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The embodied bases of supernatural concepts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2005

Brian R. Cornwell*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA30322
Aron K. Barbey*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA30322
W. Kyle Simmons*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA30322
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Abstract:

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According to embodied cognition theory, our physical embodiment influences how we conceptualize entities, whether natural or supernatural. In serving central explanatory roles, supernatural entities (e.g., God) are represented implicitly as having unordinary properties that nevertheless do not violate our sensorimotor interactions with the physical world. We conjecture that other supernatural entities are similarly represented in explanatory contexts.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004