Is a rational & evidence-based enculturation of the psychedelic experience possible? | T Metzinger

Prof. Dr. Thomas Metzinger | Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz

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In this short talk, I will first explain the concept of a “consciousness culture” and then give some brief examples of why psychedelic experiences are interesting if viewed from the perspective of philosophy of mind, applied ethics, and cognitive science. I will argue that it would be a mistake to simply legalize the classical hallucinogens, but that the real challenge lies fostering a very careful, ethically motivated and scientifically grounded process of “enculturation”: A process of creating a new cultural context in which all members of society can profit from the intrinsic value of these psychoactive substances, while at the same time minimizing risks and cultivating a rational, evidence-based strategy for harm-reduction. How do we integrate science, individual experience, and social praxis? Are there philosophical virtues that can help us to create a new debate culture? How can we deal with prejudices, irrational positions, and the complacency of those “who simply know better” in a productive way? In order to initiate a more systematic discussion I will once again present some first building blocks for an Enculturation Protocol.

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