1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910826799003321

Autore

Barrett Justin L. <1971->

Titolo

Cognitive science, religion, and theology : from human minds to divine minds / / Justin L. Barrett

Pubbl/distr/stampa

West Conshohocken, Pa., : Templeton Press, 2011

ISBN

1-283-29757-4

9786613297570

1-59947-400-X

Edizione

[1st ed.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (245 p.)

Collana

Templeton science and religion series

Disciplina

200.1/9

Soggetti

Psychology, Religious

Cognitive science

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Cover -- Half Title Page -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Preface -- Chapter 1: What Is Cognitive Science? -- Chapter 2: Features of Human Thought -- Chapter 3: The Cognitive Origins of Beliefs -- Chapter 4: How We Conceive of the World -- Chapter 5: How We Conceive of Humans -- Chapter 6: How We Conceive of the Divine -- Chapter 7: Cognition and Experiencing Religion -- Chapter 8: From Natural Religion to Theology -- Chapter 9: Cognitive Science and Natural Theology -- Author's Note -- Notes -- Glossary -- Bibliography -- Index.

Sommario/riassunto

"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, in so far 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 both 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 provide answers to questions such as: Why it is that humans tend to be religious? And why are certain 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"--