Daniel C. Dennett - Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon

In his characteristically provocative fashion, Dennett, author ofDarwin's Dangerous Idea and director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University, calls for a scientific, rational examination of religion that will lead us to understand what purpose religion serves in our culture. Much like E.O. Wilson (In Search of Nature), Robert Wright (The Moral Animal), and Richard Dawkins (The Selfish Gene), Dennett explores religion as a cultural phenomenon governed by the processes of evolution and natural selection. Religion survives because it has some kind of beneficial role in human life, yet Dennett argues that it has also played a maleficent role. He elegantly pleads for religions to engage in empirical self-examination to protect future generations from the ignorance so often fostered by religion hiding behind doctrinal smoke screens. Because Dennett offers a tentative proposal for exploring religion as a natural phenomenon, his book is sometimes plagued by generalizations that leave us wanting more ("Only when we can frame a comprehensive view of the many aspects of religion can we formulate defensible policies for how to respond to religions in the future"). Although much of the ground he covers has already been well trod, he clearly throws down a gauntlet to religion. Publishers Weekly

File Size: 2.18 MB

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Daniel C. Dennett - Consciousness Explained

"One of the ten best books of the year" New York Times

"How unfair for one man to blessed with such a torrent of stimulating thoughts. Stimulating is an understatement. Every chapter unleashes so many startling new ideas that in the hands of an ordinary philosopher it would - and probably will - be spun out to fill a whole book." Richard Dawkins, Author of The Blind Watchmaker and The Selfish Gene

A long and detailed book by Daniel C. Dennett one of the greatphilosophers of our time. Dennett creates alternative models for understanding consciousness and puts forth a new theory of mind. As well as a good introduction to consciousness, this book will deconstruct everything you know about consciousness. Hard to read but worth for it.

P.S. The book is converted from JPEG to PDF. That is the reason for a huge file.

File Size: 222 MB

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http://rapidshare.com/files/136787758/Daniel.Dennett-Consciousness.Explained.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/136800871/Daniel.Dennett-Consciousness.Explained.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/136803928/Daniel.Dennett-Consciousness.Explained.part3.rar


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The Moral Animal: Why We Are, the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology - Robert Wright

A top recommended and very well written book about evolutionary psychology by Robert Wright. As a New Darwinian Robert Wright explains human behaviors under the light of natural selection.

File Size: 574 KB

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Religion Explained - Pascal Boyer

Cognitive anthropologist Boyer does not shrink from the task of explaining "the full history of all religion (ever)" in this engaging but somewhat oversold synopsis of anthropological findings, purporting to show how "the intractable mystery that was religion is now just another set of difficult but manageable problems." Boyer eloquently critiques mainstream academic treatments of religion that, in his view, distort the facts by imposing a single explanatory theory on a complex assortment of religious phenomena. At the same time, he argues that the variety of human religious concepts is not infinite, suggesting an underlying pattern in the way certain kinds of religious concepts engage the mind by "successful activation of a whole variety of mental systems." These patterns increase the probability that such concepts will be remembered and transmitted. Besides the religious concepts' appeal in stimulating individual minds, Boyer's account sees no deeper function or significance in them, a stance he realizes will leave most religious believers nonplussed. "People who think that we have religion because religion is true... will find little here to support their views and in fact no discussion of these views," he cautions. Boyer's strategy of explaining religion in terms of mundane, everyday thought processes puts him at odds with recent neuropsychological studies that identify "special" cognitive structures or events associated with religious experience. Ultimately, it may be Boyer's criticism of the mere concept of "religious experience" that makes this book such a fascinating exercise in devil's advocacy. Publishers Weekly


File Size: 25 MB

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Minds and Gods - Todd Tremlin

Around the world and throughout history, in cultures as diverse as ancient Mesopotamia and modern America, human beings have been compelled by belief in gods and developed complex religions around them. But why? What makes belief in supernatural beings so widespread? And why are the gods of so many different people so similar in nature? This provocative book explains the origins and persistence of religious ideas by looking through the lens of science at the common structures and functions of human thought. Amazon


File Size: 2.35 MB

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Tricks Of The Mind- Derren Brown

Derren Brown's television and stage performances have entranced and dumbfounded millions. His baffling illusions and stunning set pieces - such as "The Seance", "Russian Roulette" and "The Heist" - have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing more than their fair share of controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft, what makes him tick and just why he grew that beard. "Tricks of the Mind" takes you on a journey into the structure and psychology of magic. Derren teaches you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis and shows you how to do it. And he investigates the powers of suggestion and how you can massively improve the power of your memory. He also takes a long hard look at the paranormal industry, and looks at why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place...Alternately hilarious, controversial and challenging, "Tricks ofthe Mind" is essential reading for Derren's legions of fans, and pretty bloody irresistible even if you don't like him that much... Amazon.co.uk

File Size: 20mb

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