Altered states of consciousness: Natural gateway to an ecological civilization?

Altered states of consciousness, particularly those induced by psychedelic substances, may help disrupt entrenched and dysfunctional ways of thinking, offering hope for addressing humanity's seemingly intractable problems. This article examines psychedelic-induced altered states through historical, biological, neurophysiological, psychological, and philosophical lenses. While therapeutic use already shows promise for treating psychological dysfunctions, the author asks whether broader understanding could foster a civilization more focused on harmonious integration with nature. Given their pervasiveness across human cultures, deliberate induction by other species, influence on Western philosophy, and impact on individuals' cognitive styles and views, the author calls for greater recognition of their positive potential and encourages cautious but vigorous interdisciplinary study.

Study at a glance

Abstract

An understanding of the roles of altered states of consciousness in disrupting entrenched and dysfunctional ways of thinking may give us hope for a correction to many of humanity's seemingly intractable problems. This article considers altered states induced via substances known as psychedelics at various levels of abstraction through the lenses of history, biology and botany, neurophysiology, psychology, and philosophy. The induction of these altered states in a therapeutic setting is already showing great promise for the treatment of certain psychological dysfunctions, but could a broader understanding of their effects help us to see how they might contribute to a civilization that is more focused on the harmonious integration of humanity with the rest of the natural world? Considering their pervasiveness across human cultures, as well as their deliberate induction by other species, their contribution to the development of Western philosophy, and their impact on the cognitive styles, processes, and deeply held views of individuals who have experienced them, the author calls for greater recognition of their positive potential and encourages a cautious but vigorous approach to further interdisciplinary study.