The Mystical Philosophy of Alan Watts
Peter J. Columbus
September 11, 2023 DOI: 10.4324/9781003385936-13 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Alan Watts's mystical philosophy, considered as perennial philosophy, contains gaps in reasoning, too many unexamined assumptions, and insufficient evidence for its wide-ranging conclusions. |
Abstract
This chapter is a five-part critical appraisal of Alan Watts’ work considered perennial philosophy. The inquiry begins with brief assessment of the Eastern and Western literatures influencing Watts’ thought vis-à-vis perennial philosophy and mystical experience. The remaining examination is focused on the logical cohesion and coherence of Watts’ understanding of mystical experience. The general finding is that the mystical philosophy of Alan Watts contains inexplicable gaps in reasoning, too many unexamined assumptions, and insufficient evidence for his wide-ranging conclusions. Originally published in 1975, this chapter is supplemented with a new prefatory note by Peter J. Columbus.