Why Would Anyone Believe in God?

Barrett claims that the human theory of mind produces intuitive beliefs in superproperties like omniscience that fit much better with monotheistic beliefs.

“Furthermore, Barrett also claims that the human theory of mind produces intuitive beliefs in superproperties like omniscience that fit much better with monotheistic beliefs.”

Barrett leaves open the possibility that not all sightings that lead to belief in ghosts or spirits are illusions.

“The quote shows that Barrett leaves open the possibility that not all sightings that lead to belief in ghosts or spirits are illusions.”

HADD can register evidence as resulting from a known agent, thereby encouraging belief in a known supernatural agent rather than producing a new supernatural belief.

“HADD can register evidence as resulting from a known agent. A storm cloud can be identified as an act of God. In cases like these, HADD does not so much produce a new supernatural belief but rather encourages belief in a known supernatural agent.”

Barrett does not rank all detected supernatural agents under false positives.

“In any case, it is clear that Barrett does not rank all detected supernatural agents under false positives.”

HADD produces many false positives, but not all falsely detected agents are supernatural; subjects also falsely detect non-existing predators, other humans, and inanimate objects as agents.

“On Barrett's theory, HADD indeed produces many false positives. However, not all falsely detected agents are supernatural; a subject will also often falsely detect non-existing predators or other humans. Humans will also occasionally identify inanimate objects as agents.”