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Divorcing the puzzles: When group identities foster in-group cooperation
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 March 2016
Abstract
We argue that general social psychological mechanisms (e.g., common group identity) can account for prosocial behavior and cooperative norms without the need for punishing Big Gods. Moreover, prosocial religions often do not prevent conflict within their religious groups. Hence, we doubt whether Big Gods and prosocial religions are more effective than alternative identities in enhancing high-level cooperation.
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- Open Peer Commentary
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016
Target article
The cultural evolution of prosocial religions
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