Explaining Nordic atheism: How cultural learning mechanisms predict atheism in Nordic cultural contexts

Associate professor Elisabeth Tveito Johnsen is part of a new one year research project: “Explaining Nordic atheism: How cultural learning mechanisms predict atheism in Nordic cultural contexts”.

Image may contain: Outerwear, Eye, Orange, Sleeve, Long hair.The project will examine how atheistic beliefs, like religious beliefs, are made possible by evolved cognitive apparatus, and shaped by one’s local cultural context through cultural learning mechanisms. Moreover, by employing a worldview approach, Nordic atheism will be investigated not just as a lack of belief in God, but also as part of a broader secular worldview. This will further allow us to uncover different types of atheism.

Dr. Valerie van Mulukom (Centre for Trust, Coventry University) and Anne Lundahl Mauritsen are the Principal Investigators. Roosa Haimila (University of Helsinki), Sara Evelina Lundmark (Agder University) and Elisabeth Tveito Johnsen (UiO) are research associates.

The research period is 1 November 2022 – 31 October 2023, and is one of nine  projects affiliated to The Explaining Atheism programme (2022-2024). This program conducts multidisciplinary research to better understand the causes and different meanings of atheism around the world. Queen’s University Belfast hosts the core research team led by Jonathan Lanman, Lois Lee and Aiyana Willard, and is funded by John Templeton Foundation. 

Published Nov. 9, 2022 1:26 PM - Last modified Nov. 9, 2022 1:27 PM