This is an interesting hypothesis. The claim is that people have evolved to think intuitively, rather than purely rationally and logically. We have developed this ability because it is necessary when we do not have much information to make decisions but instead have to reason about unobservable properties. This includes thinking about the nature of objects or observations of people. Normally, this intuitive reasoning works pretty well as we live in the world, allowing us to make decisions that are often appropriate.
But, the argument goes, this same intuitive thinking also makes us susceptible to misconceptions, magical thinking, and superstitions.
Well worth reading.
Evolution keeps us superstitious. Now thats lucky – Britain – Times Online
Religion and other forms of magical thinking continue to thrive — despite the lack of evidence and advance of science — because people are naturally biased to accept a role for the irrational, said Bruce Hood, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Bristol.
Have you read blink by malcolm gladwell he goes around the hypothesis in daily life. Funny book nothing really scientific but funny
Thanks for the comment.
I have heard of “Blink” but I have not read it. I understand that the arguments are similar — rapid, intuition-based thinking that probably evolved due to environment pressures and survival value.