Mythology, Weltanschauung, symbolic universe and states of consciousness
Gert Malan
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies February 4, 2016 DOI: 10.4102/hts.v72i1.3243 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that different religious or mythological worldviews can be described as alternative and altered states of consciousness, with mythology functioning as both Weltanschauung and symbolic universe across all levels of consciousness. Contends that globalised modern societies generate alternate modernities, producing a symbolic multiverse and a social multiverse in which individuals live. |
Abstract
This article investigates whether different religious (mythological) worldviews can be described as alternative and altered states of consciousness (ASCs). Differences between conscious and unconscious motivations for behaviour are discussed before looking at ASCs, Weltanschauung and symbolic universes. Mythology can be described both as Weltanschauung and symbolic universe, functioning on all levels of consciousness. Different Weltanschauungen constitute alternative states of consciousness. Compared to secular worldviews, religious worldviews may be described as ASCs. Thanks to our globalised modern societies, the issue is even more complex, as alternate modernities lead to a symbolic multiverse, with individuals living in a social multiverse.Keyowrds: mythology; Weltanschauung; worldview; symbolic universe; states of consciousness; altered states of consciousness; alternative states of consciousness; symbolic multiverse; social multiverse
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Breakdown of Cortical Effective Connectivity During Sleep Science September 29, 2005
- Intrinsic Brain Activity in Altered States of Consciousness Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences May 1, 2008
- The experience of altered states of consciousness in shamanic ritual: the role of pre-existing beliefs and affective factors. Consciousness and Cognition December 1, 2010
- Paul’s ecstatic trance experience near Damascus in Acts of the Apostles HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies November 3, 2002
- William James on a phenomenological psychology of immediate experience: the true foundation for a science of consciousness? History of the Human Sciences 2010
and 2 more in the library