Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods locates the origin of gods within the human brain, arguing that religious belief is a byproduct of evolution. Using data ranging from ancient skulls and artifacts to brain imaging, primatology, and child development studies, this book traces how new cognitive abilities gave rise to new behaviors. Torrey details the neurobiological sequence that explains why the gods appeared when they did, connecting archeological findings including clothing, art, farming, and urbanization to cognitive developments.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Brain, Home of the Gods
Part 1. The Making of the Gods
1. Homo habilis: A Smarter Self
2. Homo erectus: An Aware Self
3. Archaic Homo sapiens (Neandertals): An Empathic Self
4. Early Homo sapiens: An Introspective Self
5. Modern Homo sapiens: A Temporal Self
Part 2. The Emergence of the Gods
6. Ancestors and Agriculture: A Spiritual Self
7. Governments and Gods: A Theistic Self
8. Other Theories of the Origins Of Gods
Appendix A: The Evolution of the Brain
Appendix B: Dreams as Proof of the Existence of a Spirit World and
Land of the Dead
Notes
Index
E. Fuller Torrey is associate director of research at the Stanley Medical Research Institute and the founder of the Treatment Advocacy Center. His books include The Roots of Treason: Ezra Pound and the Secret of St. Elizabeths (1984); The Insanity Offense: How America's Failure to Treat the Seriously Mentally Ill Endangers Its Citizens (2008); and American Psychosis: How the Federal Government Destroyed the Mental Illness Treatment System (2013).
A unique scholarly approach to the subject that is sure to be influential and highly regarded. -- Robert Sapolsky, John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Stanford University An excellent text that throws new light on where religious ideas come from. -- Patrick McNamara, Boston University School of Medicine
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