Workshop on New Developments in the Cognitive Science of Religion hosted by the International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion

The main goal of the workshop is to introduce CSS members to topics that are cutting edge in the cognitive science of religion. The papers draw on a variety of methodologies and disciplines, which is one of the main characteristics of the cognitive science of religion. Even though the focus is on religion, the researchers are involved in broader issues relevant to cognitive science. So the expected audience is cognitive scientists and scientists from other disciplines such as psychology, the study of religion and anthropology, who are interested in cognitive approaches to religion. Since the papers represent on-going projects, the outcomes of these papers are expected to be publications in peer-review journals. The International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion (IACSR) seeks to advance the naturalistic study of religion. The IACSR recognizes that the cognitive sciences encompass a wide array of disciplines and methods, including, among others, experimental research in psychology and neuroscience, computational modeling, ethnographic, historical, archaeological, and comparative studies of religious cognition, and the survey techniques of the social sciences. The IACSR also welcomes new cognitive theories of diverse religious phenomena. The IACSR does not promote dialogue between science and religion, attempts to find religion in science and science in religion, or attempts to validate religious or spiritual doctrines through cognitive science. These concerns are better addressed in other forums. Program