Psychedelic Mystical Experiences Are Authentic

Summary

Psychedelically induced mystical experiences are argued to be authentic rather than counterfeit. While some critics claim these experiences are too easy, lack lasting effects, and do not involve divine grace, the paper counters that they share similar neural mechanisms and phenomenological characteristics with other mystical experiences. Ultimately, the positive arguments for their authenticity are deemed more convincing.

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Abstract

The paper critically discusses whether mystical experiences induced by psychedelics should be considered inauthentic or counterfeit forms of mystical experiences. It examines three arguments against the authenticity of these experiences: pimes are too easy; pimes do not have lasting spiritual or moral effects; pimes do not involve divine grace. Positive arguments for the authenticity of pimes discussed are as follows: pimes rely on similar neural mechanisms as other mystical experiences; pimes are phenomenologically similar to other mystical experiences. The paper argues that the positive arguments are more convincing than the negative ones. It thereby presents a case in favor of the authenticity of psychedelically induced mystical experiences.

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