What Can Critical Humanities Contribute to Psychedelic Research? A Naturalist Approach to Interdisciplinary Integration

Summary

The paper discusses how interdisciplinary collaboration between science and the humanities can enhance understanding and research in psychedelic-assisted therapy. It highlights the importance of integrating various perspectives to address biases that affect both research and public perception of psychedelics. The paper warns against oversimplified views that suggest psychedelics directly cause insights and emphasizes the role of critical humanities in improving therapeutic practices and study designs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper explores the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration between science and the humanities, with a focus on recent advancements in psychedelic-assisted therapy. It provides an overview of key concepts in this emerging field and identifies research gaps that offer opportunities for interdisciplinary integration. Adopting a non-reductionist naturalist framework, the paper views psychological phenomena as emergent properties of underlying neuronal biochemical processes. The term “critical humanities” refers to integrating diverse perspectives— such as aesthetic, psychological, philosophical, spiritual, and recreational—with scientific inquiry. Within this framework, the paper argues that critical humanities can address metaphysical biases in language that hinder psychedelic research and public understanding. For instance, it can clarify antiquated dualisms, correct misconceptions about the nature of psychedelic experiences, and prevent premature psychological predictions lacking solid evidence. More precisely, the paper cautions against the notion that psychedelic experiences “cause” insights. Additionally, critical humanities can enhance therapeutic settings, such as the role of music in therapy sessions, and assist in designing comparative studies. Ultimately, it aims to foster a more coherent understanding regarding psychedelic experiences. Keywords: psychedelic-assisted therapy, altered states of consciousness, mystic experiences, humanities of psychedelics, philosophy, neuroplasticity, non-reductionist naturalism

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