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Comforting delusions? How to evaluate the plausibility of mystical-type insights in psychedelic experiences

Jussi Jylkkä

Philosophical Psychology August 14, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/09515089.2024.2391433 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Mysticism Mystical experience
Keywords Agnosticism Metaphysics Epistemology Naturalism Paranormal Consciousness Theology
Citations 8
Key points Argues that metaphysical agnosticism prevents labeling psychedelic-facilitated mystical beliefs as delusional solely for contradicting naturalism, but paranormal beliefs remain problematic.

Abstract

Psychedelics can facilitate mystical-type insights and beliefs, such as the belief that the fundamental nature of reality is loving consciousness. These belief changes could underlie the positive effects of psychedelics on wellbeing. However, mystical-type beliefs have been criticized of being delusional, as they contradict naturalism. Here I argue that naturalism is one metaphysical position among several competing ones. There is no definite way of choosing one metaphysical theory over others, as there are several metaphysical positions that are internally consistent and compatible with scientific knowledge. This calls for metaphysical agnosticism, which entails that psychedelic-facilitated metaphysical beliefs cannot be considered as delusional simply if they contradict naturalism. However, the challenge is to distinguish between beliefs that are strictly metaphysical and other mystical-type beliefs, which can include, for example, paranormal beliefs. Metaphysical agnosticism does not apply to the latter and they can be considered as problematic. I apply metaphysical agnosticism to evaluate mystical-type belief changes associated with the use of psychedelics, as indicated by empirical research. I consider the possibility that mystical-type beliefs are ineffable and non-conceptual, which entails that we should not take conceptualizations of them too seriously. I conclude by discussing the implications of metaphysical agnosticism for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Comparable studies

Other theoretical and historical papers on mysticism, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The mystical mind: probing the biology of religious experience 2000 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis 1983 Theoretical or philosophical paper
The Problem of Pure Consciousness: Mysticism and Philosophy 1993 Edited collection of essays
Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century 2020 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Mysticism and schizophrenia: A phenomenological exploration of the structure of consciousness in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. 2016 Theoretical or philosophical paper

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Mysticism Mystical experience Psychedelic-assisted therapy