The Behavioural Ecology of Religious Belief and Practice

Explore the intersection of behavioral ecology and religious beliefs in this hour-long seminar. Delve into topics such as the fear of afterlife, ecological context, reputation, and belief systems. Examine the evolution of costly behaviors like celibacy and the role of monasteries in society. Investigate how cultural norms, family size, and economic factors influence religious practices. Analyze the phenomenon of single children becoming monks and its impact on family dynamics. Gain insights into the coevolution of religious beliefs and practices with their ecological and social environments.

Introduction
Religious beliefs and ecology
Fear of afterlife
The game
The ecological context
Reputation
Belief
Hypothesis
Phylogenetic analysis
Coevolution
Group extinction
Costly behaviours
Being a monk
What are monasteries
Housing
Why become a monk
Celibacy can evolve
Sister and brother
Thank you
Smaller communities
Charity
Cultural norms
Family size
Single children becoming monks
Getting your child back
Diminishing wealth
Polyandry