The Tawatur in Mystical Experiences; Formulation and Challenges
Ahmad Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad Mahdi Gorjian
حکمت صدرایی September 13, 2024 DOI: 10.30473/pms.2024.69340.2046 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Philosophy of mysticism Testimony Constructivism |
| Key points | Argues that if a claim of tawatur in a mystical experience successfully passes through six specified logical stages, it can be considered valid for non-mystics. |
Abstract
One proposed solution to address the validity of mystical experiences for non-mystics is to emphasize their frequency (tawatur). This approach suggests that certain mystical claims can be considered valid due to multiple reports from different mystics. This solution, which has been considered in Mulla Sadra's philosophy after Suhrawardi, can be seen as one of the best approaches in addressing the mentioned issue. However, even in recent research in the field of philosophy of mysticism and religion, the details of this solution have not been fully investigated. This article aims to logically formulate and elaborate on this solution using an analytical-descriptive approach, discussing key components, assumptions, and challenges. The necessary steps to achieve this goal can be outlined in six stages: first, examining the inherent validity of mystical experiences for the mystic themselves; second, establishing the possibility of sharing in mystical experiences; third, proving the occurrence of this sharing through the existence of an effective cause and the absence of obstacles; fourth, demonstrating the frequency (tawatur) of mystical experiences with necessary and sufficient conditions; fifth, discussing the authenticity and validity of tawatur; and finally, demonstrating the effectiveness of authentic tawatur in solving the problem of generalizing mystical experiences. In conclusion, if the claim of tawatur in a mystical experience successfully passes through these stages, it can be considered valid for non-mystics as well.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis | 1983 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Psychedelic Mystical Experience in the Human Encounter with Death | 1969 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Vectorial Cerebral Hemisphericity as Differential Sources for the Sensed Presence, Mystical Experiences and Religious Conversions | 1993 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The epistemic innocence of psychedelic states. | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mystical Experience and Religious Doctrine | 1982 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |