AN INTRODUCTION TO PANSPIRITISM: AN ALTERNATIVE TO MATERIALISM AND PANPSYCHISM

Panspiritism is a philosophical approach proposing that mind or spirit is fundamental in reality, not a byproduct of matter. The article outlines its core principles, tracing connections to Eastern thought and distinguishing it from panpsychism, idealism, and theism. It examines the mind-matter and mind-brain relationships and the emergence of mind from a panspiritist viewpoint, and discusses how mystical experiences relate to this framework. The author suggests that panspiritism can clarify phenomena that seem anomalous or problematic under materialism.

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Abstract

This article is an introduction to a philosophical approach termed “panspiritism.” The fundamental principles of this approach are summarized, with discussion of how it links to earlier (mainly Eastern) philosophical perspectives, how it differs from panpsychism and its relationship to idealism and theism. Issues such as the relationship between mind and matter, the relationship between the mind and the brain, and the emergence of mind are discussed from a “panspiritist” perspective. There is a discussion of how panspiritism relates to mystical experiences. The article concludes by suggesting that this approach can help to elucidate a wide range of phenomena that appear anomalous or problematic from a materialist point of view.