Breaking the spell : religion as a natural phenomenon /
An innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future. For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring ne...
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| Format: | Book |
| Language: | English |
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New York :
Viking,
[2006]
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| Series: | ISSR Library.
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| Online Access: | Table of contents Table of contents Contributor biographical information Publisher description |
| Summary: | An innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future. For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring new book, distinguished philosopher Dennett takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks why. Where does our devotion to God come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice? In a narrative that ranges widely through history, philosophy, and psychology, Dennett explores how organized religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. He contends that the "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need.--From publisher description. |
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| Physical Description: | xvi, 448 pages ; 23 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 413-426) and index. |
| ISBN: | 067003472X 9780670034727 9780143038337 0143038338 |