Philosophy and Psychedelics

Ways to achieve altered states of consciousness have been known to mankind throughout human history: initially via sacred rituals, usually performed by specially initiated people, who had been selected and prepared for the task over a long time period. Methods used included; inhaling or consuming plants or other natural substances, or techniques such as dancing, chanting, lack of food or sleep, etc. During the last century, however, drugs were developed that could achieve the same mind-altering results. They became known as psychedelic drugs, one of the best-known being LSD.

When LSD first was developed in the 1940’s it was intended to be a drug for breathing disorders. (Interestingly, some breathwork techniques produce similar mind-altering experiences). But when its strange ‘side-effects’ were established, LSD became of interest in various areas of research. In particular, for psychotherapy where it opened up whole new areas of research and became a ‘wonder-drug’ producing very exciting results. Therapists found that they could effectively treat patients with just a few LSD sessions, rather than the traditional years of conventional psychotherapy.

Unfortunately, LSD also aroused the attention of the CIA in America. They began experimenting as to how they could use the drug in warfare. This research, more than anything, led to a complete ban on the use of psychedelic drugs in USA, both in research and in society as a whole, where the use of LSD as a recreational drug had spread rapidly. Richard Nixon even declared drugs to be the biggest threat in American history and “public enemy no 1”. Given that many people developed serious mental problems having taken the drugs recreationally, this legal prohibition soon became world-wide.

Recently, however, the use of psychedelic drugs in therapy sessions has once again been permitted, albeit under strict control. This has meant a revival of the utilisation of altered states of consciousness for therapeutic purposes. This book deals with this new development. It is a compilation of articles from experts in this field, highlighting the various aspects of mind-altering therapy. Christine Hauskeller, for instance, writes in her chapter on Individualisation and Alienation in Psychedelic Psychotherapy: “Psychedelic experiences are characterised as leaving one’s everyday ordinary modes of mental and physical states, instead experiencing, even exploring, mind and self, past experiences, and sensory precautions differently”. (p 107) She even claims that: “Psychedelics are framed as a magic bullet in biomedical psychotherapy.” (P108)

To deliberately help a person to reach altered states of consciousness opens up a whole philosophical discussion around reality, soul, life and death issues. These are discussed in the various chapters as well as presentations of some of the leading figures in this field such as; William James, Alfred North Whitehead, Aldous Huxley, Carl Jung and Zen masters, all of whom have shared their personal experiences of altered states of consciousness.

The conclusions which can to be drawn from this book are that psychedelic drugs represent a powerful tool, giving enhanced insight into not just the individual mind, but also our entire understanding of creation. This new round of careful experimentation with psychedelics has, however, been enriched by our expanded understanding of the universe in which we live, via quantum physics and brain research.

However, many of the authors caution that we need to show enormous respect for the power of these drugs and make sure they are used sensibly. This is not to echo Nixon’s fear of ‘enemy No 1’, but more to reflect the fact that we perhaps need to rethink our narrow understanding of the human psyche and be open to a new expansion of our overall understanding of life.