From Altered States to Metaphysics: The Epistemic Status of Psychedelic-induced Metaphysical Beliefs
Review of Philosophy and Psychology October 10, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s13164-023-00709-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Metaphysics Epistemology Naturalism Consciousness Irrationality Value mathematics Philosophy of science |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic states can be rationally integrated into one's epistemic life, so updating metaphysical beliefs based on them need not be epistemically irrational. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic substances elicit powerful, uncanny conscious experiences that are thought to possess therapeutic value. In those who undergo them, these altered states of consciousness often induce shifts in metaphysical beliefs about the fundamental structure of reality. The contents of those beliefs range from contentious to bizarre, especially when considered from the point of view of naturalism. Can chemically induced, radically altered states of consciousness provide reasons for or play some positive epistemic role with respect to metaphysical beliefs? In this paper, I discuss a view that has been underexplored in recent literature. I argue that psychedelic states can be rationally integrated into one’s epistemic life. Consequently, updating one’s metaphysical beliefs based on altered states of consciousness does not have to constitute an instance of epistemic irrationality.
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Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Comforting delusions? How to evaluate the plausibility of mystical-type insights in psychedelic experiences Philosophical Psychology August 14, 2024
- Commentary: On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- On the social epistemology of psychedelic experience Philosophical Psychology June 27, 2024
- Therapeutic benefit versus epistemic risk: Need for empirical research in psychedelic epistemology. Journal of Psychiatric Research August 1, 2025
- Ontologically Challenging Psychedelic Experiences: Considerations for Managing Associated Distress. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 19
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- The paradoxical psychological effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Psychological Medicine February 5, 2016
- Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review Frontiers in Psychiatry July 12, 2022
- Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience Neuroscience of Consciousness 2017
and 14 more in the library