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Psychedelics and Consciousness: Distinctions, Demarcations, and Opportunities
David B Yaden1,2, Matthew W Johnson1,2, Roland R Griffiths1,2,3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
|May 14, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic research offers insights into consciousness, particularly its "easy problems" like brain function and behavior. However, they are unlikely to solve the "hard problem" of subjective experience emergence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in conscious experience.
- There is ongoing debate regarding psychedelics' potential to explain the nature of consciousness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the meanings of "consciousness" in psychedelic research.
- To examine models linking psychedelic brain effects to consciousness.
- To assess psychedelics' utility for addressing the "hard" and "easy" problems of consciousness.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychedelic research and consciousness models.
- Analysis of the relationship between brain function, subjective experience, and behavior under psychedelics.
Main Results:
- Psychedelics primarily inform the "easy problems" of consciousness, not the "hard problem."
- Models exist that associate psychedelic effects with consciousness.
Conclusions:
- Epistemic humility is crucial regarding psychedelics' capacity to solve the "hard problem."
- Psychedelic research can significantly advance the study of specific aspects of consciousness.
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