From Altered States to Metaphysics: The Epistemic Status of Psychedelic-induced Metaphysical Beliefs

Abstract

Psychedelic substances elicit powerful, uncanny conscious experiences that are thought to possess therapeutic value. In those who undergo them, these altered states of consciousness often induce shifts in metaphysical beliefs about the fundamental structure of reality. The contents of those beliefs range from contentious to bizarre, especially when considered from the point of view of naturalism. Can chemically induced, radically altered states of consciousness provide reasons for or play some positive epistemic role with respect to metaphysical beliefs? In this paper, I discuss a view that has been underexplored in recent literature. I argue that psychedelic states can be rationally integrated into one’s epistemic life. Consequently, updating one’s metaphysical beliefs based on altered states of consciousness does not have to constitute an instance of epistemic irrationality.

Commentary: On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research

“…Addressing this possibility, Sjöstedt-Hughes (2023) proposes the integration of metaphysics-the branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality-into PAT as an optional addition. Similarly, Gładziejewski (2023) has argued that metaphysics is inescapable within the context of PAT. How might we best address these metaphysical belief changes in the clinical setting?…”