Breaking the Spell (Dennett book)
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| '''''Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon''''' is a 2006 book in which the American [[philosopher]] and [[cognitive scientist]] [[Daniel Dennett]] argues that [[religion]] is in need of [[scientific analysis]] so that its nature and future may be better understood. The "spell" that requires "breaking" is not [[religious belief]] itself but the belief that it is off-limits to or beyond scientific inquiry. | '''''Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon''''' is a 2006 book in which the American [[philosopher]] and [[cognitive scientist]] [[Daniel Dennett]] argues that [[religion]] is in need of [[scientific analysis]] so that its nature and future may be better understood. The "spell" that requires "breaking" is not [[religious belief]] itself but the belief that it is off-limits to or beyond scientific inquiry. | ||
| + | == Synopsis == | ||
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| + | === Part I === | ||
| + | The book is divided into three parts. Part I discusses the motivation and justification for the entire project: ''Can'' science study religion? ''Should'' science study religion? | ||
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| + | === Part II === | ||
| + | After answering in the affirmative, Part II proceeds to use the tools of [[evolutionary biology]] and [[memetics]] to suggest possible [[theories]] regarding the [[Evolutionary origin of religions|origin of religion]] and subsequent [[history of religion|evolution of modern religions]] from ancient [[folk religion|folk beliefs]]. Part III analyzes religion and its effects in today's world: Does religion make us [[Morality|moral]]? Is religion what gives [[Meaning of life|meaning to life]]? What should we [[religion and children|teach the children]]? Dennett bases much of his analysis on [[empirical]] evidence, though he often points out that much more research in this field is needed. | ||
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| + | Dennett's working definition of religions is: "social systems whose participants avow belief in a [[supernatural]] agent or agents whose approval is to be sought". He notes that this definition is "a place to start, not something carved in stone". | ||
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Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon is a 2006 book in which the American philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett argues that religion is in need of scientific analysis so that its nature and future may be better understood. The "spell" that requires "breaking" is not religious belief itself but the belief that it is off-limits to or beyond scientific inquiry.
Synopsis
Part I
The book is divided into three parts. Part I discusses the motivation and justification for the entire project: Can science study religion? Should science study religion?
Part II
After answering in the affirmative, Part II proceeds to use the tools of evolutionary biology and memetics to suggest possible theories regarding the origin of religion and subsequent evolution of modern religions from ancient folk beliefs. Part III analyzes religion and its effects in today's world: Does religion make us moral? Is religion what gives meaning to life? What should we teach the children? Dennett bases much of his analysis on empirical evidence, though he often points out that much more research in this field is needed.
Dennett's working definition of religions is: "social systems whose participants avow belief in a supernatural agent or agents whose approval is to be sought". He notes that this definition is "a place to start, not something carved in stone".
