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(2012) Contradictions, Dordrecht, Springer.
The acceptance of rationally contradictory beliefs, or schizodoxia, may temporarily postpone intellectual conflicts, social disagreements, and confrontations between political entities, religions or races. It may also serve to maintain a dialogue between different people and different social groups, increasing the likelihood of mutual understanding and respect. Schizodoxia may also help temporarily to maintain the equilibrium of individuals and complex societies. However, contradictory beliefs have disastrous effects when incompatible political systems or religions resort to violence in order to achieve prevalence. In addition, schizodoxic beliefs serve to cover up our animal nature by fostering a variety of religious and supernatural beliefs. Such beliefs provide hope for an afterlife, but negate the scientific evidence and the unity and consistency of truth, which are the only alternatives that can provide understanding and permanent and peaceful solution to human problems.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-27198-4_11
Full citation:
Musacchio, J. (2012). Contradictory beliefs are a poor mechanism of adaptation, in Contradictions, Dordrecht, Springer, pp. 177-188.
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