Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon @ richardeward.com

Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
by Daniel C. Dennett
from Penguin (Non-Classics)

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

• The Underlying Theme is Policy and Politics
  This is the first book that I have read by Mr. Dennett and let me say at the outset that I am thankful that there are authors like him that are willing to take the time to "circle" a subject and view it from several different scientific, sociological and anthropological perspectives. This book is not a harsh criticism of religion but an attempt, as I understand it, to foster a dialogue in order to determine what policies, if any, should be carried out in the future to curb potential threats from religious... more info

• A great treat from Dennett
  This is a superb book about religion from Dennett, who has attained a renown as a philosopher of mind and cognitive science. He brings the tools from those disciplines to the subject of religion; in particular, he makes use of the concept of the "intentional stance" that we naturally take towards objects, both animate and inanimate. Dennett's book is a part of the very recent trend to scrutinize religion by conceptual tools taken from cognitive psychology, anthropology and evolutionary biology -- as a... more info

• Science as an Incantation
  Dennett talks up science here but there is little evidence that cognitive psychology provides a basis for a scientific investigation of religion. Cognitive psychology (as opposed to cognitive neuroscience) has no stable results as of yet but the program Dennett advocates depends upon cognitive psychology providing a basis for theologically orientated research. Questioning the obscure via the obscure is hardly enlightening. Science here is used as an incantation rather than as providing a basis for a viable... more info

• Is It 'Breaking' the Spell or 'Casting' the Spell? A Brilliant Cognitive Philosopher casts his net!
  Professor Daniel C. Dennett is an international philosopher worthy of His Holiness, Benedict XVI dictum, "the philosopher was someone who knew how to teach the essential art: the art of being authentically human---the art of living and dying." [Encyclical Letter, SPE SALVI facti sumus ("In Hope we were saved", St. Paul, Romans 8:24)]
  Previous reviewers have drawn attention to Professor Dennett's intentions, scope and achievements, what I want to do is start the process of treating 'religion' as an... more info

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