The paper argues that transpersonal psychology can and should develop as a science. It counters objections from romanticism, scientism, and constructionism, and distinguishes transpersonal psychology as a science from the broader field of transpersonal studies, which may use nonscientific methods. The author delineates transpersonal phenomena (suitable for scientific study) from transcendent noumena (outside science's purview). Embracing a scientific approach is presented as beneficial compared to epistemological alternatives, potentially providing a unifying paradigm for psychology and helping solve critical world problems. The presentation challenges readers to examine science's role in transpersonal psychology.
Medication trials at major U.S. research universities are legally exploring psychedelics' potential for treating physical and psychological problems. Although approved under a medical model viewing psychedelics' effects as primarily biochemical, some studies also address humanistic and transpersonal implications. These studies may challenge a medical model of psychopathology that reduces humans to biology and leads to treatments that constrict, rather than enhance, human potential. Psychedelics offer potential as tools for researching elusive areas within humanistic and transpersonal psychology and for facilitating humanistic and transpersonal growth.