Physiological Explanations

Physiological Explanations

1. Focused on the function of various areas of the brain

   • Suggested that there are neuropsychological mechanisms which underlie religious experiences
     • Refer to the 'causal operator'
       • And the 'holistic operator' within the brain
         • These seem to show up on brain scans done on meditating buddhist monks

2. Counter Argument

   • The fact there is a physical dimension to religious experience need not lead us to reject the experience
     • All experiences can be reduced to a series of neurological blips that show up on the brain sans
       • However we don't doubt the reality of objects we see
         • Some thinkers have suggested our brains are constructed in such a way that we are almost wired up to experience God