Cognitive Approaches to Ancient Religious Experience

This volume explores the intersection of modern scientific research on human cognition with research in the humanities, focusing on the religious experiences of men and women in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. It examines historical problems arising from ancient religious activities and integrates literary, epigraphic, visual, and archaeological evidence. The contributors draw on theories of cognition to explore the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of ancient religions, challenging traditional divisions between ritual and belief.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

For quite some time, there has been a growing interest in engaging in a dialogue between modern scientific research into human cognition and research in the humanities. This groundbreaking volume specifically focuses on exploring the religious experiences of men and women in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Each chapter delves into a particular historical problem that arises from an ancient religious activity, while the contributions span a wide range of both ancient contexts and sources. These contributions aim to explore and integrate literary, epigraphic, visual, and archaeological evidence, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

To avoid a simplistic division between physical aspects (rituals) and mental aspects (beliefs) of religion, the contributors draw on theories of cognition that encompass embodied, emergent, enactive, and extended perspectives. They recognize the complexity, multimodality, and multicausality of human life, thus embracing an interdisciplinary approach. Through this approach, the chapters raise new questions and offer fresh insights into the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of ancient religions.

This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of religious experiences in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. It sheds light on the complex interplay between physical practices, mental beliefs, and the broader cultural and social contexts of these ancient societies. By bridging the gap between scientific and humanities research, this book contributes to a deeper understanding of the human mind and the complexities of religious belief and practice.

Weight: 590g
ISBN-13: 9781316515334