Nested hermeneutics: Mind at Large as a curated trope of psychedelic experience

The phrase 'Mind at Large', introduced by Aldous Huxley in 1954 in *The Doors of Perception*, is often taken as a philosophically legitimate term. However, a hermeneutic analysis shows that Huxley manipulated his discourse to imply support from philosophers C. D. Broad and Henri Bergson, when such support is not warranted. A reinterpretation of Huxley's methods and intentions is needed, especially given the increasing use of this term in contemporary psychedelic research, which motivates reassessing its philosophical value.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Aldous Huxley's workThe Doors of Perception introduced the phrase 'Mind at Large' to the lexicon of psychedelic experience in 1954.I argue that its original presentation requires re-evaluation.I present evidence that Huxley manipulates the construction of the discourse he uses to present this phrase as a philosophically legitimate term.His choice of a pivotal quotation implies support from the conclusions of philosophers C. D. Broad and Henri Bergson.A hermeneutic analysis of this discourse highlights problems with this implication and shows that a reinterpretation of Huxley's methods and intentions is warranted.An increase in references to Mind at Large and related terms in studies of the effects of psychedelics motivates this re-evaluation of its implied philosophical value.