The study of mystical experiences and Latour’s ontological turn: toward a participatory approach

A participatory approach to mystical experiences, drawing on Bruno Latour's concepts of actor-networks and modes of existence, interprets them as events involving multiple agents rather than as private inner states of an isolated subject. This approach avoids assuming either the presence or absence of a real referent for such experiences while still engaging the ontological question. The article reviews perennialist and constructivist approaches to mystical experiences, outlines their philosophical problems, and explains Latour's modes of existence—particularly beings of transformation and beings of religion—to show how a participatory framework can shift academic study.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article argues that Latour’s concepts of actor-networks and modes of existence make room for a different participatory approach to mystical experiences (MEs), as well as religious experience more broadly, that interprets them as participatory events rather than as the inner experiences of an isolated subject. This alternative Latourian approach to MEs neither assumes the a priori presence or absence of an ontological referent to those experiences, nor does it defer the ontological question. Section one gives a historical overview of the academic study of MEs, introducing the approaches of perennialism and constructivism. Section two lays out the various philosophical problems with both these approaches. Section three describes Latour’s notions of actor-networks and modes of existence. Two of his modes of existence, beings of transformation and beings of religion, will be further elucidated. The discussion will consider in which ways a participatory approach can make a difference in the academic study of MEs.