Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - February 2011 - Volume 34, Issue 01  

Open Peer Commentary

Culture of deception

Gregory Gorelika1 and Todd K. Shackelforda2

a1 Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431. ggorelik@fau.edu

a2 Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309. shackelf@oakland.edu http://www.toddkshackelford.com/

Abstract

We examine the self-deceptive aspects of religion and nationalism. By embracing various religious or political ideals, regardless of their truth, our ancestors could have enhanced their confidence, solidified their social ties, and manipulated their reproductive rivals. This use of culture as one's extended phenotype may increase the spread of misinformation and create global webs of deception and self-deception.

(Online publication February 03 2011)

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