THE DUALISTIC, DISCARNATE PICTURE THAT HAUNTS THE COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION

Cognitive science of religion often assumes a reductive physicalism, focusing on unconscious mental mechanisms that detect supernatural agency and purpose where none exist, while downplaying conscious reflection. However, the mind side of dualism appears in this field in several ways: some researchers portray religious practitioners as dualists who believe in disembodied spirits; the emphasis on supernatural agency neglects nonpersonal powers and meanings in religion, such as magical thinking and nonpersonal conceptions of divinity; some claim all humans are innate dualists, using this to explain beliefs about an afterlife and consciousness transfer; and this dualism is sometimes invoked to salvage meaning in human life.

Study at a glance

Abstract

A dualistic, discarnate picture haunts contemporary cognitive science of religion (CSR). Cognitive scientists of religion generally assert or assume a reductive physicalism, primarily through unconscious mental mechanisms that detect supernatural agency where none exists and a larger purpose to life when none exists. Accompanying this focus is a downplaying of conscious reflection in religious belief and practice. Yet the mind side of dualism enters into CSR in interesting ways. Some cognitive scientists turn practitioners of religion into dualists who allegedly believe in disembodied spirits. By emphasizing supernatural agency, CSR neglects nonpersonal powers and meanings in religion, both in terms of magical thinking and practice and of nonpersonal conceptions of divinity. Additionally, some cognitive scientists of religion declare that all humans are innate dualists. They use this alleged dualism to explain beliefs about both an afterlife and transfers of consciousness. Finally, some call on this dualism to serve a salvific function, trying to salvage some meaning to human life.