A Philosophical Inquiry to Include Trance into Epistemology

Wautischer, Helmut (1989) A Philosophical Inquiry to Include Trance into Epistemology. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 21 (1). pp. 35-46.

[thumbnail of WautischerTrance.pdf] PDF
WautischerTrance.pdf

Download (81kB)

Abstract

In a state of voluntary trance or meditation, the perception of reality appears to extend beyond the usual and temporal boundaries that are normally perceived by the sense organs. It is argued that the problems of validity and reliability of trance experiences for scientific discourse are in principle no different than the problems associated with ordinary perception. The shift in early Greek philosophy from myth to and emphasis on logos (reason) has led to a neglect of those subtle qualities of reason that were considered to be gateways for divine revelation. Scientific methodologies cannot account for such revelation, and there are no criteria known to science that would enable people to utilize these phenomena. Shamanic experiences are intersubjectively accessible and provide data that is suitable for the construction of rational theories if appropriate methodologies are developed. However, for a scientist, shamanic experiences are considered at most to be psychological ones, and consequently without any value for empirical research. This article examines the possibility of reevaluating the terms "rational� and "consciousness,� in order to expand scientific methodologies in such a way that volitionally altered perceptions of reality can be integrated into scientific research.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Trance, Bewusstsein, Antike, Geist, Körper
Subjects: Philosophie > Philosophische Disziplinen > Epistemologie, Wissenschaftstheorie, Naturphilosophie
Kulturwissenschaften, cultural studies
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email laimabrasaite@one.lt
Date Deposited: 06 Dec 2020 13:44
Last Modified: 06 Dec 2020 13:44
URI: http://sammelpunkt.philo.at/id/eprint/2667

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item