Functions

Functions

• Identify the neurocognitive capabilities that the humanities are capable of developing, such as better understanding of oneself and of others, enhanced moral judgment, and fuller understanding of the complex causes and consequences of current and historical conditions and events
• Understand the processes through which these neurocognitive capabilities are developed, such as practicing perspective-taking and developing more comprehensive cognitive schemas of human nature, human events, and the human condition
• Train humanities scholars in empirical methods of investigating these capabilities and their development, such as forming hypotheses based on existing research and designing and analyzing cognitive and neurocognitive studies of humanities-produced neurocognitive development
• Formulate the most effective practices for fostering these neurocognitive developments through education and outreach programs—practices such as text selection, protocols of reading, research tasks, writing activities, discussion topics and formats, and exam form and content
• Train teachers and other professionals in these practices
• Produce empirical evidence of these neurocognitive developments and their personal and social benefits
• Publicize this evidence so that it can inform further research, public opinion, and policy making