Neurotheology Vol I and Vol II Descriptions - Essay Example

Vol The field of neurotheology is an emerging field affecting a number of different traditional and relatively new disciplines. Within this fieldof study, scientists attempt to discover the missing elements of physical science by scientifically studying human beliefs. As such, neurotheology engages meaningfully diverse understandings of reality including the physical, mental, and spiritual. The discipline explores ways humans experience, generate, interpret and mediate beliefs. Neurotheology in Review Vol.

1 offers an introduction to the field of neurotheology by presenting some of the historic and current research within the various disciplines that comprise neurotheological investigations. This includes perspectives from Darwinian evolution and neuroscience (studies in frontal, parietal lobes and temporal lobe epilepsy), neuropsychology, genetics, cognitive science, cellular biology, chemistry, physics, mindfulness, electromagnetic field effects, and varying perspectives from psychology like conditioning, attachment and learning theories.

Other perspectives on science and beliefs are developing from neuroeconomics, neuropolitics, and neuroethics. Neurotheology acknowledges the complexity and diversity of human beliefs by providing a broad conceptual framework to encompass beliefs whether mystical or religious, economic or environmental, political or social, or some other. Beginning with an overview of what Neurotheology is and what it attempts to accomplish, the book will illustrate how Neurotheology proposes six belief dimensions, each of which encompasses different disciplines that posit particular understandings of brain (human physiology), mind, and beliefs from their own viewpoints, research commitments and program obligations. Vol. 2Having set the stage for a greater understanding of the science of neurotheology, the second volume in the series will present a more in-depth look at the various belief dimensions that comprise the focus of neurotheological studies.

The first of these belief dimensions is the mystical, religious, spiritual and theological traditions and experiences of human existence. The second belief dimension is that of the scientific programs and psychological theories that are often pitted against the ideas of the first as if they were diametrically opposed. Historical and philosophical traditions comprise the third belief dimension. Anthropological influences are considered within the fourth belief dimension while the fifth belief dimension is concerned with technological developments impacting the study of beliefs.

The sixth dimension considers ethical implications of various means of study. In addition, Neurtheology in Review Vol. 2 will introduce the methodology of neurotheology, which consists of four approaches to help understand each discipline and unpack relationships between them. The four-fold methodology provides an organized heuristic through which one can intimate the influences of their relationships to human thought, feeling, behavior and experience. The first of these is a consideration of worldviews and paradigms that are represented within the context of each discipline itself.

The second method relates to the ways each discipline structures its relationships within the field. Ritual experience comprises the third method in which each discipline engages in various activities, practices, processes and procedures to sustain presence and support its growth. The fourth method focuses upon the question of reality. Through this presentation, it is expected that these volumes will encourage diverse understandings of reality proposed by all disciplines.