Ritual and Cognitive Processes

Ritualized behaviours are pervasive in human society. While rituals have long been viewed as a kind of symbolic rite rife with meaningful interpretations (at best), or as mindless repetition (at worst), our panel seeks to explore the cognitive dimensions of ritual practice in both individual and institutional terms, drawing on a range of disciplinary traditions. How do our modes of thinking structure ritual? Or conversely, how do our ritualized practices shape the way we think? How much of ritual practice emerges from our own, personal human cognitive processes, and how much from institutions? To explore these questions, our panelists will examine musical practice, narrative works, archaeological remains, and sociological perspectives.