Psychedelic visuals in context
Philosophical Perspectives on Psychedelic Psychiatry September 13, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780192898371.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic visual effects are caused by hypersensitivity to contextual cues at multiple levels of visual perception. |
Abstract
Abstract The visual effects of psychedelic drugs are well known but not well understood. This chapter aims to situate psychedelic visual phenomenology within the context of what we know about everyday visual perception. Three types of open-eye visuals—common alterations to external visual appearances under psychedelic drugs—are described, and it is argued that they are caused by hypersensitivity to contextual cues. Evidence and analysis is provided to support the notion that psychedelics selectively impact contextual modulation processes at multiple levels of visual perception. This idea is then applied to explain how visual effects might link to therapeutic benefits. Finally, the practical implications of these ideas for psychedelic therapy, cognitive neuroscience, and philosophy is explored.