This volume answers the question: Why do we believe what we believe? It examines current research on the concept of beliefs, and the development in our understanding of the process of believing. It takes into account empirical findings in the field of neuroscience regarding the processes that underlie beliefs, and discusses the notion that beyond the interactive exploratory analysis of sensory information from the complex outside world, humans engage in an evaluative analysis by which they attribute personal meaning and relevance (...) to the probabilistic representations of objects and events. Beliefs exert a strong influence on behaviour, decision-making, and identifying and solving problems. Despite their importance, beliefs have until recently not been at the centre of scientific interest. In fact, "belief" is an ill-defined phenomenon. From a transdisciplinary perspective the actual approaches to understanding belief seem incompatible as they attempt to highlight such different topics as "belief - religion", "belief - spirituality", "belief - faith", "belief - knowledge", "belief - attitude", "belief - disbelief", "belief - illusion", and "believing - brain function". This situation contradicts the idea that belief is close to pathological phenomena and that it should be eliminated from scientific discussions. Rather, believing is fundamental for understanding the many problems of every-day life. In fact, the book shows that beliefs are relevant for politics, international affairs, economy, law, or religions also in modern societies. This book presents the increasing scientific interest in beliefs and believing, and reflects the change in focus from the content aspect of belief towards the fluid nature of believing. (shrink)

Accession Number: ATLA0001712150; Hosting Book Page Citation: p 236-252.; Language(s): English; General Note: Bibliography: p 250-252.; Issued by ATLA: 20130825; Publication Type: Essay.

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This special issue offers a fresh re-evaluation of James Fowler's faith development theory, in celebration of his 60th birthday. Challenges to the theory have focused on the role of emotion in faith, the contributions of the psychodynamic unconscious, and the factor of the interpersonal. Now in its third decade, the theory continues to inspire theoretical and methodological reflections. The papers presented reflect the considerable influence of this theory. This issue's theme--"Religious Development Beyond the Modern Paradigm?"--was the topic of a symposium (...) held in Boston at the 107th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association. (shrink)