ABSTRACT This article investigates the neurophysiological basis of autonomously induced mystical states of consciousness (MSCs), with a focus on speculative mysticism, a tradition that centers on intellectual contemplation rather than emotional or sensuous experience. Drawing from historical sources, the paper explores the role of paradox and contradiction in mystical thought. It argues that...
Философия и культураNovember 1, 2025Elena Vladimirovna Ishkova, Anna Viktorovna Chernova
This article focuses on the phenomenon of the visionary origins of art as a key factor in the development of creativity among indigenous peoples. The subject of the study is theoretical and empirical data drawn from international anthropological and ethnographic sources documenting the visionary origins of the art of indigenous peoples around the world. The object of the study is the indigenous...
Hypnosis, traditionally studied as a psychological phenomenon, is increasingly explored through electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor alterations in brain activity associated with the hypnotic state. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of EEG-based hypnosis research, mapping key trends, contributors, and emerging themes. A Scopus-based bibliometric analysis was conducted on January...
Dissociation is a psychological response to stress that impairs mental integration, identity, and consciousness and manifests itself in the form of detachment and compartmentalization. Such symptoms are common in psychiatric disorders and reflect altered brain connectivity. In this study, EEG connectivity at rest, before and after activation of the attachment system, was analysed in relation to...
Transpersonal psychology is a holistic approach to including and transcending ego-bound identifications, understanding the full extent of enlightened human development, reverential study of world-wisdom traditions, and scientific investigation of the spectral nuances of human consciousness. This chapter provides a concise review of the historical—theoretical foundations and criticisms of...
Psychedelics, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and dimethyltryptamine, and entactogens such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are being investigated for treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders. These compounds act primarily through serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonism (psychedelics) or monoamine release (MDMA),...
This essay presents an overview and analysis of Sam Woolfe's Altered Perspectives: Critical Essays on Psychedelic Consciousness. My critical remarks focus on the naturalistic "explaining away" of stranger psychedelic experiences, such as entity encounters. I conclude that Altered Perspectives is a must-have for anyone interested in the philosophy of altered states of consciousness.
The current research design is rooted in an qualitative framework, aimed to understand how individuals make sense of anonymous or extraordinary experiences that surpass orthodox psychological explanations. The semi structured interviews were conducted with 11 adult participants, six male, and five females, aged ranges 18-50 years. These participants were selected through the purposive sampling...
Stroboscopic flashing light with white noise can induce a mild altered state of consciousness (ASC), with some effects similar to sensory deprivation and moderate doses of psychedelic substances. However, effective clinical utilisation of this white noise flicker light (WNFL) requires understanding the underlying mechanisms. Here, neural correlates and predictors of WNFL experience are explored...
Abstract This chapter argues that the epistemically transformative nature of the psychedelic experience itself (i.e., gaining fundamental knowledge through experiential novelty regarding states of consciousness), rather than its specific subjective effects, may be the primary driver of its personal and therapeutic effects. Drawing on historical and cross-cultural examples of psychedelic use in...