Soul Beliefs: Historical Foundations & Consequences
Explore the historical origins and impacts of soul beliefs across cultures, examining their role in religion, science, and society.
Explore the historical origins and impacts of soul beliefs across cultures, examining their role in religion, science, and society.
This course explores the historical foundations and consequences of soul beliefs, examining their prevalence across cultures and their impact on human thought and behavior. It delves into the adaptive advantages of soul beliefs, their neurological basis, and their influence on worldviews, religion, science, politics, and war. Through lectures and discussions, students will investigate the origins of soul beliefs, their functions in ancient and modern times, and their interactions with scientific evidence. The course also covers key controversies, including Darwin's theory of evolution and the mind-body problem, providing a comprehensive understanding of this fundamental aspect of human cognition and culture.
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What you'll learn
Understand the historical foundations of soul beliefs across cultures
Analyze the functions of religion in ancient and modern societies
Examine the impact of soul beliefs on worldviews and cultural practices
Explore the relationship between soul beliefs and scientific evidence
Investigate key controversies surrounding soul beliefs, including Darwin's theory of evolution
Evaluate the mind-body problem in the context of soul beliefs
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
803 Minutes PreRecorded video
4 quizzes
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 11 modules in this course
This course, the first unit of a larger series, explores the historical foundations and consequences of soul beliefs. It examines why beliefs about the soul and afterlife are so common in human history and their adaptive advantages. The course covers the origins of soul beliefs, their functions in ancient and modern societies, and how they shape different cultures and worldviews. It also addresses the challenges posed to these beliefs by scientific evidence, particularly Darwin's theory of evolution. Key topics include the historical development of soul beliefs, the roles of religion in societies, conflicts between religious and scientific worldviews, and the mind-body problem. Through lectures, readings, and interactive assignments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how soul beliefs have influenced human thought, behavior, and societal structures throughout history.
Introduction to the Course
Module 1 · 44 Minutes to complete
What I was Told to Believe
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #1
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #2
Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete
Functions of Religion in Ancient & Modern Times
Module 6 · 2 Hours to complete
Reactions to Scientific Evidence
Module 7 · 10 Minutes to complete
Religions Under Attack
Module 8 · 3 Hours to complete
Big Ideas & Big Controversies
Module 9 · 2 Hours to complete
Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Module 10 · 1 Hours to complete
The Mind-Body Problem
Module 11 · 2 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructors
Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University
Prof. Leonard W. Hamilton has been a distinguished member of the psychology faculty at Rutgers University for over 45 years. His early research centered on laboratory investigations into the neurochemical, developmental, and neuroanatomical correlates of inhibitory behaviors in rats. Over time, his focus shifted toward undergraduate education, where he developed courses exploring the broader origins of behavior. One of his hallmark courses, Soul Beliefs, integrates diverse areas of behavioral science to examine the biological foundations of belief systems and the historical impact of scientific discovery on worldviews.
Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University
Prof. Daniel M. Ogilvie has been a dedicated member of the psychology faculty at Rutgers University for over 45 years, specializing in personality and social psychology. As he nears the end of his distinguished teaching career, his focus has shifted toward unraveling the intriguing subject of soul and afterlife beliefs. In collaboration with his colleague, brain scientist Leonard Hamilton, Prof. Ogilvie has pioneered a new field of inquiry that bridges psychology, history, philosophy, brain evolution, child and cognitive development, anthropology, religion, and mythology. His work opens up deep interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of belief systems.
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