DEBUNKING RELIGION (by explaining why people have religious beliefs, etc., despite there not being good evidence):

 

 

A. The origin of religion according to Marx

 

(1) Historical circumstances

 

(2) Escapism, wishful thinking, false consciousness

 

 

B. The origin of religion according to Tylor and Durkheim

 

(1) Ritual practices of primitive societies

 

(2) Social ideals (binding together a society): Durkheim

 

 

C. The origin of religion according to Freud

 

(1) Proto-science (bad explanations of nature)

 

(2) Restraint of a-social instincts (necessary for civilization)

 

(3) Escapism, wishful thinking