Lecture

Origins of Religious Beliefs

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In course

HUM-382: Anthropology of belief

Ce cours constitue une introduction à la question des théories complotistes en particulier dans le champ des sciences. ...

Description

This lecture explores the origins of religious beliefs, from ancient rituals to modern psychological and neuroscientific perspectives. It delves into the psychology of primitive beliefs, the transmission of beliefs through education and socialization, and the cognitive processes behind religious concepts. The lecture also discusses the development of beliefs in children, the role of genes in predisposing individuals to faith, and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying religious experiences. By examining the case of Santa Claus belief, it highlights the importance of rationality in belief formation and abandonment, shedding light on the logical capacities of children.

Instructor

Jean-François Bert

Teaching & PhD Past EPFL PhD Students as codirector Alina Volynskaya Courses Anthropology of belief HUM-382 This course is an introduction to the question of conspiracy theories especially in the field of science Darwin, religion and science HUM-365 This course takes the long history of opponents of Darwin and Darwinism (creationists, neo-creationists, supporters of intelligent design) to try to understand their strategies and arguments. Sciences and religions I HU

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