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[Research News] Divine Punishment as an Ancient Tool for Modern Sustainability

Oct.16,2025 Update

Fear of supernatural punishment could reduce environmental harm and promote sustainable relationships between human societies and nature

Supernatural beliefs have long shaped how people interact with nature.
A research group including Assistant Professor Shota Shibasaki from Doshisha University has revealed, using evolutionary game theory, that the fear of supernatural punishment can help deter the overexploitation of natural resources. The study suggests that, under appropriate conditions, such beliefs can encourage sustainable behavior and complement modern conservation efforts. These findings provide valuable insights into environmental education, conservation strategies, and policy design in culturally diverse societies.

Reference
Shota Shibasaki, Yo Nakawake, Wakaba Tateishi, Shuhei Fujii, and Ryosuke Nakadai, Fear of supernatural punishment can harmonize human societies with nature: an evolutionary game-theoretic approach, Humanities and Social Sciences Communication, Oct 2025,
DOI :10.1057/s41599-025-05734-7

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.
https://research.doshisha.ac.jp/news/news-detail-81/

This achievement has also been featured in the “EurekAlert!.”
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1101294

images/knkak/news/DivinePunishmentasanAncientToolforModernSustainability.jpg (119280)

Title: Tengu – A Class of Mountain Spirits of Japanese Folklore
Caption: In Japanese folklore, tengu are supernatural beings that inhabit mountains and deep forests. Traditionally seen as guardians of these sacred spaces, they punish those who show arrogance, disrespect nature, or defile holy sites. Tengu are both feared and revered, reminding people to live in harmony with the natural and spiritual worlds.
Credits: Yoshikazu TAKADA from Openverse
Image license: CC BY 2.0
Image link: https://openverse.org/image/c336e7a3-d307-4506-b4ca-a8d56314b2c6
・Usage restrictions: Credit must be given to the creator.

Contact	Department of Research Planning Telephone : +81-774-65-8256 Fax : +81-774-65-7757 E-mail :ji-knkak@mail.doshisha.ac.jp

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