February 04, 2006

Breaking the spell

Daniel C. Dennett, the author of The Mind's I and Darwin's Dangerous Idea, among other books, was at the University of Michigan yesterday with a lecture introducing his new book Breaking the spell. It was a highly entertaining and humorous presentation. His juxtaposition of the pictures of thousands of people gathered at the Vatican and Mecca, participating in religious ritual with those from the super bowl and other sporting events had the audience in splits.

The new book proposes a scientific study of religion. Hirak has posted an excellent summary of the presentation.