Reading “The Belief Instinct” – with Theory of Mind in Mind
As we learn more about both the physical components of our brains and our psychological make-up, some core questions are being raised about what we believe and why. Jesse Bering just published The Belief Instinct: The Psychology of Souls, Destiny, and the Meaning of Life, a well-reviewed and provocative book about implications that stem from our deepening understanding of the brain.
In particular, he sees our theory of mind–mankind’s ability to understand that one’s own beliefs, assumptions, and knowledge may be different from others’ even though their mind can’t be directly observed–as incorrectly attributing purpose to actions. Writing in Slate, Bering does a very nice job showing the false attribution of purpose to inanimate objects by retelling the storyline of the movie many of us saw as children, The Red Balloon, and the feelings we attributed to the balloon/boy “friendship”.
Bering’s website opens up a discussion with the following quote:
Why is belief so hard to shake? Despite our best attempts to embrace rational thought and reject superstition, we often find ourselves appealing to unseen forces that guide our destiny, wondering who might be watching us as we go about our lives, and imagining what might come after death.
The conclusion? “…The Belief Instinct will reward readers with an enlightened understanding of the universal human tendency to believe — and the tools to break free.”
What do you think about the need to break free of belief and focus on the rational?
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Posted: Evolution of the Brain, Neuroscience, Odds and Ends
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February 17th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jesse Bering, Posit Science. Posit Science said: Our CEO @spaldrich on Jesse Bering's "The Belief System" and theory of mind – http://ht.ly/3YyoW [...]
April 11th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
I am one of the authors/cognitive scientist, theory of mind/with Josef Perner; He thinks
he knows and more developmental evidence against the role simulation theory. This was my Masters Thesis-written for Blackwell publishing house.
I have not read your book, would like to.
My question is how do you define an ‘illusion’? (again I haven’t read your book) If God is an illusion we created; Then considering the hypothesis– that God is an illusion–could that not be an illusion in itself–in other words the hypothesis a false idea.
Hope to hear from you Jesse Bering
All best Deborrah Howes