Psychedelics and environmental virtues
Philosophical Psychology March 29, 2022 Nin Kirkham, Chris Letheby 15 citations
Classic psychedelic drugs, when administered safely in controlled settings, can induce vivid experiences of unity and connectedness that durably increase feelings of nature-relatedness and pro-environmental behaviors. This makes them a promising form of moral bio-enhancement for cultivating environmental virtues, particularly the master virtue of living in place, which encompasses respect for nature, proper humility, and aesthetic wonder and awe. The proposal offers a practical approach to changing individual behavior to address environmental challenges, which are often framed as collective action problems but also require individual change.