Oxford Research will discuss the 'Naturalness of the Supernatural'

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Dr. Justin Barrett, senior researcher of the Centre for Anthropology and Mind and the Institute for Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at Oxford University in Oxford, England, will discus his work showing human predisposition to believe in the supernatural at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, in Bennett Auditorium, located adjacent to Draper Hall at 1420 S. 7th St.

His lecture, "The Naturalness of the Supernatural: Cognitive Science of Religious Beliefs," will be presented by Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR).

ISR exists to conduct research on religion, involving scholars and projects spanning the intellectual spectrum.

Barrett's lecture will present recent scientific research that suggests that humans generally possess a natural predisposition to believe in the supernatural.

He earned degrees in psychology from Calvin College and Cornell University. He served on the psychology faculties of Calvin College and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Barrett is an editor of the Journal of Cognition and Culture and is author of numerous articles and chapters concerning cognitive science of religion.

Barrett's career has been characterized by work in the cognitive study of culture with a particular emphasis on cognitive science of religion. His book Why Would Anyone Believe in God? represents the field's first relatively comprehensive introduction intended for a general audience.

For more information, contact http://www.baylorisr.org

by Jessica Puente, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805