Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods

Early Humans and the Origins of Religion

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Other Practices, Theism, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods by E. Fuller Torrey, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: E. Fuller Torrey ISBN: 9780231544863
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: September 5, 2017
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: E. Fuller Torrey
ISBN: 9780231544863
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: September 5, 2017
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Religions and mythologies from around the world teach that God or gods created humans. Atheist, humanist, and materialist critics, meanwhile, have attempted to turn theology on its head, claiming that religion is a human invention. In this book, E. Fuller Torrey draws on cutting-edge neuroscience research to propose a startling answer to the ultimate question. Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods locates the origin of gods within the human brain, arguing that religious belief is a by-product of evolution.

Based on an idea originally proposed by Charles Darwin, Torrey marshals evidence that the emergence of gods was an incidental consequence of several evolutionary factors. Using data ranging from ancient skulls and artifacts to brain imaging, primatology, and child development studies, this book traces how new cognitive abilities gave rise to new behaviors. For instance, autobiographical memory, the ability to project ourselves backward and forward in time, gave Homo sapiens a competitive advantage. However, it also led to comprehension of mortality, spurring belief in an alternative to death. Torrey details the neurobiological sequence that explains why the gods appeared when they did, connecting archaeological findings including clothing, art, farming, and urbanization to cognitive developments. This book does not dismiss belief but rather presents religious belief as an inevitable outcome of brain evolution. Providing clear and accessible explanations of evolutionary neuroscience, Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods will shed new light on the mechanics of our deepest mysteries.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Religions and mythologies from around the world teach that God or gods created humans. Atheist, humanist, and materialist critics, meanwhile, have attempted to turn theology on its head, claiming that religion is a human invention. In this book, E. Fuller Torrey draws on cutting-edge neuroscience research to propose a startling answer to the ultimate question. Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods locates the origin of gods within the human brain, arguing that religious belief is a by-product of evolution.

Based on an idea originally proposed by Charles Darwin, Torrey marshals evidence that the emergence of gods was an incidental consequence of several evolutionary factors. Using data ranging from ancient skulls and artifacts to brain imaging, primatology, and child development studies, this book traces how new cognitive abilities gave rise to new behaviors. For instance, autobiographical memory, the ability to project ourselves backward and forward in time, gave Homo sapiens a competitive advantage. However, it also led to comprehension of mortality, spurring belief in an alternative to death. Torrey details the neurobiological sequence that explains why the gods appeared when they did, connecting archaeological findings including clothing, art, farming, and urbanization to cognitive developments. This book does not dismiss belief but rather presents religious belief as an inevitable outcome of brain evolution. Providing clear and accessible explanations of evolutionary neuroscience, Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods will shed new light on the mechanics of our deepest mysteries.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Time and Complexity in Historical Ecology by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Book of Value by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Handbook of Social Work Practice with Vulnerable and Resilient Populations by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Why America Misunderstands the World by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Stem Cell Dialogues by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Stress, Trauma, and Decision-Making for Social Workers by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book The Fate of Wonder by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Better Presentations by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Taming the Wild Horse by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book The Capitalist Unconscious by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book The Greening of Asia by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Species Concepts and Phylogenetic Theory by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book The Late Age of Print by E. Fuller Torrey
Cover of the book Novel Sounds by E. Fuller Torrey
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy