A transpersonal contribution to the philosophical debate concerning causality

A review of rationalist and empiricist approaches to the problem of causality in metaphysics finds both lacking from a transpersonal perspective. The authors apply Charles Tart's concept of a 'state specific science' to advaita vedanta, a school of Hindu psychology. They argue that advaita vedanta qualifies as a state specific science because its practitioners apply scientific methods from within various grades of samadhi to enhance understanding of reality, consciousness, and self. The paper attempts to show that such a state specific science can provide experiential insights into the ontology of causation that are unavailable through a priori reasoning or normal consciousness sciences.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In metaphysics there exist long-standing, unresolved problems regarding causation. Indeed, rationalist and empiricist philosophers remain engaged in an intricate debate concerning the ontology of causal relations. We review rationalist and empiricist approaches to the problem of causality and formulate transpersonally orientated criticisms of each. Subsequently, we apply Tart’s notion of a ‘state specific science’ (SSS) to a school of Hindu psychology referred to as advaita vedanta. We argue that advaita vedanta may be conceptualised as a SSS on the grounds that its practitioners apply the methods of essential science from within various grades of samadhi for the purpose of enhancing understanding regarding the nature of reality, consciousness, self, etc. Finally, we attempt to demonstrate that an advaita vedantic SSS has the potential to provide valuable experiential insights regarding the ontology of causation that are unavailable a priori or using ‘normal consciousness sciences ’.