| Title:
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THINKING ABOUT RELIGION
EXTENDING THE COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION |
| By: |
Aaron C. T. Smith, Yujin Nagasawa, Erik J. Wielenberg |
| Format: |
Electronic book text |
| List price:
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£50.00 |
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| ISBN 10: |
1137324759 |
| ISBN 13: |
9781137324757 |
| Publisher: |
PALGRAVE MACMILLAN |
| Pub. date: |
8 April, 2014 |
| Series: |
Palgrave Frontiers in Philosophy of Religion |
| Description: |
Thinking about Religion examines cutting-edge breakthroughs from across the sciences concluding that religion persists because the mind is primed for faith, ready to grasp and fiercely defend beliefs that make sense but defy logic. |
| Synopsis: |
Thinking about Religion presents a case for an inter-disciplinary science of religion, proposing that religion operates as a kind of psychological and social placebo effect. Religious belief combines thought, feeling and experience in a way that leverages the natural tendency of the mind to latch on to socially and personally useful concepts. This effect delivers tangible benefits because religious concepts and practice feed the mind's natural drive to cling to strong beliefs. At the same time, beliefs are reinforced by favourable emotional responses. Thinking about Religion explains how these elements work together to make religious belief such a powerful placebo effect. Belief is the currency of thought, and religious belief offers a powerful return on investment. Religious activity concentrates the mind's capacity to hold ideas that effectively galvanize groups and cultivate belonging. |
| Illustrations: |
3 figures, 2 tables |
| Publication: |
UK |
| Imprint: |
Palgrave Macmillan |
| Returns: |
Non-returnable |