Scientists have conducted a new study that explains the negative correlation between religiosity and intelligence. Researchers from the UK and the Netherlands suggest that religion is an instinct, and abandoning it, that is, the ability to "rise above it", is associated with a higher level of intelligence.
Religion and intelligence
In their article published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology of Science, the researchers argue that religion is the so-called “evolved domain,” that is, in essence, an instinct.
If religion is an evolved domain, then it is instinct. On the other hand, intelligence, that is, the ability to rationally solve problems, is overcoming instinct and curiosity, which means being open to non-instinctive possibilities. This was stated by study co-author Edward Dutton of the Ulster Institute for Social Research in the UK.
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The intelligence of our ancestors
These ideas are based on the work of evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa "IQ Principles in the Savannah." From a biological point of view, we have not strayed far from our own ancestors who lived in the savannah. This means that our psychology is highly dependent on how the first intelligent person interacted with the world.
Meta-analysis results
A meta-analysis of 63 studies showed that there is a significant negative relationship between religiosity and intelligence in people. Let's be clear about what this trend means. It turns out that while, on average, atheists are smarter than religious people, this does not indicate the ability of any particular person. For example, you might meet an incredibly intelligent religious person as well as a dimwitted atheist.
Instincts and stress
The model, developed by Dutton in collaboration with Dimitri Van der Linden of the University of Rotterdam, also looks at the general relationship between instinct and intelligence. In particular, this model focuses on the relationship between instinct and stress. During a stressful period, for example, when paying taxes, people tend to rely more on instincts and much less on rational thinking. Intelligence (rationality) helps to cope with instinctive actions during such periods.
If religion is indeed an evolved domain, and in fact an instinct, then people are more likely to resort to it in a stressful situation, since at this time they tend to act instinctively. Scientists have clear evidence of this. This also means that the intellect gives us the opportunity to pause and understand both the situation itself and the possible consequences of our actions.
This fact is critical to a person's ability to solve their problems. This skill is also important in the changing conditions of our life. Human lifestyles have changed dramatically over the past 11 thousand years, so instinctive behavior can sometimes be unproductive. Researchers tend to refer to this as an evolutionary inconsistency: what was beneficial for hunter-gatherers may turn out to be bad for us.
Human psychology is a complex field, which means that we will not soon hear the last word in this discussion.
Anna Pismenna