Re: A "God" Part of the Brain?

From: EckertWAIII@aol.com
Date: Thu Aug 14 2003 - 14:39:16 EDT

  • Next message: Jay Willingham: "Re: A "God" Part of the Brain?"

    It's far easier to design an experiment unequivocally demonstrating animal
    learning than it is to design one demonstrating that animals can have an
    experience of God. In the neurosciences, learning experiments with rats and other
    animals are very commonplace. The neurosciences are just beginning to examine
    human religious experiences and beliefs. I would be very interested in hearing a
    hypothetical experiment that would demonstrate with unequivocal
    interpretation that an animal has experienced God.

    -Bill 

    --
William A. Eckert III, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Durham, NC
 

    In a message dated 8/14/2003 2:31:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
jaywillingham@cfl.rr.com writes:

    > Recent research indicates animals learn and reason, sharks included, and 
> are not mere automatons of instinct.
>   
> As a dog trainer, I have seen remarkable examples of animal learning and 
> perception, especially in mature dogs that serve as assistance dogs to the 
> handicapped.  Guide dogs for the blind are the least of these phenomenal animals 
>   
> Perhaps only man is prideful enough to think that his reasoning is powerful 
> enough to explain everything.
>

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