Introduction: Mysticism, Constructivism, and Forgetting
The Problem of Pure Consciousness March 29, 1990 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780195059809.003.0001
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMysticism's origins, causes, and shape are debated: is mystical experience a reliable source of knowledge, universal across traditions, or does it vary by culture and era? Twelve authors challenge the recent "received view" called constructivism, which holds that mystical experience is significantly shaped by a subject's beliefs, concepts, and expectations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 57 |
| Key finding | The authors argue against constructivism, the view that mystical experience is significantly shaped by the subject's beliefs, concepts, and expectations. |
Abstract
Abstract From where-or Whom-does mysticism come? What causes it? What gives mysticism its peculiar but fascinating shape? Is mystical experience a source of reliable knowledge? Is mysticism the same around the world, or nearly so? Or does mysticism differ among various traditions, cultures, and ages? The twelve authors of this book are responding to the recent “received view” on such questions, which may collectively be called “constructivism,” the view that mystical experience is significantly shaped and formed by the subject’s beliefs, concepts, and expectations.