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A biological perspective on spiritual intelligence

Reiss, MJ; (2024) A biological perspective on spiritual intelligence. In: Dorobantu, Marius and Watts, Fraser, (eds.) Perspectives on Spiritual Intelligence. (pp. 101-115). Routledge: Abingdon, UK.

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Abstract

In recent decades, the discipline of animal behaviour has considerably undermined attempts to find features that decisively distinguish humans from other species. Tool making was long thought to be a clear indication of humanity, but we now know that many other species do too. Similarly, there are many non-human animal species that use language and show at least the beginnings of moral awareness. What then of spiritual intelligence? Might it provide a clear-cut distinction between humans and other animals? Such a hope is not helped by two observations. The first is that many humans claim to have no spiritual sense – unless spiritual is defined very broadly. The second is that it is becoming increasingly clear that some non-human species manifest what might at least be termed pro-spirituality. Humans have greater intellectual capacities than animals to reflect on and articulate relationships in general and matters religious and spiritual in particular. This chapter explores whether this capacity for greater reflection and use of language entails a deeper or richer spirituality/spiritual intelligence.

Type: Book chapter
Title: A biological perspective on spiritual intelligence
DOI: 10.4324/9781032646244
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032646244
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10203075
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