Inner Theatres of Good and Evil: The Mind's Staging of Gods, Angels and Devils

by Mark Pizzato

Among the most intriguing questions of neurology is how conceptions of good and evil arise in the human brain. In a world where we encounter god-like forces in nature, and try to transcend them, the development of a neural network dramatizing good against evil seems inevitable. This critical book explores the cosmic dimensions of the brain's inner theatre as revealed by neurology, cognitive science, evolutionary psychology, psychoanalysis, primatology and exemplary Western performances. In theatre, film, and television, supernatural figures express the brain's anatomical features as humans transform their natural environment into cosmic and theological spaces in order to grapple with their vulnerability in the world.

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sarah Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well researched & dense. Eye opening and thought provoking regarding the development of religious and theatrical history and how they are intertwined. Could have been better edited for ease of understanding but it’s insights were worth the effort as a class textbook.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enlightening look at what, why and how our belief systems develop from a neurological standpoint. We’ll researched and packed with factual details. Definitely not a quick read but a fascinating one.