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EXPERIENCE AND CONCEPTUALIZATION IN MYSTICAL KNOWLEDGE

Richard H. Jones

Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science June 2, 1983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1983.tb00505.x (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Mystical experience
Key points Argues that contemporary philosophy of science and the comparative study of mysticism share instructive parallels and divergences, distinguishing "depth-mystical" from "nature-mystical" experiences, defending a role for both experience and doctrine in the development and justification of mystical knowledge, and discussing whether one mystical system can be established as superior to others.

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this article is to explore certain parallels and divergencies between contemporary philosophy of science and the comparative study of mysticism. Two types of mystical experiences, “depth‐mystical” and “nature‐mystical,” are first differentiated. Next, the role of both experience and doctrine in the development and justification of mystical knowledge is defended. Finally, the issue of whether one mystical system can be established as superior to others is discussed.