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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 3.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/wbf7gx/soul
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Unit 3
Evolutionary Psychology
The Evolution of the Human Brain
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Syllabus
Introduction to Unit 3
Evolutionary Psychology
The Evolution of the Human Brain
Read more
The Human Spark
The Scopes Trial: Human Origins and the Public Classroom
The Dover Board of Education: Intelligent Design and the Public Classroom
Where Do We Go From Here?
General Course Pages
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores religious belief systems, which is highly relevant to sociology and anthropology
Investigates the psychological and anthropological aspects of belief systems
Examines the historical and philosophical roots of soul and afterlife beliefs
Taught by renowned professors from Rutgers University
Provides comprehensive coverage of the topic, making it suitable for advanced learners
May require academic prerequisites in religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology
Save this course
Save Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End? to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Thoughtful and engaging course
Learners say that this concluding installment of a three-course series is thoughtful, engaging, and coherent. Students appreciate the work of Professors Ogilvy and Hamilton in compiling the material for this course.
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 3: How Does It All End? with these
activities:
Review 'Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind' by David Buss
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary basis of human behavior and thought, which is a key topic in this course.
View
Evolutionary Psychology
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
-
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
-
Identify connections between the book's ideas and the course material.
Complete a series of practice questions on the Evolution of the Human Brain
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the complex evolutionary processes that have shaped the human brain.
Show steps
-
Find online or textbook practice questions on the evolution of the human brain.
-
Attempt to answer the questions to the best of your ability.
-
Review the correct answers and explanations to identify areas for improvement.
Attend a workshop on the Psychology of Near-Death Experiences
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of the psychological and emotional aspects surrounding near-death experiences.
Show steps
-
Search for reputable workshops or conferences on the psychology of near-death experiences.
-
Attend the workshop, taking detailed notes on the presentations and discussions.
-
Engage with speakers and fellow attendees to exchange ideas and perspectives.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Review 'The Meaning of Life' by Terry Eagleton
Show steps
Reflect on the philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life, complementing the course's exploration of the soul and afterlife.
View
Hope without Optimism
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
-
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
-
Identify connections between the book's ideas and the course material.
Review 'Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind' by David Buss
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary basis of human behavior and thought, which is a key topic in this course.
View
Evolutionary Psychology
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
- Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
- Identify connections between the book's ideas and the course material.
Complete a series of practice questions on the Evolution of the Human Brain
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the complex evolutionary processes that have shaped the human brain.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online or textbook practice questions on the evolution of the human brain.
- Attempt to answer the questions to the best of your ability.
- Review the correct answers and explanations to identify areas for improvement.
Attend a workshop on the Psychology of Near-Death Experiences
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of the psychological and emotional aspects surrounding near-death experiences.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable workshops or conferences on the psychology of near-death experiences.
- Attend the workshop, taking detailed notes on the presentations and discussions.
- Engage with speakers and fellow attendees to exchange ideas and perspectives.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Review 'The Meaning of Life' by Terry Eagleton
Show steps
Reflect on the philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life, complementing the course's exploration of the soul and afterlife.
View
Hope without Optimism
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
- Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
- Identify connections between the book's ideas and the course material.
Career center
Learners who complete Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End? will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate technical information to a wider audience. As a Science Writer, you would interpret complex scientific findings and relay them to the general public in a clear and engaging way. The course on Soul Beliefs, focusing on the interplay between science, religion, and belief systems, would help build a foundation for understanding the complex relationship between science and society. The course's emphasis on the evolution of human thought and behavior would also be particularly relevant.
Social Researcher
Social Researcher
Social Researchers study human behavior and society. As a Social Researcher, you would conduct research to gather data on social trends, public opinion, and other aspects of human behavior. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the causes and consequences of beliefs, would help build a foundation for understanding the social and cultural factors that influence human behavior.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
As a Museum Educator, you would develop educational programs and lead tours for museum visitors. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its exploration of the history and cultural significance of beliefs about the soul and afterlife, would be a valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and their beliefs. The course's interdisciplinary approach would also help you build a foundation for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Content Writer
Content Writer
Content Writers create written content for websites, blogs, and other media. As a Content Writer, you would write articles, blog posts, and other types of content that inform, educate, or entertain readers. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its exploration of the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the human experience that could enhance your writing.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study human culture and society. As a Cultural Anthropologist, you would conduct research to understand the customs, beliefs, and traditions of different cultures. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the cultural significance of beliefs about the soul and afterlife, would provide a strong foundation for understanding the role of belief systems in shaping human culture and society.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, edit, and prepare written material for publication. As an Editor, you would work with writers to ensure that their work is clear, accurate, and engaging. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the ways that language and communication shape our understanding of the world.
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians study religious beliefs and doctrines. As a Theologian, you would interpret and analyze religious texts and traditions. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its exploration of the history and cultural significance of beliefs about the soul and afterlife, would provide a strong foundation for understanding the theological and philosophical aspects of belief systems.
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineers design products and systems to be safe, efficient, and easy to use. As a Human Factors Engineer, you would apply principles of psychology and engineering to design products that meet the needs of the human user. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the human mind and behavior, would provide valuable insights into the cognitive and psychological factors that influence human interaction with products and systems.
Religious Studies Professor
Religious Studies Professor
Religious Studies Professors teach and research about religious beliefs and practices. As a Religious Studies Professor, you would lead discussions, give lectures, and write papers on topics related to religion. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its exploration of the history and cultural significance of beliefs about the soul and afterlife, would provide a strong foundation for teaching and research in the field of religious studies.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues. As a Journalist, you would write articles, conduct interviews, and produce other types of content for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the social and cultural factors that shape the news.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. As a Lawyer, you would need to have a strong understanding of the law and be able to think critically and communicate effectively. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the ways that law and society interact.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students of all ages. As an Educator, you would develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the ways that people learn and develop.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. As a Public Relations Specialist, you would write press releases, give media interviews, and develop other strategies to promote your clients. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the ways that people form opinions and make decisions.
Politician
Politician
Politicians make decisions that affect the lives of their constituents. As a Politician, you would need to have a strong understanding of public policy and be able to communicate effectively with constituents and other stakeholders. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the ways that people form opinions and make decisions.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. As a Social Worker, you would work with individuals, families, and communities to provide support and services. The course on Soul Beliefs, with its focus on the evolution of human thought and the role of belief systems, would provide valuable insights into the ways that people cope with challenges and make sense of their lives.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/wbf7gx/soul
Reading list
We've selected 39 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 3: How Does It All End?.
By David Chalmers provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and scientific debate surrounding the mind-body problem. It explores the relationship between consciousness and physical matter and the implications for our understanding of the nature of reality.
Save
Examines the historical and archaeological evidence for the belief in an immortal soul, focusing on the role of the Eleusinian Mysteries in ancient Greece.
Argues that consciousness fundamental property of the universe and that it cannot be reduced to computation.
Save
By Sam Harris argues against religious belief, presenting a case for secular morality and the importance of evidence-based thinking.
Save
By Gary Schwartz provides empirical evidence for the existence of the soul and its ability to transcend the physical body. It explores near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and other phenomena that suggest the continuation of consciousness after death.
Explores the nature of the self and the relationship between consciousness and the brain.
Save
Explores the scientific evidence for the continuity of consciousness beyond the brain, with a particular focus on near-death experiences, reincarnation, and other phenomena that suggest that consciousness may not be limited to the physical body.
Explores the different ways that the brain is divided into two hemispheres and how this division affects our consciousness and behavior.
Challenges traditional views of consciousness, arguing that it is not a product of material processes but rather an emergent property of complex systems.
Save
By Nicholas Wade investigates the biological and psychological factors that contribute to religious belief. It explores the evolutionary advantages of faith and its role in shaping human culture.
Presents scientific research and case studies on near-death experiences and other phenomena that suggest the existence of a soul.
Save
Argues that human nature is not a blank slate but rather a product of evolution, providing a biological basis for understanding the origins of soul beliefs.
Explores the different ways that the brain can create illusions and hallucinations and how these illusions can provide insights into the nature of consciousness.
Save
Provides a user-friendly introduction to the scientific study of consciousness, covering topics such as the nature of consciousness, the relationship between consciousness and the brain, and the different ways that consciousness can be altered.
Save
In this book, Gary Zukav presents a spiritual perspective on the nature of the soul and its relationship to the universe. It offers insights into the interconnectedness of all things and the role of consciousness in shaping our experiences.
Explores the relationship between the evolution of consciousness and the evolution of the cosmos.
By Antonio Damasio explores the relationship between emotions, reason, and the sense of self. It provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying our experiences and the implications for our understanding of consciousness.
By Richard Dawkins explores the evolutionary basis of behavior, including the concept of the selfish gene. It provides insights into the role of natural selection in shaping our beliefs and actions.
By Fritjof Capra explores the parallels between physics and Eastern mysticism, suggesting a unified view of reality. It examines the role of consciousness and the implications for our understanding of the universe.
Proposes a theory that the human consciousness emerged from the breakdown of a bicameral mind, where one hemisphere dominated the other.
Save
Explores the idea that our minds are not limited to our brains but are extended into our bodies and environment.
Explores the idea that the universe hologram and that consciousness fundamental property of reality.
Save
Argues that the soul real thing and that it can be explained by science.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific research on consciousness, tracing its evolution from simple organisms to humans.
Save
This fictional book by Chloe Benjamin explores themes of fate, family, and the search for meaning in life. It delves into the complexities of belief, mortality, and the choices we make.
Save
In this book, Michio Kaku explores the future of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on our understanding of consciousness and the nature of the mind.
By Thomas Kuhn introduces the concept of scientific revolutions, challenging the traditional view of science as a steady progression of knowledge. It explores the role of paradigms and paradigm shifts in shaping scientific thinking.
Argues that there is no evidence for the existence of God and that religion harmful delusion.
By Jack Kornfield offers a practical guide to cultivating inner wisdom and compassion. It explores the nature of the heart and its role in connecting us to our true selves and others.
Save
By Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams presents a dialogue on the nature of joy and its role in overcoming adversity. It offers insights from spiritual traditions and personal experiences.
Explores the relationship between consciousness and the body and how our beliefs can affect our health and well-being.
Save
Explores the psychological and evolutionary origins of belief, providing insights into why people believe in souls and other supernatural entities.
Save
Collection of essays that explore the nature of the self and soul from a philosophical perspective, providing thought-provoking insights into the origins and significance of these beliefs.
Classic work of psychoanalysis that explores the unconscious mind and its role in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, providing insights into the psychological underpinnings of soul beliefs.
Save
Presents a neuroscientific argument for the existence of the soul, based on evidence from studies of near-death experiences and other altered states of consciousness.
Classic work of religious psychology that explores the diverse ways in which people experience the divine, providing insights into the psychological and cultural factors that shape soul beliefs.
Explores the latest advances in neuroscience and technology, and their potential implications for our understanding of consciousness and the soul.
Save
Presents a collection of first-hand accounts of near-death experiences, providing anecdotal evidence for the existence of the afterlife.
Examines the historical and cultural evidence for the belief in heaven and hell, providing a critical perspective on the role of these beliefs in shaping human behavior.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/wbf7gx/soul
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Effort
3-5 hours/week
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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
Explores religious belief systems, which is highly relevant to sociology and anthropology
Investigates the psychological and anthropological aspects of belief systems
Examines the historical and philosophical roots of soul and afterlife beliefs
Taught by renowned professors from Rutgers University
Provides comprehensive coverage of the topic, making it suitable for advanced learners
May require academic prerequisites in religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology
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