Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon is a 2006 book by the AmericanphilosopherDaniel Dennett, which argues for a scientific analysis of religions and of the pros and cons of this action, in order to predict the future of this phenomenon. Dennett implies that the spell he hopes to break is not religious belief itself, but the conviction that religion is off-limits to scientific inquiry.
The book is divided into three parts. Part I discusses the motivation and justification for the entire project: Can science study religion? Should science study religion? After answering in the affirmative, Part II proceeds to use the tools of evolutionary biology to suggest possible theories regarding the origin of religion and subsequent evolution of modern religions from ancient folk beliefs. Part III analyzes religion and its effects in today's world: Does religion make us moral? Is religion what gives meaning to life? What should we teach the children? Dennett bases much of his analysis on empirical evidence, though he often points out that much more research in this field is needed.
Definition
Dennett's working definition of religions is, "social systems whose participants avow belief in a supernatural agent or agents whose approval is to be sought." He notes that this definition is "a place to start, not something carved in stone."
Structure
Part I: Opening Pandora's Box
1. Breaking which spell?
2. Some questions about science
3. Why good things happen
Part II: The Evolution of Religion
4. The roots of religion
5. Religion, the early days
6. The evolution of stewardship
7. The invention of team spirit
8. Belief in belief
Part III: Religion Today
9. Toward a buyer's guide to religions
10. Morality and religion
11. Now what do we do?
Appendix A: The new replicators
Appendix B: Some more questions about science
Appendix C: The bellboy and the lady named Tuck
Appendix D: Kim Philby as a real case of indeterminacy of radical interpretation
Translations
Greek translation by Dimitris Xygalatas and Nikolas Roubekas as Απομυθοποίηση, Thessaloniki: Vanias 2007. ISBN: 9789602881989 Spanish translation by Felipe de Brigard as Romper el hechizo: la religión como un fenómeno natural, Madrid: Katz 2007.
