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Cognitive Science, Religion, and Theology: From Human Minds to Divine Minds
Cognitive Science, Religion, and Theology is the eighth title published in the Templeton Science and Religion Series, in which scientists from a wide range of fields distill their experience and knowledge into brief tours of their respective specialties. In this volume, well-known cognitive scientist Justin L. Barrett offers an accessible overview of this interdisciplinary field, reviews key findings in this area, and discusses the implications of these findings for religious thought and practice.
Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of minds and mental activity, and as such, it addresses a fundamental feature of what it is to be human. Further, as religious traditions concern ideas and beliefs about the nature of humans, the nature of the world, and the nature of the divine, cognitive science can contribute directly and indirectly to these theological concerns. Barrett shows how direct contributions come from the growing area called cognitive science of religion (CSR), which investigates how human cognitive systems inform and constrain religious thought, experience, and expression. CSR attempts to answer questions such Why do humans tend to be religious? And why are specific ideas (e.g., the possibility of an afterlife) so cross-culturally recurrent? Barrett also covers the indirect implications that cognitive science has for theology, such as human similarities and differences with the animal world, freedom and determinism, and the relationship between minds and bodies.
Cognitive Science, Religion, and Theology critically reviews the research on these fascinating questions and discusses the many implications that arise from them. In addition, this short volume also offers suggestions for future research, making it ideal not only for those looking for an overview of the field thus far but also for those seeking a glimpse of where the field might be going in the future.
Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of minds and mental activity, and as such, it addresses a fundamental feature of what it is to be human. Further, as religious traditions concern ideas and beliefs about the nature of humans, the nature of the world, and the nature of the divine, cognitive science can contribute directly and indirectly to these theological concerns. Barrett shows how direct contributions come from the growing area called cognitive science of religion (CSR), which investigates how human cognitive systems inform and constrain religious thought, experience, and expression. CSR attempts to answer questions such Why do humans tend to be religious? And why are specific ideas (e.g., the possibility of an afterlife) so cross-culturally recurrent? Barrett also covers the indirect implications that cognitive science has for theology, such as human similarities and differences with the animal world, freedom and determinism, and the relationship between minds and bodies.
Cognitive Science, Religion, and Theology critically reviews the research on these fascinating questions and discusses the many implications that arise from them. In addition, this short volume also offers suggestions for future research, making it ideal not only for those looking for an overview of the field thus far but also for those seeking a glimpse of where the field might be going in the future.
248 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 25, 2017
Excellent read, when people ask why religion is worth studying and having give them this. Didn't even use it as a coaster.
October 2, 2017
Cognitive science of religion
Completely blew me away. Very good introductory work on the evolutionary basis of religious thought as it is manipulated by cultural factors. The important take-home message here, is that despite there being scientific explanations for the development of religious thought, the truth or false hood of the belief is not necessarily affected by that evidence. In other words the cognitive mechanisms giving rise to religious thought make it justified for the human mind to hold those beliefs.
Completely blew me away. Very good introductory work on the evolutionary basis of religious thought as it is manipulated by cultural factors. The important take-home message here, is that despite there being scientific explanations for the development of religious thought, the truth or false hood of the belief is not necessarily affected by that evidence. In other words the cognitive mechanisms giving rise to religious thought make it justified for the human mind to hold those beliefs.
December 15, 2021
Cool introduction into the field of cognitive science of religion (CSR). Though in its infancy, a highly fascinating and promising interdisciplinary field
December 27, 2025
Zie presentatie🦍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2015
Book about the demon-haunted world and the lonely light that shines into the darkness...
I'm always ready to enjoy neuroscience.
Well done Mr. Barrett!
I'm always ready to enjoy neuroscience.
Well done Mr. Barrett!
October 7, 2016
An excellent introduction to both Cognitive Science and its applications to the study of religion. Short and packed with information, yet slightly repetitive.
August 10, 2014
my brain hurts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews