Conferences

Towards a Unified Science of Religion

A Conference Sponsored by the Department of Philosophy,
University of Otago,
Dunedin,
New Zealand

12-14 February 2010.

Abstract

The belief in gods, demons, and other supernatural agents is a persistent feature of human culture, which cries out for explanation. In the last twenty-five years explanations of religion have reached a new level of sophistication. We now have a range of different scientific theories of religion, in cognitive science, anthropology, and evolutionary psychology, drawing upon a significant body of empirical data. This conference, sponsored by the Department of Philosophy at the University of Otago, will bring together researchers from these different disciplines and different theoretical perspectives, to explore the possibility of a unified science of religion.

Programme

The draft programme is now available for download as a PDF: USR-Programme

Any questions about this programme should be directed to the conference secretary: Jonathan Jong

Keynote Speakers

David Sloan Wilson Binghamton University	Harvey Whitehouse Oxford	Jesse Bering Queens University, Belfast

Registration

Participants must have registered by 20 January.

Accommodation

Accommodation for participants is at St Margarets College. Participants should email the college to book their accommodation. The college is very comfortable and is located in the heart of the University of Otago campus. It is within easy walking distance from many good places to eat and drink. It is a pleasant fifteen minutes walk from the city centre.

About Dunedin

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest and most popular university city. Founded in 1848, "the Edinburgh of the South" boasts many beautiful Victorian and Edwardian buildings, such as First Presbyterian Church, the grand Dunedin Railway Station, and the University Clocktower. There are many excellent museums, art galleries, and gardens in Dunedin (including the celebrated Chinese Garden).

Beyond Dunedin City's own attractions, it serves as a gateway to some of the world's finest eco-tourism. The Otago Peninsula is replete with many rare wildlife species, such as the Royal Albatross, Southern Fur Seals, and Yellow-Eyed Penguins. The various tours, tracks, and cruises offer breath-taking views and a chance to see animals you're unlikely to see anywhere else.

Further Information

The conference programme will be available on this site in January.

Conference Organisers: James Maclaurin and Greg Dawes.

Conference Secretary: Jonathan Jong

© Philosophy, University of Otago.
Feedback | Disclaimer | Contacts | ^ Top of page