On Constructivism in Philosophy of Mysticism
The Journal of Religion January 1, 2020 R. Jones 14 citations
In the philosophy of mysticism, constructivism has become the dominant view, arguing that mystical experiences are shaped by the cultural and linguistic context of the experiencer, making unmediated experiences impossible. This paradigm has largely overtaken the earlier perennial philosophy, which held that all mystical experiences share a common core. Scholars such as Jess BryonHollenback, Francis X. Clooney, and Torben Hammersholt note that constructivism now represents the mainstream consensus, with Steven Katz's 1978 article on the topic considered a classic. The constructivist position undercuts claims that mystical experiences provide direct, veridical knowledge, and aligns with postmodern concerns for diversity and the rejection of unmediated experience.