Death and science: the existential underpinnings of belief in intelligent design and discomfort with evolution.

ABSTRACT: The present research examined the psychological motives underlying widespread support for intelligent design theory (IDT), a purportedly scientific theory that lacks any scientific evidence; and antagonism toward evolutionary theory (ET), a theory supported by a large body of scientific evidence. We tested whether these attitudes are influenced by IDT's provision of an explanation of life's origins that better addresses existential concerns than ET. In four studies, existential threat (induced via reminders of participants' own mortality) increased acceptance of IDT and/or rejection of ET, regardless of participants' religion, religiosity, educational background, or preexisting attitude toward evolution. Effects were reversed by teaching participants that naturalism can be a source of exis

SUBMITTER: Tracy JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3068159 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature