Psilocybin: The most effective moral bio‐enhancer?
Vojin Rakić
Bioethics June 28, 2023 DOI: 10.1111/bioe.13196 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Psilocybin Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Happiness Hallucinogen Psychotherapist Pharmacology |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key points | Argues that psilocybin has direct effects on moral bio-enhancement and happiness, unlike non-psychedelic substances, and that combining it with meditation may enhance these effects. |
Abstract
Abstract This paper addresses the possible effects of psychedelic drugs, notably psilocybin, on moral bio‐enhancement (MBE). It will be argued that non‐psychedelic substances, such as oxytocin, serotonin/serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or vasopressin, have indirect effects on M(B)E, whereas psilocybin has direct effects. Additionally, morality and happiness have been shown to operate in a circularly supportive relationship. It will be argued that psilocybin also has more direct effects on the augmentation of human happiness than non‐psychedelic substances. Hence, psilocybin multiplies its effects on morality and on moral enhancement (as well as on happiness) if compared with non‐psychedelic substances. Still, caution is advised if psilocybin is being used, and the correct dosage should be prescribed by an appropriate physician. Furthermore, the use of psilocybin has additional effects on moral enhancement and happiness if combined with meditation, preferably under the guidance of an experienced meditation specialist.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin and meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin-Assisted Compassion Focused Therapy for Depression | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Preparing the body for psilocybin therapy: receptive and generative interoception in cancer patients | 2026 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- A Transformative Trip? Experiences of Psychedelic Use Neuroethics June 20, 2024
- Psychedelics for Moral Bioenhancement in Healthy Individuals—A Violation of the Non-Maleficence Principle? Psychoactives February 6, 2025
- Psychedelics as moral bioenhancers: Protocol for a scoping review of ethical arguments for and against. Wellcome Open Research January 13, 2025
- Love (Drugs), Happiness, and Morality. Bioethics February 1, 2026
- Exploring psilocybin's role in mental health and palliative medicine: a path to improved well-being. Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs June 1, 2025
Cites 7
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness Journal of Psychopharmacology September 28, 2011
- Acute, subacute and long-term subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of experimental studies Journal of Psychopharmacology September 20, 2010
- Psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experience in combination with meditation and other spiritual practices produces enduring positive changes in psychological functioning and in trait measures of prosocial attitudes and behaviors Journal of Psychopharmacology October 11, 2017
- Acute psychological and physiological effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose?effect study Psychopharmacology March 1, 2004
and 2 more in the library