Philosophy and Psychedelics

Psychedelic experience opens up new perspectives on fundamental philosophical questions about human experience, ethics, and the metaphysics of mind. This volume argues that the place of psychedelics in society should not be left to medical sciences alone, as psychedelics reveal insights about consciousness, mysticism, dyadic thankfulness, and ways to gain new knowledge. The essays cover Western and non-Western traditions, from analytic philosophy to cross-cultural perspectives, mapping philosophical responses to the surge in cognitive science studies of psychedelic drugs.

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Abstract

What do psychedelics reveal about consciousness? What impact have psychedelics had on philosophy? In this rapidly growing area of study, this is the first volume to explore the philosophy of psychedelic experience, from a range of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives. In doing so, Philosophy and Psychedelics reveals just why the place of psychedelics in our societies should not be left to medical sciences alone, as psychedelic experience opens up new perspectives on fundamental philosophical questions relating to human experience, ethics, and the metaphysics of mind. Mapping a range of philosophical responses to the surge in studies into psychedelic drugs in the cognitive sciences, this go-to volume examines topics including psychedelics and the role of governance; psychedelics and mysticism; what psychedelics can tell us about dyadic thankfulness; and psychedelics as ways to gain new knowledge. Written by leading international scholars, the essays cover Western and non-Western traditions, from analytic philosophy to