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.
Fuzzy Claws
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Lady Pomegranate
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Palomino
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Speedwell
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Jelly Momentum
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Scrapple
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Lucky Brandy
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Roadspike
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Snow Hound
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Pistol Hydro
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
SubWoof330
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature.
Tall Honey
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Swedish Pixie
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Gentle Avenger
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Street Squirrel
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Lucky Aurora
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Miss Fix It
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
ThreadTraveler
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Manly
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Miss Lucky
Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
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