Origins of Religious Beliefs

This lecture explores the origins of religious beliefs, from ancient rituals to modern psychological and neuroscientific perspectives. It delves into the psychology of primitive beliefs, the transmission of beliefs through education and socialization, and the cognitive processes behind religious concepts. The lecture also discusses the development of beliefs in children, the role of genes in predisposing individuals to faith, and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying religious experiences. By examining the case of Santa Claus belief, it highlights the importance of rationality in belief formation and abandonment, shedding light on the logical capacities of children.