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Vitalism, purpose and superstition
Author(s) -
Lindeman Marjaana,
Saher Marieke
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
british journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.536
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8295
pISSN - 0007-1269
DOI - 10.1348/000712606x101808
Subject(s) - vitalism , superstition , psychology , skepticism , intentionality , argument (complex analysis) , causality (physics) , epistemology , developmental psychology , philosophy , chemistry , medicine , biochemistry , alternative medicine , theology , physics , pathology , quantum mechanics
Developmental studies have shown that children assign purpose to objects more liberally than adults, and that they explain biological processes in terms of vitalistic causality. This study tested the hypothesis that similar misconceptions can be found among superstitious adults. The results from 116 superstitious and 123 sceptical individuals showed that more than sceptics, superstitious individuals attributed purpose to objects, and explained biological processes in terms of organ intentionality and energy transmission. In addition, they thought of energy as a vital force, attributing life and mental properties to it. These conceptual confusions were positively associated to all types of superstitions as well as belief in alternative medicine. The results support the argument that category mistakes and ontological confusions underlie superstitious and vitalistic thinking.