Psychedelic Mystical Experiences Are Authentic
Religions October 11, 2025 Hans van Eyghen
A philosophical paper argues that mystical experiences brought on by psychedelics should be considered authentic, not counterfeit. It examines three counterarguments: such experiences are too easily achieved, lack lasting spiritual or moral effects, and do not involve divine grace. Positive arguments for authenticity include that these experiences rely on similar neural mechanisms and are phenomenologically alike to other mystical experiences. The paper concludes that the positive arguments are more convincing, making a case for the genuineness of psychedelically induced mystical experiences.