The Believing Brain: Evolution, Neuroscience, and the Spiritual Instinct

World Science Festival・2 minutes read

The discussion at the festival focuses on the intersection of science and religion, exploring why humans believe in different religions when only one can be true. Various perspectives on the relationship between science, religion, consciousness, and spirituality are examined, highlighting the evolutionary roots of human religiosity and the impact of religious beliefs on group cohesion and individual well-being.

Insights

  • Humans exhibit a diversity of religious beliefs, with over 4000 distinct religions practiced globally, raising questions about the nature of belief systems and why individuals adhere to different faiths.
  • The evolution of religious thought is influenced by early cues like intentional burials and cave art, suggesting that shared beliefs can foster group cohesion, impacting individual well-being and societal structures.

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Recent questions

  • Why do humans believe in different religions?

    Due to cultural diversity and historical influences.

  • What is the relationship between science and religion?

    Varied perspectives exist, from conflict to harmony.

  • How do religious beliefs impact human behavior?

    Influence behavior, social cohesion, and individual well-being.

  • What role does spirituality play in human consciousness?

    Seeks to understand consciousness and create meaning.

  • How do religious beliefs contribute to group cohesion?

    Enhance social bonds, reduce stress, and foster shared meanings.

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Summary

00:00

"Science, Religion, and Human Belief"

  • The festival has had conversations about science and religion over the years, with two sides often represented in the conversation.
  • Tonight's discussion features only scientists exploring the side of religion and faith.
  • The speaker describes the beauty of a starry night sky in New York City and in the Catskill Mountains.
  • The speaker, a physicist, sees order and harmony in the sky through the language of mathematics.
  • Despite advancements in science and technology, a significant portion of the global population identifies with various religions.
  • There are over 4000 distinct religions practiced on Earth, with Christianity alone having over 33,000 denominations.
  • The speaker questions why humans believe in different religions when only one can be true.
  • The discussion shifts from what's right or wrong in science and religion to why humans have a tendency to believe.
  • Various prominent figures like Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and the Dalai Lama share their perspectives on the relationship between science and religion.
  • The panel discussion will focus on the history and longevity of religious belief and the benefits of interacting with the world through religion.

15:47

"Exploring Belief: Rituals, Atheism, and Evolution"

  • Lighting candles on Friday night using candlesticks from Russia with a 5000-year tradition is meaningful.
  • Judaism emphasizes behavior over intent, appealing to some as atheists with ritualistic practices.
  • Zoran, raised atheist, discovered his family believed in scientism, viewing science as a form of religion.
  • Meditation practitioner for 35 years, interested in mystical unitary consciousness and its effects on individuals and the brain.
  • Barbara, raised Presbyterian, now identifies as an atheist, finds solace in churches and art but spiritually connects at Springsteen concerts.
  • Curious human behaviors like Beethoven dunking his head in ice water, Ben Franklin standing naked, and Nikola Tesla curling his toes raise eyebrows.
  • Anthropologically, belief systems vary globally, including belief in gods, spirits, and ancestors, broadening perspectives on faith.
  • Animals, like chimpanzees, exhibit behaviors akin to spirituality, suggesting evolutionary roots of human religiosity.
  • Evolutionary psychology explores how natural selection shapes psychological features, attributing religious beliefs to the ability to infer minds in others.
  • Brains are wired for prediction, making meaning of sensory inputs and events, suggesting a foundational aspect of belief formation.

31:17

Influences on Brain Development and Religious Belief

  • Brain development is influenced by physical and social circumstances.
  • Children are wired for belief through indulgence in animacy of objects like blankets and toys.
  • Feelings play a significant role in belief formation, with strong feelings leading to belief.
  • Evidence suggests a physiological predisposition for religious belief in humans.
  • Humans became conscious in a unique way, leading to questions about consciousness and spirituality.
  • Religious practices often focus on unitary experiences of consciousness itself.
  • The mind and awareness are separate, with the mind creating experiences and awareness registering them.
  • Spirituality and spiritual beliefs are seen as consciousness trying to understand itself.
  • Evidence of intentional burials and rituals dates back to around 250,000 years ago.
  • The evolution of religious thought is influenced by early cues like intentional burials and cave art.

46:50

Group cohesion and shared beliefs in religion.

  • Adaptive value may not lie in actual belief in non-existent things, but in group cohesion that shared beliefs can foster.
  • Folk theory suggests adaptations are for group cohesion, but natural selection primarily selects for gene propagation.
  • Cohesive groups can benefit individuals but can also lead to exploitation or sacrifice for group cohesion.
  • Beliefs in invisible entities can enhance group coherence, but the content of these beliefs can also divide groups.
  • Religious beliefs can reduce uncertainty and stress, potentially reducing metabolic burden on the nervous system.
  • Social animals regulate each other's nervous systems, and religious beliefs can aid in reducing this burden.
  • Data suggests religious individuals may be happier and healthier due to shared beliefs within their community.
  • Human exceptionalism in discussing social cohesion and religion overlooks examples of cohesive non-human groups.
  • Uncertainty-induced stress motivates seeking information for safety, but false certainty is not an adaptive response.
  • Community, ritual practice, and transcendence play crucial roles in the persistence of religious beliefs across human history.

01:01:58

The Evolution of Human Beliefs and Religion

  • Pascal Boyer and Dennis Barbour explore why humans are susceptible to specific beliefs beyond just awe or emotional reactions.
  • Pascal Boyer credits mentalizing, attributing minds to others, as a core reason for religious and spiritual beliefs.
  • Humans create shared meanings and realities through collective agreement, regulating each other socially.
  • Emotions are learned and imposed with meanings, similar to how currency gains value through collective agreement.
  • Humans impose meanings on physical events, creating shared realities and transcendent experiences.
  • The role of religion in society is debated, with views on its future ranging from decreasing to remaining integral.
  • Religious beliefs provide a framework for spirituality and connection to something larger, but also pose disadvantages.
  • Trends show a shift towards humanism and secularization, with a decrease in literal religious beliefs.
  • The influence of religion in politics persists due to greater organization and voting rates among religious groups.
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