Breaking the spell : religion as a natural phenomenon /
Dennett, D. C.
Breaking the spell : religion as a natural phenomenon / Daniel C. Dennett - New York : Viking, ©2006 - xvi, 448 pages ; 23 cm - ISSR Library . - ISSR Library .
Includes bibliographical references (pages 413-426) and index
Breaking which spell? -- Some questions about science -- Why good things happen -- The roots of religion -- Religion, the early days -- The evolution of stewardship -- The invention of team spirit -- Belief in belief -- Toward a buyer's guide to religions -- Morality and religion -- Now what do we do? -- Appendixes: The new replicators ; Some more questions about science ; The bellboy and the lady named Tuck ; Kim Philby as a real case of indeterminacy of radical interpretation
An innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future. For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring new book, distinguished philosopher Dennett takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks why. Where does our devotion to God come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice? In a narrative that ranges widely through history, philosophy, and psychology, Dennett explores how organized religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. He contends that the "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need.--From publisher description
067003472X 9780670034727 9780143038337 0143038338
9780670034727
2005042415
Anthropology of religion
Psychology, Religious
Religion--History
Religion--Controversial literature
Controversial literature.
BL2775.3 / .D46 2006
ARCH YNDC 200 D399B
Breaking the spell : religion as a natural phenomenon / Daniel C. Dennett - New York : Viking, ©2006 - xvi, 448 pages ; 23 cm - ISSR Library . - ISSR Library .
Includes bibliographical references (pages 413-426) and index
Breaking which spell? -- Some questions about science -- Why good things happen -- The roots of religion -- Religion, the early days -- The evolution of stewardship -- The invention of team spirit -- Belief in belief -- Toward a buyer's guide to religions -- Morality and religion -- Now what do we do? -- Appendixes: The new replicators ; Some more questions about science ; The bellboy and the lady named Tuck ; Kim Philby as a real case of indeterminacy of radical interpretation
An innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future. For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring new book, distinguished philosopher Dennett takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks why. Where does our devotion to God come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice? In a narrative that ranges widely through history, philosophy, and psychology, Dennett explores how organized religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. He contends that the "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need.--From publisher description
067003472X 9780670034727 9780143038337 0143038338
9780670034727
2005042415
Anthropology of religion
Psychology, Religious
Religion--History
Religion--Controversial literature
Controversial literature.
BL2775.3 / .D46 2006
ARCH YNDC 200 D399B