An overview of shamanism and the views of some cognitive scientists about it

Shamanism, also known as shamanism, refers to a traditional belief system among certain ethnic groups that has existed since prehistoric times and is found in various cultures. Shamans are spiritual elders who practice shamanistic traditions and believe that they can communicate with the spirits to help diagnose and cure illnesses or cause suffering. They can also predict the future. The word “shaman” originally means “wise” and comes from the Siberian Tonguzi language.

Shamanism is the oldest human tradition for medicine and treatment, emerging about 25,000 years ago in the Paleolithic era among hunter-gatherers in Siberia and Central Asia. It is present among various peoples, including Eskimos, Indians, African tribes, Turkic, and Mongolian peoples. Shamanic traditions are also one of the sources and foundations of Tibetan Buddhism.

To achieve a trance state, shamans use various methods such as dance, repetitive movements, self-suggestion, focusing on a repetitive rhythm, and taking psychedelic drugs. There are two major frameworks among cognitive and evolutionary scientists to explain shamanism. The first is the “neurotheological theory,” which posits that shamanism develops in human societies because it provides valuable benefits to the practitioner, their group, and individual clients. The second is the “subliminal” or “mental” model of shamanism, which suggests that shamanism is a cultural technology that adapts our psychological biases to convince us that an expert can influence important but uncontrollable outcomes.

Shamanism and existential philosophy are two distinct but complementary approaches to understanding and transforming the human experience. While shamanism involves traveling to the spirit world for healing, gaining knowledge, and helping others, existential philosophy emphasizes the individual’s responsibility to create meaning in life. The integrative approach of shamanism and existential philosophy combines the spiritual insight of shamanism with the individualistic approach of existential philosophy.