We need a research on whether atheists are more likely to suffer from akrasia.
If we take Julian Jaynes seriously, the human brain has a rational hemisphere and a motivating hemisphere. Religion connects these hemispheres, allowing them to work in synergy. Skepticism seems to split them.
Effective atheists are probably the ones who despite being atheists still believe in some kind of “higher power”, such as fate or destiny or the spirit of history or some bullshit like that. Probably still activates the motivating hemisphere to some degree, only now instead of hearing a clear voice, only some nonverbal guidance is provided. Deep atheism probably silences the motivating hemisphere completely.
The question is, how to harness the power of the religious hemisphere without being religious (or believing some nominally non-religious bullshit). How to be fully rational and fully motivated at the same time.
Can we say something like “I know this is pure bullshit, but God please give me the power to accomplish my goals and smite my enemies!” and actually mean it? Is this what will unleash the true era of rationalist world optimization?
We need a research on whether atheists are more likely to suffer from akrasia.
If we take Julian Jaynes seriously, the human brain has a rational hemisphere and a motivating hemisphere. Religion connects these hemispheres, allowing them to work in synergy. Skepticism seems to split them.
Effective atheists are probably the ones who despite being atheists still believe in some kind of “higher power”, such as fate or destiny or the spirit of history or some bullshit like that. Probably still activates the motivating hemisphere to some degree, only now instead of hearing a clear voice, only some nonverbal guidance is provided. Deep atheism probably silences the motivating hemisphere completely.
The question is, how to harness the power of the religious hemisphere without being religious (or believing some nominally non-religious bullshit). How to be fully rational and fully motivated at the same time.
Can we say something like “I know this is pure bullshit, but God please give me the power to accomplish my goals and smite my enemies!” and actually mean it? Is this what will unleash the true era of rationalist world optimization?