Language and the interpretation of mystical experience
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion January 1, 1972 Bruce Garside 32 citations
No Summary
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion
ISSN 0020-7047
3 papers in the library · 64 citations · publishing 1972-2024
Papers
Mystical experience as evidence
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion August 1, 1996 Evan Fales 28 citations
No Summary
Mystical ineffability: a nonconceptual theory
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion February 21, 2024 Sebastian Gäb 4 citations
Mystical experiences cannot be expressed in language because they cannot be conceptualized, a position known as the nonconceptual theory of mystical ineffability. Two common objections—that unconceptualized experiences are impossible and that the theory is ad hoc—are refuted. By distinguishing different meanings of 'object of experience,' the possibility of non-empty but objectless nonconceptual experiences is defended. The ad hoc objection is countered by a new theory: the dissolution of the subjectivity of consciousness during mystical experiences undermines the foundation of conceptual thought, rendering them ineffable.