Therapeutic benefit versus epistemic risk: Need for empirical research in psychedelic epistemology.
Lucas F Borkel, Jaime Rojas-Hernández, Domingo J Quintana-Hernández, Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
Journal of Psychiatric Research August 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.05.039 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Belief systems Mental health treatment Epistemology Consciousness alteration |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelics may alter beliefs by modifying individuals' epistemic criteria, posing an under-researched risk in psychedelic therapy. |
Abstract
This paper highlights the ethical and epistemic challenges posed by psychedelic therapy and vindicates the importance of epistemology in the clinical and psychotherapeutic setting. Despite their relative physiological and psychological safety, these substances can induce changes in the beliefs of those who use them, such as paranormal beliefs. To explain the changes in beliefs, we introduced the concept of epistemic criteria (i.e., the principles individuals use to validate and justify their beliefs) and hypothesized that psychedelics may alter beliefs by modifying epistemic criteria. Further research should be conducted to determine this potential and under-researched risk of psychedelic therapy.