Detailed Information on Publication Record
2015
Laboratory experiment as a part of the religious studies scholar's toolkit
KUNDT, RadekBasic information
Original name
Laboratory experiment as a part of the religious studies scholar's toolkit
Authors
KUNDT, Radek (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)
Edition
Dynamics of the Religions: Past and Present; XXI IAHR World Congress, Erfurt, Germany, 23-29 August 2015, 2015
Other information
Language
English
Type of outcome
Prezentace na konferencích
Field of Study
60300 6.3 Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
Country of publisher
Germany
Confidentiality degree
není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství
RIV identification code
RIV/00216224:14210/15:00084441
Organization unit
Faculty of Arts
Keywords in English
controlled experiment; laboratory experiment; hypothesis testing; religious prosociality
Tags
Změněno: 3/3/2016 13:52, Mgr. Vendula Hromádková
Abstract
V originále
After introducing the strengths and weaknesses of the social-scientific laboratory experiment, I will focus on its ability to decide between competing hypotheses. I will argue that Religious Studies can use it for the same purpose. As a showcase, I will use the hotly debated issue of religious prosociality, an issue in evolutionary research on religion. Here, rival hypotheses compete for supporting empirical evidence (increased cooperation, generosity, reciprocity, trust and altruism; reduced cheating, etc.). One hypothesis considers religious prosociality to be an expression of parochial in-group favouritism, suggesting that it is a mere by-product of our coalitional psychology. The other sees religious prosociality as extending even to out-groups, arguing that it might be an adaptation. I will use this case as an example of how highly influential wide-ranging theories boil down to empirical testing and how experimental research can in the end play the essential role of an arbiter.
Links
| EE2.3.20.0048, research and development project |
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