An Introduction to Philosophy and Psychedelics

This course investigates the (ancient) philosophy and its relation to psychedelics. The course teaches lessons from Socrates and Plato through to Sartre and Zen Buddhism.

This course is for those who want to learn more about the philosophical background and history of psychedelics. It consists of 15 lessons of 2 hours. This course is currently not open for enrollment.

This 15-week live online course that delves into the history of Western philosophy and its relation to the importance of psychedelics today. The course explores how the Greeks’ quest for the meaning of life and their diverse mythology laid the foundation for understanding psychedelics. It covers the impact of philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and their predecessors, as well as the influence of Rome and the Middle Ages on the development of modern culture.

The course also examines the Cartesian-Newtonian turn towards modernity, its benefits and deficits, and the impact it has had on today’s society. Finally, the course looks at contemporary ideas, such as the cosmology of Alfred North Whitehead, and their value in illuminating psychedelic experience. Through this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and significance of psychedelics in today’s culture.