A Brain Scientific Study on the Mechanism of the Formation of the Conviction

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article is to investigate the mechanism of the formation of the conviction from the viewpoint of brain science. To this end, information processing structure of the brain, learning theory and altered state of consciousness were presented from the perspective of brain science. The brain makes the best guess by comparing the incoming signals from the sensory organs and sensing the pattern. Conviction is formed by learning and experiencing things based on existing knowledge and experience. The process of information processing by conviction can be said as a habitually conditioned response connected to the reward circuit of the brain, and the emotion circuit of the brain is used for the consistency of the conviction. Altered State of Consciousness arises from various changes in neuronal activities, accompanied by respective spiritual experiences corresponding to the regions of the brain. The mental experience associated with previously learned knowledge builds stronger conviction. Although conviction is the driving force of life, such as internal training, religious activity, and psychological stability, it can cause conflict and war if it acts as an exclusiveness to other views. According to the brain science interpretation, conviction does not necessarily guarantee objective truth. The principle of neuroplasticity that neuronal connection structures change over a lifetime represents the importance of a variety of lifelong learning. Especially, it is suggested that peace and coexistence, which are the main purposes of religious education, can be achieved through practice of internal training such as prayer, meditation and self-reflection, and Interfaith and open thought.