A Scientific Assessment of the Validity of Mystical Experiences: Understanding Altered Psychological and Neurophysiological States

In this book the approach of the natural sciences is adopted to confront the ontological question of how far mystical experiences can be considered as reports of an objective reality rather than reports of subjective delusions.

Moving beyond traditional philosophical or cultural and theological interpretations of mystical phenomena, the author uses inductive inference to analyze claims made by secular and religious mystics, highlight links between altered states of consciousness and neurochemistry, and counters reductionist claims that mystical states are exclusively products of neurochemical, neurophysiological, or psychopathological factors. The text also considers the positive long-term effects of proper use of psychedelics and meditation.

This fresh approach to mystical experiences will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students working in the areas of psychology and neuroscience, and with an interest in mysticism in religious studies and philosophy.

Andrew C. Papanicolaou is Professor Emeritus of Clinical Neurosciences of the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, USA, where he served as Chief of the Division of Clincal Neuroscience.