Book description
Does neuroscience have anything to say about religious belief or the existence of God? Some have tried to answer this question, but, in doing so, most have strayed from the scientific method. In The Phantom God, computational biologist and neuroscientist John C. Wathey, Ph.D., tackles this problem head-on, exploring religious feelings not as the direct perception by the brain of some supernatural realm, nor as the pathological misfiring of neurons, but as a natural consequence of how our brains are wired. Unlike other neurobiological studies of religion and spirituality, The Phantom God treats mysticism not as something uniquely human and possibly supernatural in origin, but as a completely natural phenomenon that has behavioral and evolutionary roots that can be traced far back into our vertebrate ancestry. Grounded in evolutionary and behavioral biology, this highly original and compelling book takes the reader on a journey through the neural circuitry of crying, innate knowledge, reinforcement learning, emotional bonding, embodiment, interpersonal perception, and the ineffable feeling of certainty that characterizes faith. Wathey argues that the feeling of God's presence is spawned by innate neural circuitry, similar to the mechanism that compels an infant to cry out for its mother. In an adult, this circuitry can be activated under conditions that mimic the extreme desperation and helplessness of infancy, generating the compelling illusion of the presence of a loving, powerful, and all-knowing savior. When seen from this perspective, the illusion also appears remarkably like one that has long been familiar to neurologists: the phantom limb of the amputee, spawned by the expectation of the patient's brain that the missing limb should still be there. Including a primer on the basic concepts and terminology of neuroscience, The Phantom God details the neural mechanisms behind the illusions and emotions of spiritual experience.
Pearl Girl
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. βοΈ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! π§Ήπ°
Ginger Chaos
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§
Landfill Max
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset.
RoarSweetie
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time.
Teeder
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation.
Classy Dancer
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible.
LoreLoomer
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ
Juice Petite
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Lava Nibbler
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§
Saber-RED
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Noisy Girl
Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback.
Kazami of Truth
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Insane SweepKick
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π
Pink Hopper
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Nutmeg Riot
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Fast FLAK
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience.
Forger
I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion.
Wings
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Alberta
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Troubled Chick
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience