“To learn healing knowledge”: Philosophy, psychedelic studies and transformation
South African Journal of Philosophy October 2, 2018 D. Pittaway 4 citations
Philosophical learning can be understood as learning healing knowledge, a concept linked to southern African diviners' use of psychoactive plants. Contemporary studies affirm benefits of psychedelics in orchestrated guided experiences, whose aims align with the nature of philosophical learning. Philosophy as a learning practice has historical precedent in the Eleusinian Mysteries and ties to indigenous cultural practices that venerate psychoactive substances as agents of learning, healing, and transformation. Mainstream philosophy may learn from southern African indigenous practices. Psychedelics have potential to foster transformative philosophical learning that enables positive social change, making the topic worthy of philosophical reflection.