Fear of supernatural punishment may aid sustainability
Fear of supernatural punishment could encourage sustainable human-nature relationships, per a new study.
Why it matters
- Supernatural beliefs may prevent overexploitation of nature by instilling fear of punishment.
By the numbers
- Mathematical model based on evolutionary game theory.
- Balanced fear needed: strong enough to deter harm, weak enough to spread beliefs.
The big picture
- Supernatural beliefs could facilitate sustainable relationships with nature.
- Highlights role of beliefs in shaping environmental behavior.
What they're saying
- Skepticism due to ongoing ecological issues despite widespread religious beliefs.
- Concerns about fear-based control leading to abuse and irrationality.
Caveats
- Theoretical study; lacks empirical validation.
- Other factors like economics and politics also influence sustainability.
What’s next
- Empirical studies to test the model's real-world applicability.