On Wisdom
What does science tell us about wisdom?
Displaying 1 Episode of On Wisdom with the tag “conspiracy theories”.
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65: Religion as Make-Believe (with Neil Van Leeuwen)
May 8th, 2025 | 58 mins 14 secs
conspiracy theories, emotions, happiness, make-believe, meaning, neil van leeuwen, philosophy, psychology, purpose, reasoning, religion, religion as make-believe, religious belief, religious credence, social science, well being, wisdom
Is religious belief a form of make-believe — and if so, what deeper truths might we be acting out? Neil Van Leeuwen joins Igor and Charles to explore the psychological roots of religion, the nature of belief, and how sacred values shape group identity. Igor reflects on the blurring line between religious and political convictions, Neil argues that religious credence operates more like imaginative play than factual belief, and Charles considers whether conspiracy theories might be filling the same social and psychological roles. Welcome to Episode 65.