Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural PhenomenonAn innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring new book, distinguished philosopher Daniel C. Dennett takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks why. Where does our devotion to God come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice? In Breaking the Spell, Dennett argues that the time has come to shed the light of science on the fundamental questions of faith. In a spirited narrative that ranges widely through history, philosophy, and psychology, Dennett explores how organized religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. Deftly and lucidly, he contends that the "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need. Breaking the Spell is not an antireligious screed but rather an eyeopening exploration of the role that belief plays in our lives, our interactions, and our country. With the gulf between rationalists and adherents of "intelligent design" widening daily, Dennett has written a timely and provocative book that will be read and passionately debated by believers and nonbelievers alike. |
Contents
Breaking Which Spell? | 3 |
Some Questions About Science | 29 |
Why Good Things Happen | 54 |
THE EVOLUTION OF RELIGION | 95 |
Religion the Early Days | 116 |
The Evolution of Stewardship | 153 |
The Invention of Team Spirit | 175 |
Belief in Belief | 200 |
Now What Do We Do? | 308 |
What shall we tell the children? | 321 |
Toxic memes | 328 |
Patience and politics | 334 |
A The New Replicators | 341 |
B Some More Questions About Science | 359 |
The Bellboy and the Lady Named Tuck | 379 |
Kim Philby as a Real Case of Indeterminacy | 387 |
Other editions - View all
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon Daniel Clement Dennett No preview available - 2006 |