Foundational research is cyclic in nature, as is evident in the structure of the handbook Spiritualiteit : on the basis of a broad spectrum of forms of spirituality (part 1) the material and formal objects of the field of spirituality are defined (part 2) and studied with the aid of different methods (description, hermeneutics, systematic research and mystagogics) (part 3). The findings in their turn deepen insight into the language of lived spirituality (part 1) that nourishes the fundamental reflection (part 2) and directs methodological research (part 3).
In the next research period the research paradigm will be explored in two ways:
- Via introductions, congresses and translations of the handbook Spiritualiteit (English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian) the paradigm will be presented and debated in the scientific forum.
- Elements of the research paradigm (more especially the basic form of lay spirituality; the dynamics of divine-human encounter; the layered nature of the transformation process; mystical conceptualisation; and the role of mystagogics).
Foundational research is basic to researchers' regular staff discussions of the research paradigm, so research practices are continually gauged in light of the paradigm.
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Projects
Principles of the science of spirituality
Conductor: Kees Waaijman
Foundational research concentrates on the following problem areas: exploration of 'lay spirituality' and devotion, and the methodological questions raised by secular forms of spirituality; the relations between interiorisation and mystagogics in the spiritual transformation process; and the dialogical element in spiritual hermeneutics.
Pilgrimages in the Netherlands
Conductor: Charles Caspers
Fundamental reflection on the category 'devotion', based on the paradigm of Dutch pilgrimage culture, past and present, as well as the data in Bedevaartplaatsen in Nederland (Pilgrimage places in the Netherlands) . Part of the study is conducted in collaboration with Dr P.J. Margry (Meertens Institute, Amsterdam). |
