How does evolution explain abstract thought, religion, and the imagination?

Answer 1

The more imaginative a group of individuals, the more likely that they will be able to figure out new and clever ways to survive and beat hardtimes.

Hence, evolution would favor those with more imagination.

Answer 2

Abstract thought and imagination are extensions of hunting behavior. Carnivores are less successful if they behave reactively, simply chasing the game as soon as they spot it and trying to outrun it. Many predators, including cats and dogs, engage in predictive hunting, figuring out what the prey will likely do before it does it. The more advanced the brain, the larger the capacity to predict and understand non-present situations. Just because we humans use our imaginations for other purposes doesn't mean that we're using a different process.

Religion is the result of fear of death. True absolute death defies the imagination, so we had to make up an alternative.

Answer 3

Imagination/abstract thought: Before society we had basic survival skills, and not much time to think hard about other things. When agriculture came along we had surplus food, and that started commercialism. Then we had more than we needed, and could spend time doing things other than surviving so the mind had other areas that could be activated and used more. The mind wondered. We then explained things and could spend time just thinking.

Religion: Cavemen saw lightning and had to survive. They had no time to spend on thinking. It was primitive, but they needed to explain things out of curiosity. (The reason for curiosity is to help keep up with the changing environment. You wander around and eat new things, etc as they may be better than the current food shelter, etc.) So they just said god did it to let them go about without thinking (reason theists are looked down upon). The worship of god when more spare time was around was to give comfort. If there are gods, you can ask them for help. By worshiping they would be nice and bring rain/a better hunt. This made them feel like they had some control over their lives.

I hope this helped.

Answer 4

evolution isnt needed to explain how abstract thought and imagination are possible, biology is..

as for where life/conciousness came from, evolution doesnt claim to know that...

i believe religion comes from the fact that we are probably the only creatures who understand that death is a part of life..

questions arise like "where do we go when we die, what happens, where were we before we were here" etc, since these cant be answered, religions arise... religions ease people's fears about death, answer questions about life and its purpose, give people strength and support in times of crises, etc... religions are a coping mechanism

Answer 5

From your question, I get the feeling you do not understand the theory of evolution. The theory of evolution does not preclude the existence or non existence of God. A large number of scientist believe that evolution is the method that God used to create life on Earth. Atheist believe evolution happened without God's help. The scientific evidence supports evolution. The Bible is not a science book. It is a book designed to help people understand the right path when dealing with your brothers. You have confused the question, "Did God create life on Earth?" and "How did God create life on Earth?" In your question you have failed to address the lessons we need to learn on relationships between husband and wife, brothers and sisters, family and strangers. Charity in the heart and spirit. Your abstract thought that you are so proud of has lead you to spiritual quicksand. Where's your faith. Faith says that God walks with us and you debate the color sandals he is wearing. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Answer 6

well, imagination explains religion, so you now only need an explanation for abstract thought and imagination. I just simplified your question for you. You are welcomed.

Answer 7

Abstract thought and imagination: our ancestors developed these abilities to plan hunts and visualize animal behaviour. Religion: accidental virus that hijacked and perverted our potential for rational thought.

Answer 8

Things evolve.

Stuff (even brain evolution) mutates and changes. If the mutation causes greater success in the environment and propagates itself.
It soon becomes a new trait which is built on again.

Oh no wait. 4000 years ago God made everything as it is now, hid dinosaur bones to throw us off the track, and wrote the bible, then took a snooze on Sunday.

http://flushaholybook.com

Answer 9

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