Embracing metaphysics in transpersonal psychology: A response to Steve Taylor

Abstract

Steve Taylor’s Review of the new edition of my book Shadow, Self, Spirit (2021) focuses on a critique of what he sees as my ‘sceptical’ stance on metaphysics and my rejection of his own ‘soft perennialism’. I respond to Taylor’s criticisms by noting: (1) that my own perspective rejects materialism and acknowledges the need for metaphysical concepts in transpersonal psychology; and (2) that, in researching transpersonal phenomena, researchers should aim to bracket metaphysical assumptions and should prefer non-metaphysical explanations where these are sufficient. I expand upon and clarify my criticisms of soft perennialism and argue that Jorge Ferrer’s participatory theory offers a more productive approach to understanding metaphysics, the varieties of spiritual experience, and religious pluralism.