March 2, 2021
Andrew C. Papanicolaou
In this chapter, the highlights of the history of the ritual use of psychedelic substances are reviewed and the most common ones are briefly sketched as a preparation for subsequent discussion of the neurochemical correlates of mystical states. Specifically, the use of psychedelics among the ancient Hindus, mentioned extensively in the Vedas; among the members of the Native American Church and...
Routledge eBooks
March 2, 2021
Andrew C. Papanicolaou
In this chapter, I provide clear descriptions of the mystical states and I differentiate them from similar ones with which they are often confused (e.g. with beatific “visions” or “psychic” or “near death” experiences). In it, I also clarify the use of the concept of “understanding” as it applies to the “ineffable” mystical experiences. Finally, I comment on the metaphysical preconceptions with...
Routledge eBooks
March 2, 2021
Andrew C. Papanicolaou
In this chapter, I classify the mystical experiences in two broad categories: spontaneous and intentionally sought. In the first belong those states that arise unexpectedly for largely unknown reasons. In the other belong those states that are sought deliberately by means of different behavioral and psychophysiological methods. The purpose of the distinction and comparison of the two types is...
Oxford Handbooks Online
April 7, 2015
Andrew C. Papanicolaou
Brain activity during rest, as measured and imaged mainly by fMRI, appears to be due to a number of simultaneously active neuronal networks. The network identified first is the default mode network, which has been used as a marker of conscious awareness in patients with compromised consciousness. In this chapter, the methods of deriving this and other resting networks are outlined, the...
Oxford Handbooks Online
July 1, 2014
Andrew C. Papanicolaou
This chapter addresses and reconciles often conflicting conclusions published in the professional functional neuroimaging literature regarding the neuronal networks that may mediate consciousness viewed as a function, as well as neuronal circuits that represent specific products of that function, such as concepts, percepts, and experiences that are also referred to as the “contents” or the...