The Michael Shermer Show The Formation, Diversification, and Extinction of World Religions
Apr 6, 2024
Exploring the diverse evolution of world religions, the podcast delves into the cognitive foundations of early beliefs, the evolution from polytheism to monotheism, and the interconnectedness of tribal behaviors and societal progress. It discusses ancient artifacts, the impact of organized religion on historical records, and the challenges of studying ideologies across different disciplines. The conversation also explores the purpose of supernatural elements in religious narratives, the evolution of religious stories, and the future of religion in modern society.
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Paleontology and Religion
- A paleontologist's systematic approach can be applied to the history of religion.
- This involves searching for relationships and shared characteristics, similar to tracking species.
Resistance to Evolutionary Approaches
- Social sciences sometimes resist evolutionary approaches due to the history of social Darwinism.
- A comparative approach, focusing on shared characteristics, offers valuable insights.
Cognitive Foundation of Religion
- Abstract thinking is a foundation of religious belief systems, enabling abstract thought and record-keeping.
- This cognitive ability allows for the development of complex systems like artifacts and communication.