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Magazine global warming psychological impact Religion Religious Practices

How should we study religion?

The philosophers Daniel Dennett and Richard Swinburne debate the correct approach to the study of religion

By Daniel Dennett  
March 22, 2006
March 2006

Dear Richard 5th January 2006

It’s high time science took a good hard look at religion. Why? Because it has become evident in recent years that if we are to make progress on the world’smajor problems, we will have to learn more about religions and the influence they wield over people’s lives and actions. Failure to appreciate the dynamics of religious allegiance, and the psychological impact of religious differences, may lead us to invest heavily in counterproductive policies. The phoenix-like rebound of religion in the former Soviet Union suggests to many that just as prohibition and the…

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Daniel Dennett

Daniel Dennett is a philosopher, cognitive scientist and author

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