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RELIGION and COGNITION

An Introduction by István Czachesz

Can you tell me what religion is? Religion is not easy to define. From the cognitive scientific point of view, religion comprises various complex patterns of behaviour, and involves memory, learning, and emotions.

Religion...

• includes different components across different cultures.
• is a particular slice of culture, driven by environmental inputs and producing cultural outputs.
• utilises various types of memory.
• has emerged in the context of evolution.
• develops in a network of social connections.

Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Tamás Bíró and the "Cognitive Foundations of Religion" class of 2004.