jim__
Mar 2012
#19
Anecdotal evidence: Astrology columns in newspapers. Useless gambling systems.
Jim Lane
Mar 2012
#21
Your answer indicates that you are far more prone to see patterns than to be overly skeptical.
Jim__
Mar 2012
#24
All it takes for overzealous pattern recognition to be an evolutionary advantage...
Silent3
Mar 2012
#50