Intuitive Dualism and Afterlife Beliefs: A Cross‐Cultural Study

It is widely held that intuitive dualism—an implicit default mode of thought takes minds to be separable from bodies and capable independent existence—is a human universal. Among the findings taken support universal dualism pattern evidence in which “psychological” traits (knowledge, desires) are judged more likely continue after death than bodily or “biological” (perceptual, physiological, states). Here, we present cross-cultural six study populations, including non-Western societies with diverse belief systems, shows while this exists, overall responses nonetheless does not afterlife beliefs. Most most participants across all cultures tested were dualist. While our sample no way intended capture full range beliefs, it captures far broader any prior study, thus puts case for beliefs as strong test. Based on these findings, suggest dualist thinking possible enabled by evolved psychology, such constitute thought. Rather, data what will call materialism—the view underlying systems reasoning about produce judgment mental states cease exist death.