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“Non-ordinary state of consciousness” (NOSC) describes any condition that differs significantly from a normal or familiar waking state. These states can be induced through hypnosis, meditation, sleep, fasting, sex, brain damage, and music. Arguably, the most reliable way to cause NOSC s is pharmacologically, i.e., through the use of substances like LSD, Psylocibin, MDMA, or DMT, etc. The content of such states varies dramatically. It can contain experiences of distorted perceptions of one’s environment to full blown so-called “mystical experiences”, where one relates to spiritually higher entity, loses one’s (ego) existences, and feels one with all an everything that exists in the universe.

Recently, several clinical trials seem to show that the experience of NOSC can cause lasting psychological benefits (i.e. reduction of depression, anxiety, addiction, etc.) even if NOSC are experienced once or twice. However, it seems that the effectiveness of such an intervention depends on the occurrence of a mystical experience. This of course prompts a philosophical concern and question. Do NOSC cause psychological benefits by inducing false or implausible beliefs about the metaphysical nature of reality?

In this seminar, we will read Chris Letheby’s “Philosophy of Psychedelics” (OUP, 2021), which represents the first English-language scholarly monograph devoted to the clinical trials of psychedelics that provides a clear, detailed, and explicit statement of key philosophical issues and arguments pertaining to psychedelic therapy. The book will be made available for those participating in the seminar

https://campusonline.uni-bayreuth.de/ubto/wbLv.wbShowLVDetail?pStpSpNr=322764&pSpracheNr=1

The is seminar will take place as a block-seminar from May 13 to May 14. The maximum number of participants will be 14. First come, first served. 

Please put your name into this list (until March 31st). 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AHH1jHCxDMDxyq9_1mFDj5YrGZ9fIJBZjFLmpINvTAY/edit?usp=sharing

We will discuss this during the seminar.