The Cognitive Science of Belief: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Beliefs play a central role in our lives. They lie at the heart of what makes us human, they shape the organization and functioning of our minds, they define the boundaries of our culture, and they guide our motivation and behavior. Given their central importance, researchers across a number of disciplines have studied beliefs, leading to results and literatures that do not always interact. The Cognitive Science of Belief aims to integrate these disconnected lines of research to start a broader dialogue on the nature, role, and consequences of beliefs. It tackles timeless questions, as well as applications of beliefs that speak to current social issues. This multidisciplinary approach to beliefs will benefit graduate students and researchers in cognitive science, psychology, philosophy, political science, economics, and religious studies.

About the Author

Julien Musolino holds a dual appointment in the psychology department at Rutgers University and at the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science. He is a cognitive scientist, public speaker, award-winning teacher, and author. He has appeared on national television, participated in public debates, and is a frequent guest on radio and podcast programs.

Joseph Sommer is a doctor of cognitive psychology at Rutgers University. His research takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying belief formation and belief revision.

Pernille Hemmer is Associate Professor at Rutgers University. She is affiliated with the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science and the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) since 2015, including the prestigious NSF CAREER award.