Narrative Hermeneutics and Bioethics: Understanding the Psychedelic Value Changes

Psychedelic experiences are attracting growing attention from bioethicists, with recent scholarship indicating that these experiences raise distinct ethical questions about autonomy, authenticity, and the nature of the self. The text argues that the altered states induced by psychedelics challenge conventional bioethical frameworks, particularly regarding informed consent and the moral significance of transformative experiences. It suggests that bioethicists must reconsider how to evaluate the risks and benefits of psychedelic therapies, especially when the experiences themselves can fundamentally change a person's values and beliefs. The authors call for a more nuanced ethical analysis that accounts for the unique features of psychedelic experiences.

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Abstract

The use of psychedelics has recently gained increased interest among bioethicists, as the articles published in this journal attest. Some of the recent scholarship suggests that psychedelic experie...