Cultural additivity: behavioural insights from the interaction of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in folktales

• DOI: 10.1057/s41599-018-0189-2
• Publication Date: 2018-11-27T10:29:26Z
• Authors: Quan-Hoang Vuong; Quang-Khiem Bui; Viet-Phuong La; Thu-Trang Vuong; Viet-Ha T. Nguyen; Manh-Toan Ho; Hong-Kong T. Nguyen; Manh-Tung Ho
• Keywords: Vietnamese; Syncretism (linguistics); Phenomenon; Taoism

Abstract Computational folkloristics, which is rooted in the movement to make folklore studies more scientific, has transformed way researchers humanities detect patterns of cultural transmission large collections. This interdisciplinary study contributes literature through its application Bayesian statistics analyzing Vietnamese folklore. By breaking down 307 stories popular folktales and major story collections categorizing their core messages under values or anti-values Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, shows how method helps discover an underlying behavioural phenomenon called “cultural additivity.” The term, inspired by principle additivity probability, adds voluminous works on syncretism, creolization hybridity technical dimension. Here, evaluate norms aforementioned three religions ( “tam giáo” 三教) co-exist, interact, influence society, proposes models for religious faiths: (a) no additivity, (b) simple (c) complex additivity. empirical results confirm existence additivity” : not only there isolation Buddhism folktales, also a higher possibility interaction addition Confucian Taoist even when these two hold different value systems β {VT.VC} = 0.86). arbitrary blend example observed people selecting adding ideas, beliefs, artefacts—which may sometimes appear contradictory principles existing beliefs—to culture. pattern omnipresent sense that it can be seen arts, architecture, adoption new ideas religions, among others. concept, backed robust statistical analysis, attempt fill pointed out syncretism account rising complexity modern societies.