XTA Intro and Keynotes by Gordon Graham and Anjan Chatterjee

WELCOME & INTRO TO XTA SYMPOSIUM by Dr. Matthew Niermann Keynote Lecture 1: GORDON GRAHAM. Art and Understanding, This talk explores aesthetic cognitivism—the view that some artworks possess cognitive value by enriching our understanding. While art can entertain and delight, what sets “serious” works apart is their capacity to reveal truths about humanity, society, or the divine. Great art, the speaker argues, belongs in the company of philosophy and science because it can offer more than beauty—it can deepen insight. The talk addresses a key challenge: how can fictional or abstract art convey knowledge? By shifting focus from knowledge to understanding and explanation, the presentation highlights how sacred and secular art alike can meaningfully expand human comprehension. Keynote Lecture 2: ANJAN CHATTERJEE. Experiments are hard, especially where there be dragons. Designing rigorous experiments in experimental theological aesthetics is uniquely challenging, especially when exploring unfamiliar territory. Success begins with identifying questions that are both spiritually meaningful and scientifically testable—an effort that demands true interdisciplinarity and shared language. Hypotheses must be clearly distinguished from predictions, and methodologies adapted from neuroscience or psychology often require refinement. Failed results may signal either a flawed design or incorrect assumptions. The key is avoiding reductive claims while seeking precision and granularity. Cultural and contextual sensitivity, along with a balance between lab control and real-world richness, is vital. Progress is incremental, iterative, and always open to revision. Interdisciplinary Responses (Moderator: Julio Bermudez) Roberto Chiotti, Brian Ballard, and Mark McInroy This session features official responses to the keynote lectures. Based on the abstracts received in advance or the presentations, each panelist provides a five-minute response that sets the tone for the entire group discussion. Their role is to add value to the exchange through clarifying comments, asking questions, and offering disciplinary insights