Nested hermeneutics: Mind at Large as a curated trope of psychedelic experience
A. M. Webb
Interdisciplinary Science Reviews November 27, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/03080188.2023.2249208 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Hermeneutics Reinterpretation Phrase Trope literature Epistemology Value mathematics Perception Aesthetics Linguistics |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that Huxley's presentation of 'Mind at Large' misrepresents its philosophical backing and warrants re-evaluation. |
Abstract
Aldous Huxley's workThe Doors of Perception introduced the phrase 'Mind at Large' to the lexicon of psychedelic experience in 1954.I argue that its original presentation requires re-evaluation.I present evidence that Huxley manipulates the construction of the discourse he uses to present this phrase as a philosophically legitimate term.His choice of a pivotal quotation implies support from the conclusions of philosophers C. D. Broad and Henri Bergson.A hermeneutic analysis of this discourse highlights problems with this implication and shows that a reinterpretation of Huxley's methods and intentions is warranted.An increase in references to Mind at Large and related terms in studies of the effects of psychedelics motivates this re-evaluation of its implied philosophical value.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future. Neuropsychopharmacology April 26, 2017
- The Standardized Psychometric Assessment of Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs) in Humans Pharmacopsychiatry July 1, 1998
- Unifying Theories of Psychedelic Drug Effects Frontiers in Pharmacology March 2, 2018
- On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research Frontiers in Psychology March 31, 2023
- The hyperassociative mind: The psychedelic experience and Merleau-Ponty’s “wild being” Journal of Psychedelic Studies July 20, 2017
and 2 more in the library