| Breaking the Spell |
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Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon is a
2006 book by the
American philosopher and
cognitive scientist,
Daniel Dennett, which argues for a
scientific analysis of
religion in order to predict the future of this phenomenon. Dennett implies that the spell he hopes to break is not religious belief itself, but the conviction that religion is off-limits to scientific inquiry.
[citation needed]
Synopsis
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? 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.
Definition
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."
See also
External links
Reviews
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