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Prof. Daniel M. Ogilvie
and
Prof. Leonard W. Hamilton
Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history? Are there adaptive advantages to assuming souls exist? Are there brain structures that have been shaped by environmental pressures that provide the foundation of body/mind dualism that is such a prominent feature of many religions? How do these beliefs shape the worldviews of different cultures and our collective lives? What is the role of competing afterlife beliefs in religion, science, politics, and war? This course explores several facets of this relatively unexplored but profoundly important aspect of human thought and behavior.
Read more
Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history? Are there adaptive advantages to assuming souls exist? Are there brain structures that have been shaped by environmental pressures that provide the foundation of body/mind dualism that is such a prominent feature of many religions? How do these beliefs shape the worldviews of different cultures and our collective lives? What is the role of competing afterlife beliefs in religion, science, politics, and war? This course explores several facets of this relatively unexplored but profoundly important aspect of human thought and behavior.
Read more
Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history? Are there adaptive advantages to assuming souls exist? Are there brain structures that have been shaped by environmental pressures that provide the foundation of body/mind dualism that is such a prominent feature of many religions? How do these beliefs shape the worldviews of different cultures and our collective lives? What is the role of competing afterlife beliefs in religion, science, politics, and war? This course explores several facets of this relatively unexplored but profoundly important aspect of human thought and behavior.
The course consists mainly of 70 to 80 minute lectures, typically broken up into 3 segments, recorded from a course offered by Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences. These videos include slides and some embedded video clips. Most lectures are accompanied by slides used during the lecture, also including recommended reading assignment which may provide additional opportunities to reflect on your studies.
Due to the lengthiness of this class and natural progression, the online course has been separated into 3 units, this is Unit 2.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fv7hll/soul
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Unit 2
Thinking and Feeling
Terror Management
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Unit 2
Thinking and Feeling
Terror Management
Read more
Internalized Beliefs I
Internalized Beliefs II: The Evolution of Senses of Self in Childhood
After-Life, Out of Body, and Disembodied: What's the Evidence I
After-Life, Out of Body, and Disembodied: What's the Evidence? II
Biological Perspectives on Beliefs
The Brain and Our Emotional Future
The Biology of Thou Shalt Not
The Undesired Self
General Course Pages
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Caters to those curious about the psychology of religion and spirituality, particularly those interested in the mind-body relationship
Suitable for individuals interested in the cognitive and emotional processes underlying belief systems
Relevant for students and researchers in psychology, philosophy, and religious studies
Appropriate for general audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience of mortality and the afterlife
Provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives on the concept of the soul
May require prior knowledge of psychology and philosophy for full comprehension
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Reviews summary
Belief systems explored objectively
According to learners, Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems provides an engaging overview of current and past beliefs in the soul, exploring them objectively with scientific studies and concrete evidence. Students say that the course is well-structured, thought-provoking, and questions established beliefs in a rational way. However, some students found the material to be difficult to follow at times.
Provides concrete scientific evidence to support topics
"Thought provoking with lots of concrete scientific evidence to support the topic."
Well-structured and organized course materials
"A well structured & thought out overview on current & past beliefs in the Soul & its influence on life & living."
Objectively explores soul beliefs using science
"Explores soul beliefs objectively with scientific studies."
Challenges established beliefs and encourages critical thinking
"Questions our established time honored beliefs and analyses these in a very rational way without raising one's hackles."
Some professors rely too heavily on personal stories
"However the primary professor during this session wanders, tells too many personal stories, and seldom expresses his views coherently and concisely."
Material can be difficult to follow at times due to speed and cohesiveness
"Though the speed and cohesiveness of the material was a little hard to follow at some points."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems with these
activities:
Review the basics of metaphysics
Show steps
Will help refresh your knowledge of the basics of metaphysics as a refresher for the course content.
Browse courses on
Metaphysics
Show steps
-
Read the assigned textbook chapters on metaphysics
-
Review the class notes or lecture slides from any previous metaphysics courses
-
Attend any review sessions or workshops that may be offered on metaphysics
-
Complete any practice problems or exercises related to metaphysics
Volunteer with Organizations Exploring Afterlife Beliefs
Show steps
Engage with organizations dedicated to studying afterlife beliefs, gaining practical experience and insights.
Browse courses on
Afterlife Beliefs
Show steps
-
Research organizations exploring afterlife beliefs.
-
Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Participate in volunteer activities, such as assisting with research or outreach programs.
Review Descarte’s Meditations.
Show steps
Start the course with a strong understanding of foundational philosophical work that emphasizes internalized beliefs.
View
Meditations on First Philosophy and Other...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy.
-
Take notes on Descartes' main arguments and conclusions.
-
Identify key concepts and terms, such as the cogito and the evil demon.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Identify Internalized Beliefs
Show steps
Practice identifying internalized beliefs to understand how this concept shapes perspectives.
Show steps
-
Read about the concept of internalized beliefs.
-
Identify your beliefs.
-
Examine the origins of your beliefs.
-
Evaluate the validity of your beliefs.
Elaborate in detail: Terror Management Theory
Show steps
Create new insights through writing about Terror Management Theory.
Show steps
-
Briefly summarize Terror Management Theory.
-
Explore the evidence supporting the theory.
-
Discuss the implications of the theory for human behavior.
-
Conclude with your own thoughts on the theory.
Explore Biological Perspectives on Beliefs
Show steps
Discover the neurological basis of belief formation to strengthen understanding of the mind-body connection.
Show steps
-
Watch video lectures on the biological basis of beliefs.
-
Read scientific articles on the topic.
-
Discuss the implications of these findings with others.
Gather Evidence of Afterlife Belief
Show steps
Compile and analyze evidence to support or refute the existence of an afterlife.
Browse courses on
Afterlife
Show steps
-
Research different types of evidence that could support or refute the existence of an afterlife.
-
Gather evidence from a variety of sources, such as religious texts, scientific studies, and personal experiences.
-
Analyze the evidence and draw conclusions about the existence of an afterlife.
Debate: The Brain and Our Emotional Future
Show steps
Participate in a thought-provoking debate to explore the impact of neuroscience on our understanding of emotions.
Browse courses on
Neuroscience
Show steps
-
Research the topic of the debate.
-
Prepare arguments for both sides of the debate.
-
Participate in the debate and defend your position.
Write a research paper on a philosophical topic
Show steps
Will give you the opportunity to apply the concepts you are learning in this course to a real-world topic
Browse courses on
Philosophy
Show steps
-
Choose a topic and research question that interests you
-
Develop a thesis statement and outline for your paper
-
Conduct research using scholarly sources and credible websites
-
Write a rough draft of your paper and get feedback from your professor or classmates
-
Revise and edit your paper until it is polished and ready to submit
Enter Essay Competition on Soul and Body Dualism
Show steps
Challenge yourself to articulate your understanding of soul and body dualism through an essay competition.
Browse courses on
Philosophy
Show steps
-
Research the topic of soul and body dualism.
-
Develop a thesis statement and outline for your essay.
-
Write your essay, ensuring clarity and logical flow of ideas.
-
Submit your essay to the competition.
Review the basics of metaphysics
Show steps
Will help refresh your knowledge of the basics of metaphysics as a refresher for the course content.
Browse courses on
Metaphysics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the assigned textbook chapters on metaphysics
- Review the class notes or lecture slides from any previous metaphysics courses
- Attend any review sessions or workshops that may be offered on metaphysics
- Complete any practice problems or exercises related to metaphysics
Volunteer with Organizations Exploring Afterlife Beliefs
Show steps
Engage with organizations dedicated to studying afterlife beliefs, gaining practical experience and insights.
Browse courses on
Afterlife Beliefs
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research organizations exploring afterlife beliefs.
- Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Participate in volunteer activities, such as assisting with research or outreach programs.
Review Descarte’s Meditations.
Show steps
Start the course with a strong understanding of foundational philosophical work that emphasizes internalized beliefs.
View
Meditations on First Philosophy and Other...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy.
- Take notes on Descartes' main arguments and conclusions.
- Identify key concepts and terms, such as the cogito and the evil demon.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Identify Internalized Beliefs
Show steps
Practice identifying internalized beliefs to understand how this concept shapes perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read about the concept of internalized beliefs.
- Identify your beliefs.
- Examine the origins of your beliefs.
- Evaluate the validity of your beliefs.
Elaborate in detail: Terror Management Theory
Show steps
Create new insights through writing about Terror Management Theory.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Briefly summarize Terror Management Theory.
- Explore the evidence supporting the theory.
- Discuss the implications of the theory for human behavior.
- Conclude with your own thoughts on the theory.
Explore Biological Perspectives on Beliefs
Show steps
Discover the neurological basis of belief formation to strengthen understanding of the mind-body connection.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch video lectures on the biological basis of beliefs.
- Read scientific articles on the topic.
- Discuss the implications of these findings with others.
Gather Evidence of Afterlife Belief
Show steps
Compile and analyze evidence to support or refute the existence of an afterlife.
Browse courses on
Afterlife
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of evidence that could support or refute the existence of an afterlife.
- Gather evidence from a variety of sources, such as religious texts, scientific studies, and personal experiences.
- Analyze the evidence and draw conclusions about the existence of an afterlife.
Debate: The Brain and Our Emotional Future
Show steps
Participate in a thought-provoking debate to explore the impact of neuroscience on our understanding of emotions.
Browse courses on
Neuroscience
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the topic of the debate.
- Prepare arguments for both sides of the debate.
- Participate in the debate and defend your position.
Write a research paper on a philosophical topic
Show steps
Will give you the opportunity to apply the concepts you are learning in this course to a real-world topic
Browse courses on
Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic and research question that interests you
- Develop a thesis statement and outline for your paper
- Conduct research using scholarly sources and credible websites
- Write a rough draft of your paper and get feedback from your professor or classmates
- Revise and edit your paper until it is polished and ready to submit
Enter Essay Competition on Soul and Body Dualism
Show steps
Challenge yourself to articulate your understanding of soul and body dualism through an essay competition.
Browse courses on
Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the topic of soul and body dualism.
- Develop a thesis statement and outline for your essay.
- Write your essay, ensuring clarity and logical flow of ideas.
- Submit your essay to the competition.
Career center
Learners who complete Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists provide mental health care and treat patients with a variety of mental health issues, including those stemming from trauma and life experiences. This course can help Psychotherapists better understand the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping mental health, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Philosopher
Philosopher
Philosophers study fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and reality. This course can help Philosophers understand the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping human thought and behavior, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Minister
Minister
Ministers provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course can help Ministers understand the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping spiritual experiences, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Counselor
Counselor
Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals facing personal and emotional challenges. This course can help Counselors understand the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping mental health and well-being, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Rabbi
Rabbi
Rabbis provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course may be useful for Rabbis who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping spiritual experiences, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians study religious beliefs and practices. This course may be useful for Theologians who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping religious experiences, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Priest
Priest
Priests provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course may be useful for Priests who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping spiritual experiences, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Imam
Imam
Imams provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course may be useful for Imams who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping spiritual experiences, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists study the nervous system and its role in behavior and cognition. This course may be useful for Neuroscientists who want to gain a deeper understanding of the possible brain structures and neural mechanisms that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities, often in healthcare or military settings. This course can help Chaplains understand the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping spiritual experiences, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including social studies and ethics. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping culture and society, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate personal and social problems, including those related to mental health, trauma, and loss. This course may be useful for Social Workers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping mental health and well-being.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may be useful for Professors who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping culture and society, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. This course may be useful for Sociologists who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping culture and society, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role of beliefs and emotions in shaping culture and society, as well as the possible adaptive advantages and brain structures that may contribute to body/mind dualism.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fv7hll/soul
Reading list
We've selected 24 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems.
Was written by one of the instructors of the course and is the most relevant external resource for this course.
It's an edited volume that provides a comprehensive overview of research on soul beliefs from various disciplines.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive and cultural factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of religious beliefs, including soul beliefs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of the soul. It discusses the history of the idea of the soul, the different arguments for and against its existence, and the implications of the soul's existence for our understanding of the world. It clear and concise introduction to the topic of the soul.
Explores the scientific evidence for and against the existence of consciousness and the soul, providing a thought-provoking perspective on this topic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive review of scientific research on out-of-body experiences, offering insights into their nature and potential implications for understanding consciousness and the soul.
Save
Explores the Gnostic gospels, a collection of early Christian texts that were discovered in the 20th century. These gospels offer a different perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and they shed light on the development of early Christian thought. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity.
Explores the role of the mind and beliefs in shaping our biology and health, providing a controversial but thought-provoking perspective on the connection between mind and body.
Translation of the Tibetan Buddhist text known as the Bardo Thodol. This text provides instructions on how to navigate the bardo, the промежуточный state between death and rebirth. It fascinating and informative book that offers insights into the Tibetan Buddhist perspective on death and the afterlife.
Explores the philosophical and psychological nature of the self, challenging the traditional notion of a fixed and unitary self. It offers insights into the fluidity and multiplicity of our sense of self.
Hindu scripture that is part of the epic poem the Mahabharata. It tells the story of the god Krishna and his teachings to the warrior Arjuna. The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important and influential religious texts in the world, and it offers insights into the nature of the soul, the purpose of life, and the path to enlightenment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and scientific perspectives on consciousness, offering insights into its nature, function, and relationship to the brain and the body.
Save
Religious text that is central to the beliefs of the Latter-day Saint movement. It tells the story of the ancient prophet Mormon and his people. The Book of Mormon valuable resource for understanding the history, beliefs, and practices of the Latter-day Saint movement.
Explores the neurological basis of emotions and consciousness, offering insights into the role of the body in our subjective experience of the world.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness, offering insights into how the brain processes and integrates information.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of current research on consciousness, covering a wide range of topics from neuroscience to philosophy.
Collection of religious texts that are central to the beliefs of Christianity. The Bible tells the story of God's relationship with humanity, and it offers insights into the nature of the soul, the purpose of life, and the path to salvation.
Explores the implications of the division of the brain into two hemispheres, offering a unique perspective on the nature of consciousness, language, and human experience.
Provides a critical examination of the scientific evidence for and against the existence of consciousness, offering a perspective that is compatible with a Christian worldview.
Part of the Hebrew Bible and tells the story of Job, a righteous man who is tested by God. The Book of Job explores the themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God.
Save
Part of the Hebrew Bible and is attributed to King Solomon. The Book of Ecclesiastes explores the themes of vanity, meaninglessness, and the search for wisdom.
Save
Explores the psychological and cultural implications of the denial of death. Becker argues that the denial of death major source of anxiety and suffering, and that it leads to a number of destructive behaviors.
Save
Introduces the theory of terror management, which argues that the fear of death fundamental motivation for human behavior. The book explores the implications of terror management theory for a variety of topics, including religion, politics, and social behavior.
Explores the relationship between the mind and the body. The authors argue that the mind is not separate from the body, but is instead embodied in the physical world. The book has implications for a variety of topics, including the nature of consciousness, the role of the body in cognition, and the relationship between the mind and the brain.
Explores the nature of consciousness. Koch argues that consciousness is not a single thing, but is instead a complex process that involves a variety of different brain regions. The book offers insights into the nature of the self, the experience of time, and the relationship between the mind and the brain.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fv7hll/soul
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Via
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Institution
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Instructors
Prof. Daniel M. Ogilvie
Prof. Leonard W. Hamilton
Language
English
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Good to know
Caters to those curious about the psychology of religion and spirituality, particularly those interested in the mind-body relationship
Suitable for individuals interested in the cognitive and emotional processes underlying belief systems
Relevant for students and researchers in psychology, philosophy, and religious studies
Appropriate for general audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience of mortality and the afterlife
Provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives on the concept of the soul
May require prior knowledge of psychology and philosophy for full comprehension
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