How Religion Hijacks Cognitive Mechanisms

[tuseroni]

under desert religions he points out the 3 religions which branch off Judaism modern Judaism, islam, and christianity) but ignores the root of THOSE religions, the ancient egyptian mythology (well that and a hodge podge of others in the region, they jahwist, the deutonimists, the elehists but they are branches from the root that got reassimilated.) also it leaves some question where the other polytheistic religions which dont fit his rainforest religion prototype fit.

[JungleJargon]

Religion is a strawman argument. The truth is that there is observable evidence that both we and the entire universe have a very great Maker.

watch?v=qZev7hb40uk

[NUTCASE71733]

@JungleJargon

No there isn't don't delude yourself. That evidence by definition would have to be examined by science and supernatural things cannot be tested because they are not material.

[JungleJargon]

@NUTCASE71733 A Maker of all natural things can be detected by way of the function that hydrogen and most of the most common elements have as essential parts working inside of us as ordered.

Function always has a maker so the function of hydrogen inside of us means that all matter consisting of hydrogen and derivatives does indeed have a very great Maker.

[theclarinet1234]

Some of the most interesting studies on morality come from the study of other social animals. For example, dogs have an apparent hard wired sense of fairness. If dogs perceive other dogs being rewarded for a behavior, whereas they themselves are not, they will exhibit anxiety behaviors and eventually refuse to perform the requested behavior. That's just one example.

[scotttebben]

"Theology: The field of study and analysis of make believe; for the purpose of spinning reality to conform to the human imagination so the control of others can be achieved". -Scott Tebben

[kokopelli314]

Regarding Dr Thomson's correlation between religion and environment, ie. Rainforest and Desert religions, I wonder if environmental conditions are coded into a cultural practice, will that culture tend to reproduce those environmental conditions elsewhere;

[HToothrot]

How the social sciences Hijack Cognative mechanisms

1. Hard to fake costly signals of commitment.

Producing needlessly long books that are deliberately more complicated then are necessary to prove their point. Semantic wordplay that goes nowere.

2. Manipulation of moral feelings:

rules regarding plagiarism

3. Kin Psychology

Fraternities, Seororities, house affiliation

[kokopelli314]

@HToothrot That's a mischaracterization. Social science studies relationships and social rules. If you're having trouble getting through the textbooks then buy Coles notes

[HToothrot]

@kokopelli314 I must have been angry when I wrote that. I have an undergrad in Anthropology, and its a common joke that people become dogmatically affiliated with a particular school of thought. It was probably after trying to read Bourdieu or Foucault for the bajilionth time. I have heard Dawkins slag off the teaching of post-modernism in humanities (which most of the European schoolsdo now), and I disagree with him over that, but thats more to do with values than axioms.

[kokopelli314]

@HToothrot Yeah, I was kind of wondering afterwards if you were playing around, After deconstructing my process' of deconstruction I had some inkling of what the DADAists were all about. I think John Ralston Saul has an effective post modern analysis of political science in "On Equilibrium", although some might consider political science to be an inhumanity.

[HToothrot]

@kokopelli314 I probably was trolling. I don't know anymore! What would you say is the difference between politics and political science? Also all be sure to look up "on equilibrium"

[kokopelli314]

@HToothrot If politics is the blood sport then political science is the audience.

[HToothrot]

@kokopelli314 lol. Some science then!

[Nocturnalux]

It's interesting how fake kinship relations are also very much a part of gangs and the mafia in particular. Do I see a connection here.

[mickwillie1]

from God get lost come back but satan as god.called a coo.a coo is when you take anothers goods.the problem is while his coo is in power at the moment,the reserves are a coming.trust Christ not muppet boy.

[99minerkc]

Where do you think we got this innate sense of morality? Could it "possibly" be from a supreme being? I don't mean an interactive one such as the Abraham god! I mean a god (if you want to call it god)like A.E, believed in.

[99minerkc]

Of course no all Christians are like that, but it can be said that many atheists and agnostics lack cognitve/critical thinking abilities!

[itcanbecheezcaketime]

@99minerkc

Name one.

[99minerkc]

You!

[acfacf4321]

@99minerkc - "morality" is a byproduct of evolution, whereby in order to best ensure the survival of our species it is ideal that we live in cooperative societies. Societies that cannot adhere to such rules (not stealing, killing, etc) generally do not survive. Words written in a Bronze Age book didn't need to tell us this. Moreover, those words were written by man as a result of man's evolution over millions of years in getting to get to that point in cogntive development. Understand?

[99minerkc]

Interesting! I was left 5 thumbs down on my comments, and yet one 1 person(you)took the time to leave an intelligent response! That says a lot! Anyway, thanks for your time and thoughtful comment!

Peace to you!

[amasra56]

Most harmful nature of religious books, especially the Old Testament and Quran is the fact that these books are written to establish set of rules and laws to govern peoples every aspects of their lives; Codes of living, so to speak; at bronze age. It is absurd and impossible for human civilizations to fit them to our age of reason, science and civil laws.

[gjford]

You'll be surprised.

[GeminiAzules]

No matter what you have been taught as a child, unless you are a complete moron or are desperate to avoid taking responsibility for your own acts; you have the mental capacity to make a rational decision based on the information you have.

[ss06utube]

BOOORIN' YAWN!!im atheist but i hope there is a hell to send this guy to reminds me of all those teachers i couldnt stand.0 stars

[GBXS]

@ ss06utube

Yes! Send a professor of an university to hell. This is because we all know knowledge is bad. We might as well go back to the dark ages, where everything was kept so simple and had only one none-debatable truth.

If you dont like it, you dont like it. You are not forced to go to the university or watch this video. There is no need for any bad wishes to a man who educates others, especially wishes that are defined as 'eternal torment'.

[GBXS]

@ ss06utube

I actually have trouble understanding your point (I guess there isnt even a slight point you're trying to make ) because of the use of incoherent sentences.

I only said that you are a fool for making your earlier comment, that had nothing to do with what has been said in the video.

I find it hard to believe you are an atheist, you strongly dislike a video which analyses religion for what it really is. Also looking at your favourited video's, you probably believe in UFOLOGY.

[jerryaltman]

Religion it's a near mental ilness. But the world have so much ill people, that it's saw as normal.

[GeminiAzules]

Isn't whats 'normal' actually determined by what the most of society finds acceptable?

The ability to believe in something that is not in front of your eyes is an ability not an illness.

It borders on paranoia to think that anything you cant see is a lie. Paranoia is a mental illness.

[jerryaltman]

In some countries most people thinks that is normal stone a woman to dead if she is in love with someone and had few relation before marrage. It's wrong, and it's sick kill or hurt woman for that, no matter iwhat the majority thinks.

People made up about what they can't see, and each one have his version, usually projections of their vanity, ignorance and fear. For me it's just quite stupid.

[GeminiAzules]

Stoning women for breaking the law in some countries is the law, not religion.

In Texas there is the death penalty for certain crimes. In other places in the world they say its savage and barbaric and might even say that those carrying out the sentences are murderers.

It has nothing to do with religion.

[jerryaltman]

Stone woman are in "Holly Books", even in Bible old testment. it's part of the culture of many contries, sick ones let's say. It's their common sense.

I just say that because we can't say something it's right just because it's common practice, by the majoroty of people in a given culture.

[GeminiAzules]

What does stoning women have to do with botany?

oh Holy Books? If your talking about the Bible, it documents the history of the Jewish people, where it was the law to stone people for certain crimes. The Old Testament is about history and is there to explain the benefit of the coming of Christ and why his sacrifice was so important. The Bible teaches not to do such things and to leave judgment to the Lord.

If your going to preach against religions, perhaps you should study them first.

[jerryaltman]

Many religions do not agree with you about old testament be just history. They consider holly as well.

Anyway it's not exactly my initial point. my point was about people think some things are normal just because they are used too, due be often in their culture.

[whydid666]

Yes but what was the reason that propped that law, in many countries it's death Sentence for having gay sex and that is the law of the land yet funny enough the leader of the country and 90% of citizens are religious nuts, so we can see when religion gets influence into politics ridiculous laws are made and Texas is one of the most religiously influenced states in America, and yet Texas has the weirdest and harshest laws, see the connection?

[GeminiAzules]

Really? i live in Texas and there's no law that says you have to stone people for having gay sex?

[whydid666]

No but isn't all forms of marriage illegal because you went over kill trying to out law all forms of gay marriage.

[GeminiAzules]

wow. is that what they teach in atheist school?

Actually yeah, your right. Marriage is illegal. Its also illegal to have a dog who was born. Being born is illegal for humans as well. Sex has been outlawed altogether. We use storks now.

[GeminiAzules]

The sun was also outlawed. The only thing that is legal now is Eve Online.

[whydid666]

Ah that cool i <3 eve online, Gellente FTW

but no in Texas in the 2005 legislator they fucked up the wording of one of the wordings against gay marriage and wasn't discovered later but a divorce lawyer who used that to get his client off scot free because his marriage wasn't legally valid, they fixed that law later but it will always be funny to note how much over kill it was against gay marriage.

[itcanbecheezcaketime]

@whydid666

Lol, you sound like a person who's never been to Texas. It is nowhere near the most religious state in the US. Ever been to Kentucky? Tennessee? Georgia? Florida? Louisiana? Alabama? Arkansas? Texas is barely in the bible belt. You should visit the state before you attempt to smear them with your false labels. Not only this but Texas has one of the fastest growing "free thinkers" community in the USA. I've lived here my whole life and never seen this religious injection you speak of

[whydid666]

I apologize for my assumption for how religious the great state of Texas is no never been always assumed though what i've herd though of a funny mishap with the wording of one of the marriage laws to rule out gay marriage that effectively deligitamised all marriage slipped past and when a heterosexual couple was divorcing a lawyer manged to use that to get his client off scot free, the law was changed again to correct it but not before the world laughed at the error.

[itcanbecheezcaketime]

@whydid666

It's all good. But you don't see gawdy churches and an over abundance of religion in Texas. It's here, but the people are pretty quiet about it... unless you're way out in the country and then... well... you'd get that reaction out of anyone.

Don't get me wrong, Texas is technically in the bible belt but right on the end of it. It's not near as thick as the other more southern states. I'm a Dallas resident though. So... that's been my experience over 30 years and in all my travels

[pyr666]

@GeminiAzules

clinical paranoia is based on belief without evidence. i mean really, just look at the sorts of things they believe.

"the government is spying on me", where is the evidence?

"(person) is trying to hurt me" proof? i could go on all day.

the reality is that in your day-to-day life, you expect some level of evidence to back up any claim, and you do not demand that of religion.

[GeminiAzules]

@pyr666 If you spend your entire life relying on proof or evidence you will waste a lot of time and miss many opportunities.

[pyr666]

@GeminiAzules

you know for a fact taking things on faith will cause you to waste your life. just look at every religion that isn't yours.

nice try changing the topic btw.

[VideoAudioDisco09]

@GeminiAzules

Your right, we use proof but also experience and reason.

We make informed decisions as much as possible and are hesitant to jump into a hole in the ground not knowing what is in there or where it ends.

Taking the opportunities has advanced civilization.

Religion is opposed to reason, logic, common sense and has no proof at all.

All the claimed proofs have been and are being debunked. To continue on this path does not gain anything just wastes time for real opportunities.

[ss06utube]

i didnt dislike your poxy video,it was just shit,by the way stick your pronunciation up your arse teacher(is that your boyfriend?)lol twat!

[Evilenlil]

What about the sumerians, they lived in a desert environment and were polythesic, chinese religion is not rainforest etc.

[cosette2193]

Secular ideologies that subordinate the individual to the "inevitable" destiny of history as led by the party, e.g., Nazism and Communism, have killed more people in the 20th century alone that any overt or perverted religion has killed since A.D. 312.

[Glapo]

Hitler claimed to be Christian.

[lipoicacid]

The nazis and communists were occultists.

[birdiejoehoaks]

poorly educated person is poorly educated.

[bnightm]

Relevance? Thought not.

[yamimakaiz]

Secular ideologies ... -> ... Nazism.

no, just no. how the fuck do you go from secular to completely opposite side of spectrum in 1 sentence?! you just group shit that you think are 'bad' and pretend it makes sense. it doesn't. you are an idiot.

[realyNobody]

@cosette2193

simply not true cuz u have to consider religion wars too

[nathanjay83]

Very interesting stuff, I will show this to my brother were me and him had an argument about if someone wasn't religious anymore would they still be able to perform the acts like suicide bombing etc... I was trying to explain that religion changes a person mind, where hes argument is that people are that can perform these acts will always be able to do it?

[soulinite]

Great video. Look no further then Mormonism and $cientology for proof that religion is rooted in lies and frauds.

[TJae1]

Least this professor doesn't hiijack thought ;) Anyway, least nature & conscience, is confirmed & not denied. Romans 2

[daddyleon]

bla bal bal bla... m'kay?

yada yada yada... m'kay??

lol xD

But he's right, and it's interesting xD

[Gwisss]

Too be serious about this, the "mm'kay" does take away from the lecture. It might be more bearable to listen to if he was concise in his speech without having to pause with an "mm'kay" as if to get his thoughts straight. I almost feel like counting all the "mm'kays".

[daddyleon]

Oh it doesn't bother me.

I like a little humor inside a lecture, 'keeps you awake' too. :P

[blaziermissy]

a hint of passive aggression?

[Gwisss]

hahaha, maybe!

[Kaimosae]

"Morality is doing what is right regardless of what you are told. Religious morality is doing what you are told no matter whether or not it's right."

Powerful!

I would like to hear him talk more about moral intuition. Fascinating stuff especially when you become so custom to hearing that only religion brings morality. I'm atheist and I know that's a bunch of bullshit. I just love hearing my side being validated. lol Great vid!

[Kaimosae]

* accustomed

[Masenko]

Interesting lecture, thanks for the video.

[ctressle]

For all youtube users involved: to see the full movie, the poster has provided the url in the description. However, if you simply copy and paste the url link, it will not work b/c there is a space between the ",Why-" and "we-" :

"...,Why- we-..."

when it should be:

"...,Why-we-..."

[ModelAnarchist]

Great video!

[wukillalogic]

*Critique from Christian* "OH i see what the problem is,you haven't received the holy spirit so you cant comprehend the scripture." LOL

[joeyoap]

He's not a very engaging speaker and he says "ya know" and "ok" far too much for someone giving a lecture.I don't think he has much confidence in himself as a public speaker.

Fair message but probably not the best messenger.

[CognosSquare]

This is sweet but cut too short.

[BionicDance]

So...why does the ancient Egyptian religion look more like a rainforest religion, then?

[brandonbdx]

I think that may the weakest point in his talk. He also doesn't demonstrate how, specifically, ecology would lead to the differences in the types; ie, how does the desert, as an ecosystem, lead to women's relegated roles in society?

[BionicDance]

It's possible they're just useful short-hand generalizations, rather than 100% accurate descriptions...it's annoying, but understandable.

[threewiseman1]

"how does the desert, as an ecosystem, lead to women's relegated roles in society?"

To hazard a guess, I'd say it's a lack of resource issue. People tend to be more possessive when they have fewer possessions. Also, migration is that much more difficult in arid locations. Hence, demeaning women makes them much easier to control and possess.

[marsCubed]

One reason is that property begins to be accumulated in nomadic societies such as the desert religions.

 So cattle and possessions form not only the basis of economic viability but also mean that inheritance uber becomes important for gene reproduction. The grim economics of desert life and threats of genocide and theft lead to the break up of communal living, this becomes formalized by religion which posits laws and a king chief (state) in place of natural human communal cooperation and love

[marsCubed]

Sexism basically originates in the right to trade women like cattle as this may have provided some advantage in the worst times. To make such a thing the basis of law in a modern society is sickening, we must all do everything we can to wipe such nasty and ignorant dark age belief systems out, then flush them onto the trash heap of history where they belong.

[threewiseman1]

Couldn't agree more. Well said.

[2bsirius]

This is an excellent video and I've 5*ed and favored it.

My only reservation is that certain secular forms of totalitarian government: Stalinism, Nazism, extreme nationalism, etc...AND they use exactly the same forms of covert coercion and blind group affiliation tactics which organized religions use.

[7thDayAtheist]

That is why religion is symptomatic of a greater psychological and social entity, biologic factor, and/or nature-nurture construct within ourselves that enables people to act irrationally rational. The type of thinking that we find behind religion and other types of "crowd motivators" is an organically based device of sorts that allows for behavior and intellect to be swayed.

[garethac81]

Fair point, but I don't think the argument here is that religion is the ONLY way to control large groups of people...historically it's been one of the most effective methods, but not the only one.

[realreligion]

EXACTLY! It is blind faith instead of reason and critical thought that is the key.

I think that it is easier in general for religion (rather than other ideologies like nationalism) to drive blind faith, because, well...religion itself is based on myth, fantasy and completely arbitrary morality.

Although dangerous and bloody, Nazism, Maoism and Stalinism came and went rather quickly compared to any world religion.

[marsCubed]

Unless of course you make a connection to Crystal night occurring on the anniversary of Luther's birthday, Hitler passing laws which made Christianity compulsory in schools and things like banning abortion and homosexuality. Nazism was bourgeois Christianity, conservatism, cultural pride and pig headed reaction at it's core. Anti Semitism only makes sense because of Christianity. Franco's fascist Spain degenerated into a Christian bigoted conservative dark age after WW2.

[realreligion]

marsCubed, EXCELLENT point. I guess it may all boil down to religion after all. I still think that greed is an underlying factor along with a lack of reasoned thought.

Following your lead however, it could be argued that religion could be the underlying source of the individuals world view that opens the door in their psyche to accept seemingly unrelated ideas. I think that you are right.

[marsCubed]

Thanks, but I think it is more complex, like religion provided real advantages or protection and identity, it probably improved the lot of women too in that it limited the worst abuses, however it formalized and set in stone the culture of the day, and also prohibited alternatives. Thus today we have an archaic and inflexible, also unfalsifiable construct posing as absolute truth, this hinders emancipation of various groups and is exploited by bigots who benefit from hierarchy and authority.

[marsCubed]

Something else to bare in mind is that religion changes with economic mode. So hunters have animal Gods, heroic society has heroic gods such as Norse myths and Iliad. Feudal god reflects the hierarchy of kings, Today religion is the alienated happy smile reality tv shopping experience, being respectful to the mall hegemony with suicide sacrifice of war.

In all cases religion alienates people from each other and Truth with conservative dogma. Religion hijacks everything

Cooperation is logical.

[camino1ca]

"Religion hijacks everything" that could be a alternative slogan on Christopher Hitchens book lol.

[marsCubed]

Wait 10 years and some religions will be saying they had Hitch's ideas first in the form of obscure scriptures about trading goats for salvation, or something. It occurs that concepts like cooperation, sharing, caring for others, most good, least harm, are just logical.

They turn up everywhere we find people, even in exclusive groups. Humanism is rule of law and decent standards of life for all, No qualification necessary, all are worthy. Religion is where we get the 'unworthy' concept from.

[marsCubed]

It seems to me that compassion is the normal human mode. It is in the brain we evolved; cooperation and trust so that we can organize and share ideas, produce the means of sustenance and enjoyments in life.

 It is not useful to call people evil any more than it is to call them possessed of evil spirits. Anti social behaviour comes most often from damaged by abuse, psychiatric illness, harmful indoctrination and poverty, culture.

not evil, manageable

like very low crime in atheist/secular Sweden

[camino1ca]

That's right. They pick and choose which scriptures to follow and ignore the most insane ones like stoning people for working on the sabbath, eating seafood(really), adultery, and on. They justify their bigotry as well because "god said it". Certain unworthy concept we see materializing in Muslim society's where they follow even the insane scripture. Christianity was once similar in It's magnitude of barbarity. A Christian told me recently I'm going to hell for not believing. Moral?

[grendelee]

does he go on to say why he things desert and rainforest religions are differnt? i mean, i can just tell intuitively WHY, but i want to know what he actually says.

[fractal420]

Looks like it was a good lecture would like to have seen more of it.

[sockpuppetsfromhell]

All three of those desert religions have the same root fault: the god of Abraham.

[falotnek]

Teaching kids the concept of consequences from our actions teaches us to put the ego aside for the greater good. Teaching kids that you should take, not give, do without thinking of consequences, leaves an adult selfish and cold. That individual will put him or herself ahead of logic, reason and empathy for fellow human beings.

Religion is fuel for the ego that already has been nurtured by selfish concepts like materialism.

[falotnek]

Ego comes from self awareness.

The individual thoughts and feelings create our ego. How we view our ego, how we live by it is formed by society. Education can enhance the ego or teach us to control it, but how much and how we live by it depends on our emotional development.

[falotnek]

People always submit to religious beliefs and religious thought patterns because of selfish reasons. Our individual intellect needs reassurance all the time. When we can`t find any, religion gives us what we need. That is the hook. When you see how believers will ignore arguments and facts disproving their beliefs, you see their ego controlling their logical thought patterns. The remedy, the only remedy is education.

[doomkun]

well said

[tommyenglish1]

yes, well said.

[teemuruskeepaa]

I can refine that thought for you. Ego controls logic and forms religion, but ego is not innate to human nature. Ego is socially created. And the prof says religion prohibits reasonable doubt by honest commitment. Ego depends on social circumstances where your sense of ego is formed in contrast to other people below you in the hierarchy. Religion is ended by ending social hierarchy and need for egoist action. Education serves only partial parties. Mutual discourse through freedom does not.

[MrJackclarke]

@falotnek very good the bible was written before we had microscopes. now we can cleary see evolution on the dna scale. the ego is the only evil... religous people have a definite ego towards thier faith and those who dont believe... atheists can also have a negative ego towards those who do believe. but at least atheists are not rationally ignorant towards proven facts.

[hockeyjester12]

@falotnek Bang on. Inoculation via education.

[jotamanfredo]

Great! Thank you for the video!