Which is the best book for analysis of religion in terms of evolutionary psychology?
1 PamPerdue, regarding your answer "I'd go with Steven Pinker": I've read all Pinker's books (enjoyed Blank Slate very much) and most of Dawkins' stuff, which I often find irritating, but hard to criticize. I am presently halfway through "Religion is not about God", by Loyal Rue. It is pretty thought-provoking, but a little dense at times.
I was hoping to find a few good insights expressed somewhat more clearly. At my age, I try to keep it simple when possible.
2 kyphilosopher, regarding your answer "several good books": Thank you very much for your comprehensive listing. I have read several books (including those that you mentioned) by Dennett and Dawkins, but I'm sure I will find some new perspectives based on your recommendations.
3 How We Believe by Michael Shermer is a good one.
He investigates the nature of belief from an evolutionary perspective and has actually written books on evolution as well. Religion Explained by Pascal Boyer. Subtited The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Thought this may be the perfect fit for your question.
It is more academic and in depth than the Shermer book but he addresses the issues involved in studying religion from this perspective and looks at religion cross culturally. He has been cited widely by other authors studying this question and it is probably fair to say that this book is on its way to becoming a classic in the field. Breaking The Spell by Daniel Dennett.
Dennet is a philosopher by trade and widely respected by scientists for taking the time to learn science! He has written extensively on evolution and philosophy of mind and brings this knowledge to bear in this book subtitled Religion as a Natural Phenomenon. His book is very engaging and does not presuppose a wide background knowledge in philosophy though he does weave in philosophical themes.
How We Believe What We Believe by Andrew Newberg. Newberg approaches the question as a neuroscientist and medical doctor. He provides a briefer account of the subject but a good entry point to understanding the biology and psychology of belief.
He is also the author of Why God Won't Go Away which addresses the subject focusing primarily on the brain science of belief but also may be of interest. Each of these would be a good starting point and you may find that reading all four of them provides a good tapestry to understand more about the subject. In addition I will link a few other recent books which don't directly address your question but would certainly provide relevant information.
As I am only in the habit of recommending books I myself have read I will only provide those links though there are probably many other good books on the subject.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.
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