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How Religion Evolved with Robin Dunbar

How Religion Evolved with Robin Dunbar

FromPlease Expand


How Religion Evolved with Robin Dunbar

FromPlease Expand

ratings:
Length:
131 minutes
Released:
Mar 2, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

In this episode we look at Robin Dunbar's particular thesis that religion is not just an unexpected outcome of evolution but is, in fact, a mode of engaging with the world that confers substantial benefits on its adherents. We look at the importance of group bonding and the important role that religion plays in this. We talk about why religion is the most effective mode of bonding people in large groups, paying special attention to the role that endorphin release plays in this. Indeed, the emotional background to religion raises interesting questions about the futility of arguing about religious beliefs or trying to reason against religious belief. A big consequence of Dunbar's reading is that one is religious, not for reasons, but because of the emotional pull that religion has over people. Finally, we discuss the role of religion in our increasingly secular societies. If religion is as important to group bonding as Dunbar would argue, then what does this mean for the decline of religion that we are witnessing across the Western world? We discuss all this, and more, in our thought-provoking interview with Robin Dunbar.
Released:
Mar 2, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (14)

Please Expand is a podcast where I discuss non-fiction books with their authors. But Please Expand is not just about summaries; it's about conversations. I go into every episode having read each book in great detail and having reflected on the fundamental assumptions, foundations and questions with which the book grapples. If you, like me, have finished a book with burning questions that only the author could answer, then Please Expand is the podcast for you. Pick up one of the books I'm discussing and settle in for what I hope will be an illuminating conversation.