Data Over Dogma Episode 51: Is Religion Make-Believe? With Neil Van Leeuwen
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Mar 25, 2024 Cognitive scientist Neil Van Leeuwen discusses the distinction between religious credence and factual belief. The podcast delves into the psychology of religious beliefs, cognitive dissonance, and navigating complex religious beliefs. It highlights the resilience of religious beliefs, challenges in updating beliefs, and the impact of social dynamics on belief formation.
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Religious Credence vs. Factual Belief
- Religious credence differs from factual belief, similar to how imagining differs from believing.
- Religious credence is a separate cognitive attitude, like imagining, distinct from factual belief rooted in knowledge.
Compartmentalization of Religious Credence
- Religious credences are compartmentalized, guiding actions in sacred contexts but not always in everyday life.
- Factual beliefs, however, consistently guide actions and lack an "off switch."
Grief and Anthropomorphism
- Dan McClellan recounts a pastor urging grief suppression due to religious belief, demonstrating costly signaling.
- Justin Barrett's experiments revealed intuitive anthropomorphic God concepts overridden by theological correctness.