Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/soulbeliefs2
Coursera continues to impress with its diverse and thought-provoking course offerings, and ‘Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences – Unit 2: Belief Systems’ is no exception. This unit delves into a fascinating and fundamental aspect of the human experience: our persistent belief in a soul and its potential survival beyond the physical body. While science may not offer definitive answers on the soul’s existence, this course masterfully explores the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind these deeply ingrained beliefs.
From the outset, the course tackles the prevalence of soul beliefs across cultures and history, posing intriguing questions about potential adaptive advantages. It doesn’t shy away from the complex interplay between our cognitive and emotional states, dedicating sections to ‘Thinking and Feeling’ and ‘Terror Management.’ The exploration of ‘Internalized Beliefs,’ both generally and through the lens of childhood development, provides crucial insights into how these profound concepts become part of our individual identities.
The syllabus then ventures into the compelling, and sometimes controversial, territory of ‘After-Life, Out of Body, and Disembodied’ experiences, critically examining the evidence presented for them. The unit thoughtfully integrates biological perspectives, discussing how our brains might be wired to support such beliefs and exploring the biological underpinnings of morality (‘The Biology of Thou Shalt Not’). The final modules, ‘The Brain and Our Emotional Future’ and ‘The Undesired Self,’ offer a holistic view, connecting our beliefs about the soul to our emotional well-being and self-perception.
This unit is a must-take for anyone interested in psychology, anthropology, philosophy, or simply understanding the human condition. It’s intellectually stimulating, well-researched, and presented in an accessible manner. I highly recommend ‘Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences – Unit 2’ for its ability to illuminate the deep-seated beliefs that shape our lives and societies.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/soulbeliefs2