Neuromatic: Or, a Particular History of Religion and the Brain

John Lardas Modern's Neuromatic explores the history of the cognitive revolution and attempts to locate all that is human in the brain, including spirituality. It reveals that our secular turn to the brain is bound up with the religion it discounts, ignores, or dismisses, taking the reader on a dazzling and disturbing ride through the history of our strange subservience to the brain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Neuromatic, a groundbreaking work by religious studies scholar John Lardas, delves into a comprehensive and critical exploration of the history of the cognitive revolution and ongoing endeavors to unravel the essence of human existence within the confines of the brain. Spanning a vast expanse, this book offers a thought-provoking examination of the intricate connections between science and religion, shedding light on the profound influence they have had on our contemporary understanding of the mind and its functions.

The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected chapters, each offering a unique perspective on the evolving relationship between science and religion. From the eighteenth-century revivals that sought to reconcile scientific advancements with religious beliefs to the emergence of neurology and the mystical visions of mental piety in the nineteenth century, Neuromatic traces the historical roots of our brain-centric existence. The book also delves into the twentieth-century encounters between cyberneticians, Scientologists, and parapsychologists, who sought to harness the power of the brain for scientific and spiritual purposes.

However, what sets Neuromatic apart is its unwavering commitment to challenging the prevailing notion that our modern pursuit of the brain is inherently secular. Lardas argues that our seemingly secular turn to the brain is intricately bound up with the religions it seeks to dismiss, ignore, or actively undermine. By foregrounding the myths, ritual schemes, and cosmic concerns that have accompanied idealizations of neural networks and inquiries into their structure, Neuromatic takes the reader on a dazzling and disturbing journey through the history of our peculiar subservience to the brain.

Through its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Neuromatic offers a profound critique of the ways in which scientific advancements have been co-opted by religious ideologies and used to reinforce existing beliefs. It challenges the notion that the brain is a purely secular domain and reveals the deeply religious underpinnings of our cognitive pursuits. The book raises important questions about the boundaries between science and religion, the role of the brain in shaping our beliefs and behaviors, and the potential consequences of our continued reliance on the brain as the ultimate source of understanding and meaning.

In conclusion, Neuromatic is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, religion, and the human mind. It provides a thought-provoking and challenging exploration of the complex relationship between these three domains, offering a fresh perspective on the history and implications of our brain-centric existence. By illuminating the myths, rituals, and cosmic concerns that have accompanied our scientific and religious pursuits, Neuromatic encourages us to reevaluate our assumptions and explore new ways of understanding the human experience.

Weight: 794g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226797182