The Neuroscience of Religious Experience

Author : "Patrick McNamara, Ph.D. (Boston University)"

Paperback

Published : Thursday 30 October 2014

ISBN : 9781107428010

Price : €48.19

Description

In three parts, this book covers the basic science and biology of brain research, development and religious experience over the life span. It presents a view of religion as both an evolutionary product and an emergent generator of cultural artefacts.

Technical advances in the life and medical sciences have revolutionised our understanding of the brain, while the emerging disciplines of social, cognitive, and affective neuroscience continue to reveal the connections of the higher cognitive functions and emotional states associated with religious experience to underlying brain states. At the same time, a host of developing theories in psychology and anthropology posit evolutionary explanations for the ubiquity and persistence of religious beliefs and the reports of religious experiences across human cultures, while gesturing toward physical bases for these behaviours. What is missing from this literature is a strong voice speaking to these behavioural and social scientists - as well as to the intellectually curious in the religious studies community - from the perspective of a brain scientist.

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