Myths as Instructions from Ancestors: The Example of Oedipus |
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Authors: | Lyle B. Steadman,& Craig T. Palmer |
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Affiliation: | Arizona State University,;University of Colorado at Colorado Springs |
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Abstract: | The growing interest in dual-inheritance models of human evolution has focused attention on culture as a means by which ancestors transmitted acquired phenotypic characteristics to their descendants. The ability of cultural behaviors to be repeatedly transmitted from ancestors to descendants enables individuals to influence their descendant-leaving success over many more generations than are usually coclusive fitness. This essay proposes that traditional stories, or myths, can be seen as a way in which ancestors influence their descendant-leaving success by influencing the behavior of many generations of their descendants. The myth of Oedipus is used as an example of a traditional story aimed at promoting proper behavior and cooperation among kin. This interpretation of the Oedipus myth is contrasted with Freudian and structuralist interpretations. |
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Keywords: | evolution mythology Oedipus religion tradition |
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