In the 2026 New College lecture series, Dr Justin Barrett introduces the cognitive scientific study of cultural beliefs and practices, particularly those we call “religious.” He argues that human minds, in interaction with each other, naturally gravitate toward beliefs in at least one god. What if this naturalness thesis is true? How does the naturalness of religious beliefs bear upon whether we should or should not hold religious beliefs? Answering these questions is aided by reflection upon how our own worldviews — religious or not — impact how we pursue and interpret scientific research.
Registration for this event will open closer to the date, but you can submit an expression of interest on the New College website.
