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OverviewThe International Conference on the Evolution of Religion is bringing together leading scholars across a variety of disciplines to discuss scientific and integrative aspects of emerging evolutionary theories of religion. It will be held at the Makaha Resort near Waianae, Oahu, on January 3-9, 2007. After afternoon check-in on Wednesday, January 3, it will begin with an evening reception at which Harvey Whitehouse (Social Anthropology, Oxford University) will give a keynote address. The conference will have the following format: The first part of the conference addresses new research in the cognitive and evolutionary study of religion. Talks will review specific new advances in the naturalistic study of religion. Participants include internationally recognized researchers and scholars from a broad spectrum of disciplines, including cognitive and evolutionary psychology, anthropology, population genetics, and experimental economics. These talks will center on the results of specific research programs and will engage new understandings of religion and religious culture emerging from a range of empirical and theoretical approaches. The second part of the conference steps back from these scientific studies to consider more general Philosophical questions. Here speakers will assess the power and limitations of evolutionary understandings of religious thought and life, and the implications of such understanding for religious belief and commitment. Presenters will examine the epistemological, metaphysical and normative commitments of religious and secular communities, and the scientific approaches that seek to explain them. Talks will represent a variety of naturalistic and religious traditions, with no particular perspective being privileged—save a shared commitment to pursue both scientific understanding and an open discussion of its wider implications. After the final sessions on Monday, January 8, there will be a summary banquet. The conference will close with optional local events on Tuesday, January 9, including an evening luau. Checkout will be the morning of January 10. ***
The Conference Co-chairs are Russell and Cheryl Genet. The Program Organizing Committee consists of Joseph Bulbulia, Armin W. Geertz, and Richard Sosis. Karen Wyman serves as the Conference Coordinator, while Erica Harris is the Proceedings Coordinator. We expect to publish conference papers as an edited volume shortly after conclusion of the conference, and we have funding and publisher commitments to ensure its wide distribution. Although conference attendance is limited, there is no limit to the number of accompanying guests. The conference has been designed to serve as the focus for a family vacation or winter getaway (www.makaharesort.net). Conference sessions are being limited to five hours per day to allow generous time for informal interactions between speakers, attendees, and accompanying guests. It is our sincere hope you will be able to attend this historic gathering. For information on the conference please contact:
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