A colloquium at the intersection of law, society, and cognition: integrating sociological and philosophical paradigms with the cognitive sciences

The interdisciplinary crossings between legal sociology, philosophy/legal realism, and cognitive science is a crossroads that holds great potential for advancing our understanding of the legal system and its interactions with society and the individual.
One key area of inquiry is the study of legal reasoning and decision-making. Research in cognitive science has revealed that human reasoning and decision-making are influenced by a variety of factors, including emotions, biases, and heuristics. These factors can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making, which can have significant consequences in legal contexts.
Legal realism, with its emphasis on the study of the actual functioning of the legal system, can provide a framework for understanding these biases and heuristics and for developing methods to mitigate their effects.
Sociological research on the law has also highlighted the ways in which legal systems are shaped by social and cultural factors. Research has shown that legal systems are often influenced by the dominant culture and values of a society and that legal outcomes can vary significantly depending on the race, gender, and socioeconomic status of the individuals involved. This research can inform the development of legal and social policies that are designed to be more inclusive and equitable.
Moreover, the field of sociology can provide a framework for understanding the ways in which legal norms are created and enforced in society. Research in sociology has shown that legal norms are not simply imposed from above, but are rather shaped by the interactions between individuals and groups. This research can inform the development of legal and social policies that are designed to be more responsive to the needs and concerns of the individuals and groups affected by them.

The workshop conveners invite papers that explore the intersections and relationships between these areas of study.

Potential topics for papers include, but are not limited to:

• The cognitive biases and heuristics that influence legal decision-making
• The ways in which social and cultural factors shape legal systems
• The impact of legal and social policies on human cognition and behavior
• The impact of neuroscience in the context of criminal and civil justice
• The relationship between the social sciences and the cognitive sciences in the context of civil rights and social justice

We welcome submissions from researchers in law, philosophy of law, sociology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and related fields.
The structure of the workshop will be organized around 4 main streams:

1. Law, society and cognition
2. Legal realism and cognition
3. Legal philosophy, language and cognition
4. Law, neuroscience and cognition