Prolegomena to a Phenomenology of Psychedelic Experiences
Danny Forde
New Directions in Philosophy and Cognitive Science 2025 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-95203-6_1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Phenomenology philosophy Psychoanalysis Epistemology |
| Key points | Proposes that realist phenomenology offers a novel framework for analyzing psychedelic experiences by focusing on modified structures of consciousness and their metaphysical implications. |
Abstract
AbstractThis chapter lays the philosophical groundwork for a realist phenomenological analysis of the psychedelic experience. As the academic study of psychedelic consciousness emerges, this work contributes a novel approach by employing realist phenomenology—a tradition yet to be systematically applied to psychedelic states. Rather than pursuing metaphysical speculation directly, the focus here is on the structures of consciousness as they are modified under the influence of psychedelics. These structural shifts, however, inevitably gesture toward deeper metaphysical implications, which are acknowledged without being reduced to speculative abstraction.
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Citations in the library
Cites 28
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
and 23 more in the library