Psychedelic Philosophy

Summary

Psychedelic experiences can enhance philosophical thinking by incorporating them into philosophical methods. The chapter discusses how three types of wisdom—sophia, Socratic human wisdom, and Aristotle's practical wisdom—can be improved through practices that foster psychedelic experiences and mindfulness. It also reviews existing empirical evidence supporting these claims.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract This chapter argues for a novel approach to philosophy, one that incorporates psychedelic experiences into philosophical methodology. Whereas the previous chapters used the tools of philosophy to understand psychedelic experiences, this chapter flips things around and argues that we can use psychedelic experiences to enhance our philosophising. The chapter explains how three particular conceptions of wisdom -- sophia, Socrates' human wisdom, and Aristotle's practical wisdom -- can be enhanced by engaging with methods that cultivate psychedelic experiences (and enhancements of mindfulness). The chapter also reviews the existing empirical evidence in support of these claims.