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Is Religion an Evolutionary Adaptation?

CAU On-campus Summer Programs

Week 1: July 12-18, 2009

Is Religion an Evolutionary Adaptation?

In 1871 Charles Darwin wrote in The Descent of Man that "a belief in all-pervading spiritual entities seems to be universal." Despite considerable variation in the ways in which individuals approach religion-- from those whose lives revolve around their religious beliefs to those who entirely eschew them--many scholars of human traits agree with Darwin that the religious impulse is universal across cultures. To evolutionary biologists, the existence of this impulse strongly suggests that the capacity for religion serves an evolutionary purpose. Indeed, the question has become a hot topic and growth industry among evolutionists. Allen MacNeill is a senior lecturer in introductory biology and a lively teacher who has devoted much time to the study of evolutionary psychology. In lecture and plenty of discussion, he will guide our consideration of alternative hypotheses that attempt to account for the human capacity for religion. We will read from such important writers on the subject as Scott Atran, Pascal Boyer, and David Sloan Wilson as we sort through the various issues at play in the leading hypotheses. No particular background is necessary.

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Once you've registered, we'll send you materials on the academic program and other information to help you prepare for CAU. Please include deposits ($50 per person, per class) with your registration. All deposits are applied to the full program charges. See the On-campus Summer Program Fees page for information about program fees and deposit amounts.