Religions: fields of research, methods and perspectives

CALL FOR PAPERS
Religions: fields of research, methods and perspectives

Jagiellonian University, Kraków, 12-14 September 2012

http://www.religioznawstwo.uj.edu.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1138&Itemid=105

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

Keynote speakers:

Prof. Grace Davie (University of Exeter)

Prof. Ralph W. Hood Jr (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)

Prof. Barnaba Maj (University of Bologna)

CALL FOR PAPERS

“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

Conference fee: 200 PLN (or 50 EUR). The fee does not cover the cost of accommodation and meals.

Registration form available for download at www.religioznawstwo.uj.edupl.

Please send registrations (marked “Conference”) by 30 June  2012

by email:  symposium@iphils.uj.edu.pl