According to atheistic evolution, our cognitive features have arisen from blind evolutionary mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic drift, etc). Thus our neural-cognitive system is such that the beliefs it produces are aimed at "biological fitness and survival" and not necessarily "truth" (in the traditional sense). A few have stated that only "true" beliefs will be beneficial to survival, thus we can be relatively sure that our cognitive features yield true beliefs. Cognitive systems with false beliefs will die out. Yet this is defense is weak. Irrational fear can be a protective trait. Irrational self-confidence can also be beneficial fitness. Even bizarre beliefs, that while being totally wrong (e.g. pink elephants are looking for me), might produce certain behavior patterns that by chance preserve my genes when other behaviors will not. Etc.
If atheistic evolution is true, then our cognitive features yield "useful" beliefs at best.
2007-01-09
09:00:53
·
28 answers
·
asked by
Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze
6