This paper analyzes the two concepts of "spandrel" and "fitrah" in the context of the Cognitive Science of Religion and, opposed to that, evolutionary thinking. Despite that the two concepts in this study's title seem to have the same meaning, they are understood differently due to differences in perspective. Both concepts acknowledge that human beings have certain innate faculties and claim that these faculties predispose them to believe and be moral. Spandrel argues that these innate faculties are a result of adaptations that enable us to survive in the evolutionary process, while "fitrah" asserts that these faculties are given by God.
In the study, first, the experimental studies proposed by the proponents of the idea of spandrel and the general ideas of the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) are given. Then, it has been established, through experimental tests, that these faculties, proposed by this theory, have similar aspects with the "Commonsense Principles" put forward by Thomas Reid, and his epistemological views have been conveyed. According to him, we should rely on the information provided by these faculties and accept that they are essential for reasoning. After these determinations were made, the study argued that the concept of "fitrah" aligns with the idea of the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) and Thomas Reid's views.
Contents
1. THE SOURCE AND EPISTEMIC VALUE OF RELIGION
2. COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION (CSR) AND COMMONSENSE PRINCIPLES
2. 1. Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) and its Philosophical Background
2. 2. Commonsense Principles
2. 3. Evaluation
3. COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION (CSR) STUDIES AND THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS
3. 1. Moral axioms as a necessary principle of commonsense
3. 2. Dualistic Assumptions of Existence as a Principle of Necessary Commonsense
3. 3. Design as a Mandatory Principle of Commonsense
Research Objectives and Themes
This study explores the relationship between the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) and the Islamic concept of "fitrah" by utilizing Thomas Reid's epistemological principles of commonsense. The primary objective is to demonstrate that empirical data from CSR—which often views religious belief as a "spandrel" or accidental evolutionary byproduct—can be reinterpreted through a theistic paradigm, arguing instead that these innate faculties reflect a predisposition to believe in a Creator and moral truths.
- The intersection of Cognitive Science of Religion and theological interpretations.
- Thomas Reid’s commonsense principles as a foundation for epistemology.
- Empirical analysis of moral axioms and dualism in infant studies.
- The critique of naturalistic reductionism in evolutionary psychology.
- Reinterpreting "spandrel" manifestations as evidence of a divinely endowed "fitrah."
Extract from the Book
3. 1. Moral axioms as a necessary principle of commonsense
Thomas Reid considers this principle as the fifth of the principles of necessary commonsense. According to him, moral axioms are as certain as mathematical axioms because people have clear knowledge about moral situations without experience and reasoning. The Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) studies that we will discuss seem to confirm Reid's claims at this time. These studies were conducted with infants before their socialisation and acculturation. The reason for this is that it is easier to reveal innate abilities in the age range in which reasoning ability has not yet developed and learning through experience is not possible. Before the aforementioned studies were conducted, the way in which infants would determine their preferences were considered and it was determined that focusing could be considered as preference determination in infants. Infants look at their preferred objects or options more frequently than those of other age groups.
Summary of Chapters
1. THE SOURCE AND EPISTEMIC VALUE OF RELIGION: Analysis of the historical ubiquity of religion and the shift from metaphysical to naturalistic functionalist interpretations in the post-Enlightenment era.
2. COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION (CSR) AND COMMONSENSE PRINCIPLES: Introduction to CSR foundations and Thomas Reid's philosophical framework, establishing the basis for reinterpreting cognitive faculties.
3. COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION (CSR) STUDIES AND THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS: Review of experimental infant studies regarding morality, dualism, and design, correlating them with the concept of fitrah and Reid’s commonsense axioms.
Keywords
Philosophy of Religion, Evolution, Cognitive Science of Religion, Spandrel, Fitrah, Thomas Reid, Commonsense Principles, Foundationalism, Naturalism, Intuitive Theism, Moral Axioms, Theory of Mind, HADD, Teleological Thinking, Creationism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
This study examines the compatibility between the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) and the Islamic concept of "fitrah" (innate disposition to believe), using the philosophy of Thomas Reid as a bridge.
What are the main thematic fields covered?
The work spans philosophy of religion, evolutionary psychology, cognitive science, and theology, specifically focusing on how our mental faculties process belief.
What is the central research question?
The study asks whether the data from the Cognitive Science of Religion, which suggests religious belief is an evolutionarily determined "spandrel," can validly support a theistic interpretation of human nature.
Which scientific method is primarily employed?
The author uses a philosophical analytical approach, evaluating experimental data from developmental and cognitive psychology through the lens of foundationalist epistemology.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The chapters detail the history of naturalistic explanations of religion, the principles of Thomas Reid’s commonsense philosophy, and specific experimental studies on children’s innate moral and teleological reasoning.
How would you characterize the core keywords?
The keywords highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the book, contrasting naturalistic concepts like "spandrel" with theological and epistemological concepts like "fitrah," "fundamental beliefs," and "intuitive theism."
How does the author view the "spandrel" concept?
The author critiques the naturalistic view of religion as merely an accidental "spandrel," arguing instead that the mechanisms identified by scientists can be interpreted as innate "fitrah" given by God for human survival and moral orientation.
What is the role of Thomas Reid in the argument?
Thomas Reid provides the epistemological justification for trusting our innate cognitive faculties ("commonsense principles") rather than demanding empirical evidence for every belief, which allows the author to defend the rationality of religious belief.
- Citation du texte
- Osman Zahid Çifçi (Auteur), 2023, Spandrel or Fitrah? An Essay on the Relationship between Cognitive Science of Religion and Fitrah, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1330560
