SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
from the "number-of-the-beast"-is-natural,-whole,-rational,-real,-AND-imaginary dept.
Religious beliefs are not linked to intuition or rational thinking, according to new research by the universities of Coventry and Oxford. Previous studies have suggested people who hold strong religious beliefs are more intuitive and less analytical, and when they think more analytically their religious beliefs decrease.
But new research, by academics from Coventry University's Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science and neuroscientists and philosophers at Oxford University, suggests that is not the case, and that people are not 'born believers'. The study -- which included tests on pilgrims taking part in the famous Camino de Santiago and a brain stimulation experiment -- found no link between intuitive/analytical thinking, or cognitive inhibition (an ability to suppress unwanted thoughts and actions), and supernatural beliefs.
Instead, the academics conclude that other factors, such as upbringing and socio-cultural processes, are more likely to play a greater role in religious beliefs.
[Abstract]: Supernatural Belief Is Not Modulated by Intuitive Thinking Style or Cognitive Inhibition
Would you agree with this conclusion or do you believe that there is something else that influences people's religious beliefs ?
(Score: 2) by etherscythe on Friday November 10 2017, @06:21PM (1 child)
Richard Dawkins is relatively intelligent about his arguments, and couches his argument in terms of scientific knowledge because he is a biologist. He gets pretty close to speaking in absolutes, though; by his implications, 'not only is religion archaic and stupid, but you should consider yourself stupid for even considering it, you horrible drain on society and progress.'
There are, in fact, many outspoken atheists that "know" that there is no god out there, with just as little justification as those who wave their hands and say "I don't need proof, God's spirit reached out and touched me!" Rationality is not required to hold an opinion, even one contrary to another which is known to be often held irrationally. Some of them even advertise the fact, although they are downers and I suspect few people like to be their friends because there is no upside.
"Fake News: anything reported outside of my own personally chosen echo chamber"
(Score: 2) by turgid on Saturday November 11 2017, @05:26PM
I've been an atheist since the age of 9 when I had that "Aha!" moment. Over the years I've considered carefully many of the arguments, including God-in-the-gaps but the older I get the less agnostic I get and the more Strong Atheist I become. This is due to experience and because I am capable of understanding more nuanced argument. I'm afraid that the older I get the more that the pro-God arguments are obviously sophistry to me. Dawkins is great. He really nails things down. The Greatest Show on Earth is a magnificent popular science book.
I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent [wikipedia.org].