Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods

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.

Autorentext

E. Fuller Torrey

Klappentext

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.

Inhalt

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Brain, Home of the Gods
Part 1. The Making of the Gods

1. Homo habilis: A Smarter Self
2. Homo erectus: An Aware Self
3. Archaic Homo sapiens (Neandertals): An Empathic Self
4. Early Homo sapiens: An Introspective Self
5. Modern Homo sapiens: A Temporal Self
   Part 2. The Emergence of the Gods
6. Ancestors and Agriculture: A Spiritual Self
7. Governments and Gods: A Theistic Self
8. Other Theories of the Origins Of Gods
   Appendix A: The Evolution of the Brain
   Appendix B: Dreams as Proof of the Existence of a Spirit World and Land of the Dead
   Notes
   Index