Daniel Dennet: Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon

Professor Dennett talked about his book Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, published by Viking. He analyzed the purpose of religion and described religion as a cultural phenomenon that was developed by natural, evolutionary processes to explain material phenomenon. He also challenged the idea that belief in religion is an outgrowth of supernatural forces. After his presentation he answered audience members' questions. Professor Dennett also wrote Consciousness Explained and Darwin's Dangerous Idea.

[@not2tees]

Daniel's point about some believers actually believing and others, somewhat the majority, simply believing that Belief is a good thing, is a good clarifying insight. It could also be applied to those think that education is a good thing, though not educating themselves, or think Science is a good thing, though doing no science themselves, etc.

[@venkataponnaganti]

What a brilliant thinker!

[@mattbabb.]

That sentence in Turkish means: "Every human being is born, lives, and dies" Seems to be true, although I haven't died yet so technically the jury is still out;)

[@riaandoyle8196]

Well , if you stand next too a pool and 5 people jumps into the pool and all walk out and are wet as they step outside the pool , then I'm sure you can tick that block that you wil be wet too if you jump in , and if a person kicks and beats another person infront of a policeman, they wil get arrested , and the same if you should also do the same yo someone .. Some things you may assume too be so , without doubting ! Hit you hand as hard as you can against a brick wall , you won't just break it, you'll bleed too , you can be sure without it happening first . Or lit a plate on you're stove too it's highest, then after 30 minutes put you're hand on top of that well heated plate , and you wil surely burn , you can know it without experiencing it . You that don't even know what tomorow wil bring . Don't you know that you are but a dust that appears for a little while then dissappear again ...... The Bible Einstein called it spooky action at a distance , so when you observe a quantum particle from a distance,whatever it was He did it at, it looked spooky Spooky and mist is synonymous May the peace and joy of the Lord Jesus Christ at this very moment flow over you, touch you,fill you and may He reveal Himself too you in a Mighty way ,in Jesus name, amen and amen! May God,through our Lord Jesus Christ ,His only Begotten Son, bless you with His peace and joy and fill you up with His great Love , and may He do it too all you're families , and you're friends, for His kingdom sake and too His glory, forever and forever amen ! All my Love always ...

[@Vetealaverga-dw5co]

Abueno pa saber

[@ramos6250]

:)

[@heathera6774]

What will happen? Will a religion win or will it die out? The curiosity is something we should all have. So very few views of this video. How sad. Smart fella, maybe not fun enough for people to share? #fourhorseman Hoping my keyboard bravery translates to this speech popping up on more people’s feeds. Not easy listening, but very studied and intellectual. Thank you sir. #intellectuals #atheist #samharris #hitchens #dawkins #freedomofthought #memes #darwin

[@jeffreyedwards767]

A very wise 🦉

[@kap3r0n]

I feel like such a nerd counting the binary dots at the top of this video.

[@elmerz1560]

Martha?

[@allaboutdmagic]

A lot of Americans didn't put their votes behind Obama because of his belief in a sky god, though, a politician's religion is losing its sway even among many believers of whatever denomination.

[@rendameloy6414]

U