260034 Philosophy of Psychedelics (S) (SoSe 2023)

In the last two decades, so-called psychedelic substances have gained renewed interest in neuroscience, psychiatry and philosophy. Neuroscientists have investigated the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the altered states of perception, emotion and consciousness that are caused by psychedelic substances. Psychiatrists have again started to investigate the therapeutic potential of incorporating psychedelics into the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and dealing with terminal illness. Philosophers have analyzed these novel empirical findings to ask what altered states of consciousness can tell us about the nature of the mind, self, and knowledge. In the seminar we will read select texts from each of these areas to analyze and critically evaluate our empirical and theoretical understanding of psychedelics, and the epistemic basis for their therapeutic potential.

Literature (selection of texts read in the seminar).

Hipólito, I., Mago, J., Rosas, F., & Carhart-Harris, R. (2022). Pattern Breaking: A Complex Systems Approach to Psychedelic Medicine. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ydu3h

Letheby, C. (2021). Philosophy of psychedelics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Langlitz, N. (2016). Is There a Place for Psychedelics in Philosophy? Fieldwork in Neuro- and Perennial Philosophy.” Common Knowledge 22(3), 373-384

Lyon, A., & Farennikova, A. (2022). Through the Psychedelic Looking-Glass: The Importance of Phenomenal Transparency in Psychedelic Transformation. Philosophy and the Mind Sciences 3.

Millière R. (2017). Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience