Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
This thesis provides a critical analysis of the CSR discussion about the unnaturalness of atheism. It is argued that the CSR discussion is characterized by a very limited concept of atheism and it...Show moreThis thesis provides a critical analysis of the CSR discussion about the unnaturalness of atheism. It is argued that the CSR discussion is characterized by a very limited concept of atheism and it is proposed that the discussion is in need of a new terminology and that that it should be more sensitive to the varieties of atheism.Show less
Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
This Master Thesis has two main aims, both of which should be regarded as preliminary rather than definitive. The first of these is to expand the scholarly knowledge on the subject of tarot...Show moreThis Master Thesis has two main aims, both of which should be regarded as preliminary rather than definitive. The first of these is to expand the scholarly knowledge on the subject of tarot divination, as this is sorely needed within the field. The focus here is on the personal side of this practice rather than the professional side. The second aim is to look at tarot divination and analyze it using theories from the cognitive science of religion (CSR) in order to explain the popularity of the 78 divinatory cards. The result is a comprehensive model.Show less
Hoe komt het dat rituelen waarin iets zou moeten veranderen op (voor de buitenstaander) vreemde manieren werkzaam lijken te zijn voor beoefenaars? Aan de hand van de image schema theorie en...Show moreHoe komt het dat rituelen waarin iets zou moeten veranderen op (voor de buitenstaander) vreemde manieren werkzaam lijken te zijn voor beoefenaars? Aan de hand van de image schema theorie en volkstheorieën wordt beargumenteerd dat deze rituelen door hun onderliggende structuur bekend voorkomen voor mensen, wat de geloofwaardigheid en veronderstelde werkzaamheid van het ritueel bevordert.Show less
There is extensive discussion amongst scholars as to the origin and flourishing of the phenomenon of the living deified ruler. The so-called ruler cult quickly gains popularity in the Hellenistic...Show moreThere is extensive discussion amongst scholars as to the origin and flourishing of the phenomenon of the living deified ruler. The so-called ruler cult quickly gains popularity in the Hellenistic era and continues long into the Roman period. Although scholars have long been trying to find an explanation for this in the source material, none have succeeded in finding one which satisfies all. It is possible that the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) could provide us with a new framework in which to place the already exciting evidence. Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary and scientific investigation of the mind and intelligence. Its advantages are that it focusses on general ‘laws’ of thinking that follow out of the structure of our brains. It follows then, that these are theories that should be applicable across cultures and, since the structure of our brains has not evolved since the beginning of history (ca. 3000 B.C.), they are also applicable through time. Cognitive science could therefore help in providing a framework in which the current theories on the ruler cult can function, by indicating what is even humanly possible to think based on the structure of the brain. It could perhaps, even suggest the most likely theories that can be discovered given certain tendencies the human mind has. This research examines the possibility of applying the Cognitive Science of Religion in the origin and flourishing of the Hellenistic and Roman ruler cults, as well as the study of Ancient History in general. It does this by examining the viability of the so-called Standard Model (a seven-point construct that outlines the major areas of consensus in CSR) in the primary material of the Hellenistic and Roman periods.Show less
