CFP — Religions: Fields of research, methods and perspectives

CFP: Religions: Fields of research, methods and perspectives 12-14 September 2012

Call for papers

Religions: Fields of research, methods and perspectives

The First International Krakow Study of Religions Symposium, 12-14 September 2012

Keynote speakers:
Prof. Grace Davie (University of Exeter)
Prof. Ralph W. Hood Jr (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)
Prof. Barnaba Maj (University of Bologna)

Organisers: International Journal “Studia Religiologica” and Institute for the Study of Religions, Jagiellonian University

“Religion is a defining mark of humanity – as emblematic of its bearer as the web for the spider, the dam for the beaver, and the song for the bird,” writes Patrick McNamara in his most recent book. It may seem that such a role and position of religion would require sophisticated reflection, extended methods of scientific analysis and the creative activity of research communities. However, in spite of the clear evidence of the importance of these issues, religious studies is a long way both from the role of the “crown of the humanities” foreseen by Eliade and from agreement on and verification of research tools. For some scholars, religions remain a “by-product” and a “virus of the mind”, while for others they are proof of the existence of “supernatural forces” and the central activity of people on the path to transforming their condition. The conference “Religions: fields of research, methods and perspectives” will present the spectrum of approaches to religious phenomena that are multi-layered and anchored in various ways in cultures, societies and individuals as well as new methods of research and refined versions of previous ones. It will also show the research quandaries and problems to be solved which religious studies scholars come up against in their historical, comparative, sociological, philosophical and psychological studies. The aim of the conference is to demonstrate the potential of religious studies and related fields in solving and comprehending the fundamental problems of humanity.

Conference languages: English, Polish

Registration form (in English, in Polish) please send by e-mail: symposium@iphils.uj.edu.pl
Deadline for registration: 15 June 2012
Full name, academic title, home institution, contact details, address, e mail, telephone, title of paper, abstract (1000-1800 characters)