Final answer:
Scholarly consensus leans towards Paleolithic cave paintings and petroglyphs serving ritualistic or religious purposes, possibly connected to hunting magic, shamanism, and communication, although the precise meaning remains speculative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scholarly position on Paleolithic cave paintings and petroglyphs is that they likely served some spiritual or religious purpose. While the exact reasons behind the creation of these artworks remain a topic of speculation, many scholars believe they may have been used in rituals related to hunting magic, shamanistic practices, or acted as a means to chronicle events and communicate. The theory of Henri Breuil suggests a connection to hunting rituals, aiming to ensure successful hunts for the community. This aligns with the depiction of animals which were central to the survival of these Paleolithic societies. Other hypotheses propose that these paintings and carvings could be linked to shamanism or may have included astrological representations such as prehistoric star charts.