XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology (July 15-21, 2018)

This panel aims to define the various ways in which a particular epoch called forth distinct forms of reflection upon the nature of the supernatural realm by cohesive groups of intellectuals. This "Axial Age" saw the birth of salvation religions in ancient India (Hinduism and Buddhism) and ancient Israel (Judaism), and distinct philosophical schools in ancient Greece and China (Confucianism). This panel investigates the role played by the “world reigions” at the origin of this epoch and in subsequent centuries. The panel queries whether later transformations - for example, the development of Islamicate civilization on the one hand and Early Modern transformations (e.g. Natural law) in the West on the other hand -- can be best conceptualized as clear legacies of Axial Age developments.