Back to Search Start Over

Is supernatural belief unreliably formed?

Authors :
Van Eyghen, Hans
Source :
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion. Apr2019, Vol. 85 Issue 2, p125-148. 24p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

I criticize 5 arguments for the conclusion that religious belief is unreliably formed and hence epistemically tainted. The arguments draw on scientific evidence from Cognitive Science of Religion. They differ considerably as to why the evidence points to unreliability. Two arguments conclude to unreliability because religious belief is shaped by evolutionary pressures; another argument states that the mechanism responsible for religious belief produces many false god-beliefs; a similar argument claims that the mechanism produces incompatible god-beliefs; and a final argument states that the mechanism is offtrack. I argue that the arguments fail to make the case for unreliability or that the unreliability can be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00207047
Volume :
85
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
135580096
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11153-018-9671-4