International Association for the Scientific Study of Religion

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The International Association for the Scientific Study of Religion is an academic organization dedicated to promoting the cognitive science of religion through interna tional collaboration of all scholars whose research has a bearing on the subject. This objective is attained through scholarly activities such as the arrangement of biennial conferences as well as interim local meetings, the encouragement of research projects and support of scholarly publications, and the exchange of information through electronic or other means. The biennial conferences for 2008 and 2010 are currently being planned (with the 2010 conference being proposed to meet in conjunction with the 20th World Congress of the International Association for the History of Religions in Toronto).

The cognitive science of religion is multidisciplinary. Scholars from a wide variety of disciplines in the human, social, natural and health sciences are working on important breakthroughs that have significant impact on the academic, comparative study of religion. Specialists in religion have an important role to play, since colleagues from disciplines and sciences that normally do not deal with religion need creative interplay and feedback to better understand the significance of their findings. Cognitive scientists and experimental psychologists, on the other hand, are helping colleagues from study of religion disciplines in hitherto new and exciting ways. Some scholars of religion are also experimental scientists. Some experimental scientists are also highly competent philosophers and scholars of religion. The IACSR is designed to provide an organizational framework for this variety in which we can meet and debate, present new findings, develop innovative theories and help young scholars along their chosen paths.

The IACSR seeks to advance the naturalistic study of religion. Those interested in 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 should seek other associations and other forums that better address such concerns.