Fear and Fitra: Cognitive Science of Religion and Ghazali's Ultimate Agent

Abstract

The field of Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) is a growing field that has made interesting inroads in analyzing various religious traditions. There has been reticence within Islamic Studies in engaging with CSR, for reasons of reductionism. However, there is a fruitful discussion to be had between these two disciplines. I extend Aria Nakissa’s work analyzing Al-Ghazali and make my own assertions regarding the Islamic notion of fitra. I assert that fitra, the inherent disposition for belief in God can be compared with CSR’s claims about the innateness of belief in God. I argue fitra is an epistemic notion whose subcomponent, the wahm (estimative faculty) produces judgments akin to those judgments made by cognitive modules like the hyperactive agency detection device (HADD). This module is subject to sensitivity regarding the detection of agents. I claim that supernatural agents can be inferred from a more local agent when the wahm goes beyond its domain of sensory perceptions, informed by Ghazali’s thought. Lastly, I argue that fear can elicit belief in God and Ghazali demonstrates this observation when he advises fear as a therapeutic device to remediate doubt or apostasy.