Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit there is a choice. Through a social science lens, pupils consider how psychologists analyse the phenomenon of religion. Or they may study the flowering of philosophy at the time of the Enlightenment through a depth study of Hobbes and Rousseau and their ideas of religion and society.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the nature-nurture debate in social sciences and provide reasons why religion can be seen as a result of both human nature and human nurture.

Key Notes

• The nature-nurture debate is a key theme in social sciences.
• Humans may be born predetermined to accept religious ideas.
• Socialisation, such as religious upbringing, may influence religious belief.
• Ann Taves, a scholar, argues humans naturally ask questions which religious and non-religious worldviews can answer.

Vocabulary To Learn

• nature: the biological and genetic aspects of a person that they are born with
• nurture: the influence of learning such as upbringing and environment on a person's development
• predetermined: something which is decided in advance and not down to chance
• religious upbringing: the way that parents and carers may raise children to be part of a religion
• socialisation: the process beginning in childhood where a person learns how to fit in with their society's rules and behaviours

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• That there is a gene or section of the brain responsible for religious belief.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Cognitive science of religion Study Guide
• Defining religion Study Guide
• Possible psychological benefits of religion Study Guide
• Possible psychological explanations for religion Study Guide
• The temporal lobe Study Guide