Inquiry into phenomenology of mystical experiences

Summary

The paper argues that mystical experiences can be understood as perceptual in nature, aligning with Alston's historical perspective. It discusses the contributions of figures like Origen, Karl Rahner, and Hans Urs von Balthasar within the Christian mystical tradition. The exploration includes the qualities of these experiences and the influence of emotions on mystical cognition. It concludes that these experiences share essential features with sensory perception, despite challenges in their inter-subjective confirmation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenology of mystical experiences and its philosophical implications. The focus will be on defending Alston’s view that there are perceptual kinds of mystical experiences, a view that has been historically prominent. In Christian mystical tradition the most influential discussions on spiritual senses were led by Origen and respected theologians like Karl Rahner and Hans Urs von Balthasar. The question of phenomenal qualities of such experiences will be discussed, as well as the role of emotions in mystical cognition. In addressing the problem of inter-subjective confirmation and articulation of such largely ineffable experiences, it will be argued that analytical methods are limited, but this is not philosophically problematic. The conclusion affirms the thesis that mystical experiences of the holy and infinite resemble sensory perception in its essential features.

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