A Panpsychist Theory of Shamanism
Olof Ohlson
Suomen Antropologi: Journal of the Finnish Anthropological Society April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.30676/jfas.148437 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism Shamanism |
| Keywords | Consciousness Universalism Interpretation philosophy Magic telescope Epistemology Psychoanalysis Parapsychology Jungian analytical psychology |
| Key points | Proposes that a quadripartite panpsychist model combining mystical constructivism, role-taking theory, mental imagery cultivation, and panpsychism can recognize real elements in shamanic altered states while maintaining sensitivity to local differences. |
Abstract
This paper develops a quadripartite panpsychist theory of shamanism(s). This fourpart framework revives and combines four theories: (i) mystical constructivism, (ii) role-taking theory, and (iii) mental imagery cultivation as a cultural practice founded upon (iv) a panpsychist philosophy of ultimate reality. I argue that this quadripartite model allows for the recognition of something ‘real’ in shamanic altered states of mind whilst maintaining epistemological sensitivity to local differences. Spirit is just another word for mind, and shamanism is an exploration of consciousness by means of consciousness. Keywords: shamanism, panpsychism, altered states of consciousness, role-taking theory, universalism vs. particularism
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |