Studying the Religious Mind: Methodology in the Cognitive Science of Religion

The cognitive science of religion employs a diverse range of methodologies from cognitive sciences, experimental psychology, biology, archaeology, history, philosophy, linguistics, social and statistical sciences, neurosciences, and anthropology to study the religious mind. This multi-disciplinarity requires interdisciplinary teams and continual reflections on methodologies. The book consists of selected papers from the Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion and the Journal of Cognitive Historiography, demonstrating various methods and advancing our knowledge of the religious mind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 536 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

The cognitive science of religion stands as a unique field, lacking its own distinct methodology. However, from its inception, methodology has played a crucial role in shaping its identity and defining its relationship with other disciplines. Scholars in this field employ a diverse range of approaches, drawing upon cognitive sciences, experimental psychology, biology, archaeology, history, philosophy, linguistics, social and statistical sciences, neurosciences, and anthropology. This multi-disciplinary approach is a defining characteristic of the cognitive science of religion. It necessitates the collaboration of experts from various fields and the ongoing exploration and debate of methodologies. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on a single methodology, scholars often employ a triangulation approach, combining multiple methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the religious mind.

In this book, we present a collection of selected papers from the Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion and the Journal of Cognitive Historiography. Each chapter showcases a specific method or group of methods, illustrating how they contribute to our understanding of the religious mind across different historical periods. These methods range from cognitive psychology and neurosciences to historical analysis and cultural studies. By exploring these diverse approaches, we aim to deepen our knowledge of the complex and multifaceted nature of religious thought and experience.

The cognitive science of religion represents a vibrant and dynamic field, constantly evolving as scholars push the boundaries of knowledge and explore new avenues for understanding the human mind and its relationship with religion. Through the utilization of diverse methodologies and the collaboration of experts from various disciplines, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of religious beliefs, practices, and experiences across time and cultures.

Weight: 3756g
Dimension: 234 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800501614