The Symbolic World
352 - Peter Boghossian - What Is Religion?
Jul 26, 2024
Peter Boghossian, an American philosopher and author known for his exploration of belief and religion, dives deep into the essence of faith. He discusses the role of religion in community and identity, drawing parallels to sports. The conversation highlights skepticism around healing and prayer, while probing the emotional weight of beliefs. They also reflect on human consciousness and existence, framing these topics within the complexities of modern society. Boghossian's insights prompt listeners to reevaluate their own perspectives on truth and community.
01:17:49
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Quick takeaways
- Religion serves as a unifying force for communities, encompassing various extraordinary beliefs that foster group identities and shared symbols.
- The significance of truth claims in religion lies in their capacity to provide ethical frameworks and social cohesion for adherents.
Deep dives
The Nature of Religion and Binding
Religion is viewed as a binding mechanism that helps individuals understand their unity within various communities, such as nations and groups. For some, religion includes extraordinary beliefs that create group identity, while for others, it serves as a broader concept that links people together. This binding is not exclusive to formal religions; even national pride or sports teams exhibit religious characteristics, like rituals and shared symbols. Therefore, modern ideological movements, such as 'woke' culture, can also be seen as religious because they offer similar structures that create collective identity and celebration.
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