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The Symbolic World
360 - John Vervaeke - The Cognitive Science of Ritual
Sep 26, 2024
John Vervaeke, a scholar in cognitive science, dives deep into the complex interplay of ritual and reason. He discusses how rituals shape identities and mark time, emphasizing their crucial role in both sacred and secular contexts. Vervaeke challenges the trend of de-ritualization, arguing for the transformative power of meaningful rituals in modern life. He highlights their importance in personal and collective identity formation, while also touching on exciting new fairy tale projects that blend culture and cognition.
42:36
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Quick takeaways
- Rituals play a critical role in identity formation by marking transformations that help individuals envision and solidify their desired selves.
- The discourse surrounding the cognitive science of religion highlights the need for an integrated understanding of rituals beyond reductionist interpretations.
Deep dives
Rationality as Aspirational
Rationality is framed as an inherently aspirational pursuit, suggesting that the essence of rationality lies in the desire to improve one's reasoning abilities. This transformational journey necessitates a certain degree of imagination, where individuals project themselves into a future state of rationality they wish to achieve. By acknowledging that rationality is not merely about logic but also involves an aspirational dimension, individuals can better understand the importance of envisioning their growth within the realm of rational thought. This broader understanding challenges traditional views of rationalism and highlights the role of imaginative engagement in the rational process.
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