Transpersonal phenomenology: The cosmological and spiritual dimensions of the Husserlian epoché
Charles D. Laughlin, Adam J. Rock
Transpersonal Psychology Review 2021 DOI: 10.53841/bpstran.2021.23.2.41 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Argues that Husserlian phenomenological methods, including reduction and epoché, are relevant and applicable to transpersonal studies, offering examples from the Taylor-Hartelius debate and the study of absorption states. |
Abstract
Although phenomenologist Edmund Husserl’s project was not directed at transpersonal experiences, his methods are nevertheless applicable in a profound and effective way. We explore Husserl’s project and its methods for their relevance to transpersonal studies. Husserl laid out the proposition that science, including psychology, must be grounded in the study of perception, which after all is the source of all data of interest to the sciences. He held that until the essential structures of experience are laid bare, scientists have no idea of which elements of experience come from the environing world (Umwelt) and which are projected by the cognizing mind upon the world. His methods of reduction and epoché are explored and rudimentary steps toward realizing the ‘phenomenological attitude’ are defined. Once we are clear about how Husserlian phenomenology is actually accomplished, we turn to its relevance to transpersonal studies, offering examples first by applying them to the Taylor-Hartelius debate in transpersonal psychology, and then to the issue of absorption states in transpersonal anthropology and the study of the roots of religion cross-culturally.
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| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 26
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- Functional neuroanatomy of altered states of consciousness: The transient hypofrontality hypothesis Consciousness and Cognition May 19, 2003
- The mystical mind: probing the biology of religious experience Choice Reviews Online June 1, 2000
- Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence. American Psychological Association eBooks 2000
and 21 more in the library