The epistemology of the truth in modern Islam

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 473-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Abou El Fadl
Keyword(s):  
Human Development ◽  
Altered States Of Consciousness ◽  
Altered States ◽  
Human Consciousness ◽  
Islamic Theology ◽  
States Of Consciousness ◽  
To Come ◽  
Historical Moment ◽  
Epistemological Framework ◽  
The Way

There is a serious problem with arguing that God intended to lock the epistemology of the 7thcentury into the immutable text of the Qur’an, and then intended to hold Muslims hostage to this epistemological framework for all ages to come. Among other things, this would limit the dynamism and effectiveness of Divine text because the Qur’an would be for ever locked within a knowledge paradigm that is very difficult to retrieve or re-create. The author argues for the recognition of three critical categories in Islamic theology: haqq, hikma and ma‘arifa. While haqq connotes the objective and constant truth, it is not reachable without hikma. Hikma is the balance [ mizan] of truths in every historical moment with all of its contingencies. Ma‘arifa is the epistemology or the way to searching the objective and constant truth as well as the search for the hikma appropriate for each stage in human consciousness. The author contends that it is contrary to the very nature of a merciful and compassionate God to leave Muslims with a Revelation that is not fully equipped to deal with the altered states of consciousness and perceptions that are inevitable in every stage of human development.

scholarly journals Przedstawienia grzybów psychoaktywnych w ewidencji archeologicznej i ich interpretacje

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 281-307
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Olbryś
Keyword(s):  
Human Evolution ◽  
Active Substance ◽  
Altered States Of Consciousness ◽  
Altered States ◽  
Human Consciousness ◽  
Archaeological Evidence ◽  
American Writer ◽  
States Of Consciousness ◽  
Development Of Language

There has been a debate regarding substances that cause altered states of consciousness (especially those of a psychedelic nature) that have been intrinsically linked to man since the dawn of time. The question of the beginning of the crystallization of human consciousness intrigues today’s researchers. American writer and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna tangled with such ideas, indeed one of his thoughts contributes to many controversial opinions and theories presented in this work. The stoned ape theory considers psilocybin, the active substance of entheogenic mushrooms, as an element that played an important role in the process of human evolution and contributed to the acceleration of human consciousness. The author of a title theory believes that psychoactive mushrooms, which might have been components of our ancestors’ diet, could also contributed to the development of language and religion. In this paper, an attempt will be made to subject the title theory to criticism with particular discussion of archaeological evidence.

The Marihuana Papers, edited by David Solomon. Indianapolis, Indiana: Bobbs-Merrill, 1966, 448 pp., $10.00

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-160
Author(s):  
Elmer R. Grossman
Keyword(s):  
Altered States Of Consciousness ◽  
Altered States ◽  
States Of Consciousness ◽  
The Way

One of the hallmarks of man is his irrepressible desire to attain altered states of consciousness. For thousands of years, and in every culture, individuals of our species have sought ways to change, at least briefly and from time to time, the way it feels to be alive. Fermented spirits, hallucinogenic mushrooms and cactus, narcotics, betel nuts, tobacco and marihuana, tranquilizers, fasting, flagellation, meditation and prayer–the list of methods is a long one but the goals are not dissimilar.

Sadomasochism as a path to altered states of consciousness

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Ambler ◽  
Ellen M. Lee ◽  
Kathryn R. Klement ◽  
Tonio Loewald ◽  
Brad J. Sagarin
Keyword(s):  
Altered States Of Consciousness ◽  
Altered States ◽  
States Of Consciousness

Virtual Unreality

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Weinel
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Interactive Video ◽  
Altered States Of Consciousness ◽  
Altered States ◽  
States Of Consciousness ◽  
Visual Systems

This chapter explores altered states of consciousness in interactive video games and virtual reality applications. First, a brief overview of advances in the sound and graphics of video games is provided, which has led to ever-more immersive capabilities within the medium. Following this, a variety of games that represent states of intoxication, drug use, and hallucinations are discussed, in order to reveal how these states are portrayed with the aid of sound and music, and for what purpose. An alternative trajectory in games is also explored, as various synaesthetic titles are reviewed, which provide high-adrenaline experiences for ravers, and simulate dreams, meditation, or psychedelic states. Through the analysis of these, and building upon the previous chapters of Inner Sound, this chapter presents a conceptual model for ‘Altered States of Consciousness Simulations’: interactive audio-visual systems that represent altered states with regards to the sensory components of the experience.

Synaesthetic Overdrive

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Weinel
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Visual Media ◽  
Altered States Of Consciousness ◽  
Altered States ◽  
Visual Music ◽  
Background Theory ◽  
States Of Consciousness ◽  
Feature Films ◽  
Expanded Cinema ◽  
Improved Accuracy

This chapter discusses altered states of consciousness in audio-visual media, such as films, psychedelic light shows, and VJ performances. First, some background theory is introduced, explaining the main categories of film sound, and what research tells us regarding the way in which sound influences the perception of visual images and vice versa. Following this background section, a tour is provided through various films that represent altered states of consciousness, including surrealist movies, ‘trance films’, and Hollywood feature films. These demonstrate a progression, where more recent movies are able to make use of digital audio and visual effects to represent the subjective experience of altered states with improved accuracy. Meanwhile, beyond the traditional confines of the cinema, ‘expanded cinema’ works such as visual music, psychedelic light shows, and VJ performances have provided increasingly sophisticated synaesthetic experiences, which are designed to transform the consciousness of their audience.

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