Found on TED Blog, a fascinating video of a speech given at the last TED conference that addresses on of my favorite topics – religion:
Dan Dennett is a Tufts philosophy professor and cognitive scientist, renowned for his books, Consciousness Explained (1991) and Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (1995). His most recent book, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a natural phenomenon calls for a rational examination of religion as a cultural phenomenon that co-evolved with humans to meet social needs. In this talk, which followed the presentation by Pastor Rick Warren, he takes issue with some of Warren’s claims in The Purpose-Driven Life. (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 25:29)
Among other things, Dennett likens religion to a parasite that infects the brain and induces behavior to further a cause that may be counter to the genetic self-interest of the individual (suicide bombing, anyone?).
Dennett also says that “good” can and does exist without religion, and suggests that all children should be taught the facts about all religions, with no value judgments attached, just the facts of what the religion claims, what the religion requires of its adherents, and so on. This is clearly an idea destined for the dumpster, since it probably makes too much sense.
There are two sides to every story, and unfortunately, I don’t think Dennett makes the point that “good” can and does exist with religion, too. Sometimes. Mileage varies.
Tags:religion,Dan Dennett,TED
Filed under: miscellaneous, science
