Towards a Cognitive Science of New Religious Movements

摘要: Traditionally cognitive scientists have had little to say about religion (and even less new religious movements (NRMs)) partly because is arguably a social phenomenon (Bainbridge et al. 1994) and of the pervasive scientific bias relegating heap irrational, illogical, 'a fading vestige prescientific times' (Lewis 2003). While sociologists been studying NRMs, their analysis has limited macro-level. Recent trends in sociology economics focused on so called rational choice theories (Iannaccone 1998) sciences (Barrett 2000; Boyer 2001) offer hope moving direction more complete explanation emergence by providing both macro micro level analyses. I believe that closer interaction between these two developments possible, indeed necessary, for development theory NRMs weds levels. illustrate benefits this approach focusing hitherto ignored phenomenon, charismatic leaders who inspire movements. The primary aim paper identify contextual factors (both cognitive) cause self-interested utility maximizing agents take actions result (NRM). Our secondary other self interested align themselves with NRM founders become believers. how various tools science including computer modeling can help regard.