An exploration of modern scientific theories of religion, framed by
an argument that society must overcome its "spell" against studying
religion as a natural, evolutionary occurrence. Dennett (Center for
Cognitive Studies/Tufts), a National Book Award finalist for
Darwin's Dangerous Idea (1995), seeks to expose religion to the
systematic tools of modern science. It is too important in our
global culture to leave unstudied, he arguespointing to instances
in which religion has proven dangerous to society (e.g., radical
Islam, the Heaven's Gate cult, etc.). Dennett then presents
material from various researchers regarding how religion has
evolved in human cultures. By drawing attention to theories that
shaman "healing" practices, group cohesion and loyalty to ideas
beyond the self have been a part of human evolution related to
proto-religions, the author demonstrates why the existence of
religious practice may have developed so uniformly in all human
cultures. When broaching more developed and institutionalized forms
of religion, however, he steps onto thinner ice. In concluding that
many people believe more in their traditions than in the dogma and
doctrine of their faith, and in pointing out inconsistencies
between scriptural authorities and modern theologies, Dennett
observes religion from an outsider's vantage point. This is, of
course, his goal as a researcher, but it leads to a tendency to
dismiss the role of faith, often by setting up straw men to knock
down for the sake of his thesis. For instance, he states that, to
many, faith is much like being in love, then concludes that love
can delude individuals and even be bad for them. This analogy may
not prove very convincing to the faithful. Dennett seems certain
that many will indeed vigorously refute his work, but sees this as
a worthwhile risk for starting the conversation. An intriguing
argument, but one not likely to persuade any but the most heterodox
of religious adherents. (Kirkus Reviews)
In Breaking the Spell Daniel C. Dennett explores how the great
ideas of religion have enthralled us for thousands of years - and
whether we could (or should) break free. What is religion and how
did it evolve? Is it the product of blind evolutionary instinct or
of rational choice? Is the only way to live a good life through
religion? Few forces in the world are as potent as religion: it
comforts people in their suffering and inspires them to both
magnificent and terrible deeds. In this provocative and timely
book, Daniel C. Dennett seeks to uncover the origins of religion
and discusses how and why different faiths have shaped so many
lives, whether religion is an addiction or a genuine human need,
and even whether it is good for our health. Arguing passionately
for the need to understand this multifaceted phenomenon, Breaking
the Spell offers a truly original - and comprehensive - explanation
for faith. 'Packed with a mass of intriguing detail and anecdote
... witty and clear prose' Observer 'He's the "good cop" among
religion's critics (Richard Dawkins is the "bad cop"), but he still
makes people angry' New Statesman 'Dennett writes with brio and
humour' Telegraph 'Elegant, sharp-minded ... clear-eyed but
courteous' Economist Daniel Dennett is one of the most original and
provocative thinkers in the world. A brilliant polemicist and
philosopher, he is famous for challenging unexamined orthodoxies,
and an outspoken supporter of the Brights movement. His books
include Brainstorms, Brainchildren, Elbow Room, Consciousness
Explained, Darwin's Dangerous Idea and Freedom Evolves.
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