#70 Why Humans Believe in God - Daniel Wolne

Prof. Daniel Wolne explains historical theories of religion with special focus on Sigmund Freud's speculation that religious belief arises from a projection of a father figure onto the universe. We then dive into contemporary theories arising from the cognitive science of religion: theory of mind, hyperactive agency detection devices, and social function theories.Check out video of our discussion on YouTube.To support the channel, do please oh please consider donating, either via PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee.Follow me on X-formerly-Twitter.EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction00:03:51 Explanation vs. theory of religion00:07:26 Methodological naturalism00:16:48 What is "religion"?00:27:44 Sigmund Freud - Is religion just projection of a father figure?00:39:42 What about non-theistic religions?00:42:09 Is religion the response to fear of death?00:45:22 Cognitive science of religion00:50:52 Hyperactive Agency Detection Device (HADD)01:06:06 What is religion's social function?01:11:56 Does cognitive science undermine religious belief? Get full access to Miles K. Donahue at mileskdonahue.substack.com/subscribe