European Prize for Research on Cognitive Theories of Religion

The European Society for the Study of Science and Theology, ESSSAT, in 2010 has awarded its biannual ESSSAT Prize for Research to Dr. Aku Visala for his philosophical analysis of cognitive theories of religion.

Aku Visala is currently visiting fellow with the Center for Anthropology and Mind, Oxford University, UK.

The prize has been awarded to Dr. Aku Visala for his study Religion Explained? A Philosophical Analysis of the Cognitive Science of Religion, which he recently defended as his doctoral thesis at the University of Helsinki. Cognitive theories of religion draw on the analysis of our evolved cognitive faculties in order to understand religion. The jury found that Visala deals with a major current development of substantial complexity. His writing displays a strong grasp of relevant literature, also from neighboring fields. The work engages the issues in a mature way, coming up with well considered criticisms of others and an analysis of his own. Last but not least, the work is well written and focused.

Contact e-mail for Aku Visala: [email protected]

Source: http://www.science-religion-news.org/recent-news.asp

More info about the book: https://oa.doria.fi/handle/10024/50494

Aku Visala on the University of Helsinki homepage: http://www.janua.helsinki.fi/graduateschool/pres_visala.htm (the source of the photo)

Aku Visala on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Aku-Visala/1048957433