Research into delusions poses methodological challenges that stretch and push narrow disciplinary boundaries. Depending on their disciplinary focus, researchers have often focused on individual features of delusional phenomena (e.g., their epistemic features, underlying cognitive biases or their clinical correlates), failing to attend to their complexity.

In contrast, phenomenological psychopathologists have emphasised the role of subjectivity in delusion formation and maintenance. However, much phenomenological work continues to rely on dis-engaged research practices that eschew critical reflection on the cultural, linguistic, historical and political contexts within which delusional phenomena are constituted.

The aim of this workshop is to move beyond the traditional conceptualisation of delusion as ‘dysfunctional belief’ and open up a new trans- and inter-disciplinary space for methodological development and theoretical cross-pollination.