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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 1: Historical Foundations by Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

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About the Course

Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history? Are there adaptive advantages to assuming souls exist? Are there brain structures that have been shaped by environmental pressures that provide the foundation of body/mind dualism that is such a prominent feature of many religions? How do these beliefs shape the worldviews of different cultures and our collective lives? What is the role of competing afterlife beliefs in religion, science, politics, and war? This course explores several facets of this relatively unexplored but profoundly important aspect of human thought and behavior. The course consists mainly of 70 to 80 minute lectures, typically broken up into 3 segments, recorded from a course offered by Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences. These videos include slides and some embedded video clips. Most lectures are accompanied by slides used during the lecture, also including recommended reading assignment which may provide additional opportunities to reflect on your studies. Due to the lengthiness of this class and natural progression, the online course has been separated into 3 units, this is Unit 1....

Top reviews

MS

Sep 21, 2017

Brilliant course, brilliant lecturers, brilliant topic, extremely well thought-out approach to such a mind-blowing topic. I highly recommend it to anyone with even the vaguest interest in the topic.

DA

Aug 21, 2015

I just started with this course and I am loving it! This not only offers a very fresh perspective on beliefs about souls and an afterlife but is also extremely relatable on a personal level.

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51 - 75 of 107 Reviews for Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 1: Historical Foundations

By Jko

Apr 7, 2016

I just love this course. It is funny, easy to follow and really interesting.

By Edward M V

Feb 25, 2016

If you are fascinated by different belief systems this course is for you.

By Vee S

Oct 27, 2015

A thought provoking course, well done, interesting, and enlightening.

By Andrea G Q

Oct 23, 2015

Great class and wonderful teacher. He explained the lessons so well

By Arash M

Mar 21, 2016

Essential course for every student , thinker and even human being,

By İLKİN B

Sep 4, 2015

The course aroused my intellectual interest to its highest.

Thanks.

By Jeremiah J

Nov 18, 2015

Wonderful course, very interesting and thought provoking.

By Kam L

Jan 23, 2022

Presents information in an unbiased logical perspective.

By Finch M

Apr 16, 2018

An excellent course, covering an often neglected topic.

By Anil M

Aug 20, 2015

Most informative & unique course , I have come across.

By Garri-Lee L

Aug 21, 2015

Opening the mind to new ways of thinking about Rel

By Darren G

Nov 22, 2015

This is a high-quality, thought-provoking course.

By Alexandropoulou C

Sep 9, 2019

Very interesting and rare class!

By Pablo S S

Oct 13, 2015

Interesting, different and fun.

By ZAHABIYA A

Jan 12, 2019

KNOWLEDGEABLE COURSE.. LOVE IT

By Emily N

Oct 2, 2017

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By JOSE L V

Apr 17, 2021

Excelente curso introductorio

By Juan J D

Nov 26, 2015

A life changing course.

By Roberto R

Aug 14, 2015

everybody have to do it

By Winston A W

Dec 27, 2020

Excellent, thank you.

By Alaa H

Nov 12, 2019

Excellent course.

By Deleted A

Jun 23, 2017

very interesting.

By Arve F

Jun 11, 2017

Very interesting.

By Luis L

Sep 17, 2015

Very good, thanks

By liliana g

Aug 13, 2015

Its an eye opener