Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 1: Historical Foundations
- 4.5
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Course Summary
Explore the intersection of science and spirituality in this course on Soul Beliefs. Learn about the history of different religious and spiritual beliefs and how they relate to modern scientific discoveries.Key Learning Points
- Discover the connections between ancient spiritual beliefs and modern scientific knowledge
- Learn about the history of different religions and spiritual practices
- Explore the role of spirituality in personal growth and well-being
Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have
- Spiritual Counselor
- USA: $51,000
- India: INR 4,00,000
- Spain: €20,000
- Religious Studies Professor
- USA: $73,000
- India: INR 6,00,000
- Spain: €30,000
- Meditation Instructor
- USA: $35,000
- India: INR 2,50,000
- Spain: €15,000
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the connections between spirituality and science
- Gain knowledge of different religious beliefs and practices
- Develop a deeper understanding of personal growth and well-being
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No prior knowledge necessary
- An open mind
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Self-paced
- Online
- Video lectures
Similar Courses
- The Science of Well-Being
- Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy
Related Education Paths
Related Books
Description
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.
Outline
- Introduction to the Course
- Introduction
- Welcome to the Course
- Learner Support
- What I was Told to Believe
- What I was Told to Believe Part I
- What I was Told to Believe Part II
- What I was Told to Believe Part III
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #1
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #1 Part I
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #1 Part II
- Reading Resource
- Reading Resource
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #2
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #2 Part I
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #2 Part II
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #2 Part III
- Reading Resource
- Quiz 1
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #3
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #3 Part I
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #3 Part II
- Historical Foundations of Soul Beliefs #3 Part III
- Reading Resource
- Functions of Religion in Ancient & Modern Times
- Functions of Religion in Ancient & Modern Times Part I
- Functions of Religion in Ancient & Modern Times Part II
- Functions of Religion in Ancient & Modern Times Part III
- Quiz 2
- Reactions to Scientific Evidence
- Prelude to Second Half
- Religions Under Attack
- Religion Under Attack Part I
- Religion Under Attack Part II
- Religion Under Attack Part III
- Additional Video - The Four Horsemen of Atheism
- Additional Video Link
- Big Ideas & Big Controversies
- Big Ideas & Controversies Part I
- Big Ideas & Controversies Part II
- Big Ideas & Controversies Part III
- Reading Resource
- Quiz 3
- Darwin's Dangerous Idea
- Darwin's Dangerous Idea Part I
- Darwin's Dangerous Idea Part II
- Darwin's Dangerous Idea Part III
- Reading Resource
- The Mind-Body Problem
- The Mind-Body Problem Part I
- The Mind-Body Problem Part II
- The Mind-Body Problem Part III
- Reading Resources
- Quiz 4
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the Soul Beliefs course on Coursera and explore your spiritual side. Students love this course for its insightful content and engaging delivery. Learn about the soul and its relationship with beliefs from experts in the field.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Insightful contentPros from User Reviews
- Engaging delivery of course material
- Expert instruction from knowledgeable professors
- In-depth exploration of spiritual topics
Cons from User Reviews
- Some students may find the course material too advanced or challenging
- Limited opportunities for interaction with other students
- No physical materials or resources provided
Prof. Daniel M. Ogilvie
4.5 Raiting
Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 1: Historical Foundations
- 4.5
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history?...
