The Cognitive Construction of Companions in Shamanism

The presentation discusses Cognitive Companion Construction (CCC) within shamanism, drawing on insights from CSR and addressing traditional and neo-shamanic practices. Methodological challenges in studying shamanism cross-culturally are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches. Cognitive capacities observed in shamanism include altered states of consciousness, symbolic thought, narrative construction, and the search for meaning. Research suggests that such experiences are facilitated by cognitive processes like hyperactive agency detection and theory of mind. Cultural contexts significantly shape the expression of shamanic practices, with variations reflecting societal understandings of the cosmos and social cohesion mechanisms. Distinguishing between collective and distributive modes of effervescence on a continuum, the paper theorizes the mechanisms that contribute to the emergence and expansion of novel practices like contemporary neo-shamanisms. The conclusion emphasizes the interplay between cognitive capacities and cultural contexts in shaping CCC within shamanism, contributing to a deeper understanding of religious beliefs and practices within CSR.