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Why would anyone believe in God? / Justin L. Barrett.
Author
Barrett, Justin L., 1971-
[Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/Created
Walnut Creek, CA : AltaMira Press, ©2004.
Description
ix, 141 pages ; 24 cm.
Availability
Copies in the Library
Location
Call Number
Status
Location Service
Notes
Stokes Library - Wallace Hall (SPIA)
BL53 .B335 2004
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Details
Subject(s)
Faith
—
Psychology
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Psychology, Religious
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Series
Cognitive science of religion series
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Summary note
Because of the design of our minds. That is Justin Barrett's simple answer to the question of his title. With rich evidence from cognitive science but without technical language, psychologist Barrett shows that belief in God is an almost inevitable consequence of the kind of minds we have. Most of what we believe comes from mental tools working below our conscious awareness. And what we believe consciously is in large part driven by these unconscious beliefs. Barrett demonstrates that beliefs in gods match up well with these automatic assumptions; beliefs in an all-knowing, all-powerful God match up even better. Barrett goes on to explain why beliefs like religious beliefs are so widespread and why it is very difficult for our minds to think without them.
Bibliographic references
Includes bibliographical references (p. 129-135) and index.
Contents
What does it mean to "believe"?
Where do beliefs in gods come from? : religious concepts as minimally counterintuitive
Where do beliefs in gods come from? : finding agents everywhere
Where do beliefs in gods come from? : additional factors that contribute to gods' credibility
How religious actions enhance belief in gods
The naturalness of belief in God
The naturalness of believing in minds : an analog for understanding belief in God
Why would anyone not believe in God?
In conclusion.
Show 6 more Contents items
ISBN
9780759106666 ((alk. paper))
0759106665 ((alk. paper))
9780759106673 ((pbk. ; : alk. paper))
0759106673 ((pbk. ; : alk. paper))
LCCN
2003024268
OCLC
53398062
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