Do drugs bring us closer to reality? (soul, experience, verse)

[Neale]

In the concept of conservative solipsism (I know, an oxymoron) posited by Bertrand Russell, it is believed that humanity creates their own subjective versions of reality based on "sense data" we receive and process. While not ruling out the possibilities of other, independent existences outside of our own mind, aspects of our conceptual universe are created and subsequently given logical (through our mind's notions of it) grounds for existence. How would we know "hot" without "cold," and so forth.

When someone is under the influence of psychotropic drugs that alter brain chemistry (such as MDMA, tetrahydracannibinol, LSD, etc.), they are apt to perceive differently - i.e. new "versions" of reality through hightened levels of awareness, in some cases. It's known that throughout religious history, drugs have been used to become "closer" to God/nature/the soul etc.

So here's an idea...

Since we've conditioned ourself to perceive our version of reality through an infinite series of subjective sense data, extending the unknown out with logical inductions (for example, if you've never been to Paris, you would assume it would look like the pictures you've seen), then it could be assumed that through the use of drugs, we open avenues of perception (and reality) that would otherwise be closed.

I think of this concept through the "electromagnetic spectrum" metaphor. Since it's publication, we've discovered that we're only experiencing a tiny, tiny microcosm of what we can now term as "real." Any thoughts?

[Neale]

And on a sem-related note, here's Philip and Neale's recipe for "Goodness Fudge:"

Ingredients:
1 Golden Oreo, broken in half.
1 Nestle Crunch Ice Cream "Dip"

Procedure:
Consume half of Golden Oreo quickly followed by Nestle Crunch Ice Cream "Dip." Repeat until supply of both ingredients are gone.

[Seyorni]

Some drugs, properly administered, do appear to induce a genuine transcendant experience.

[Radio Frequency X]

By this understanding of reality, how do we know if we are getting closer to or further from the truth?

[Neale]

Originally Posted by Seyorni

Some drugs, properly administered, do appear to induce a genuine transcendant experience.

Yes! Also, there are certain meditative practices that induce the same effect in regards to changes in brain chemistry, which subsequently also yield the same "experience." It all boils down to perception and the subjective experience within those realms.

[Neale]

Originally Posted by Radio Frequency X

By this understanding of reality, how do we know if we are getting closer to or further from the truth?

Assuming that there is an ontological set of universal "truths," the only thing we would have to base our "distance" on is our perceptive experiences positioned against what we believe as present-time "truths" (i.e. the existence/non-existence of God, our individual set of ethics, etc.).

By the large, I suppose it could be that since we create our own realities, we also create our own truths within them.

[Radio Frequency X]

Originally Posted by Neale

Assuming that there is an ontological set of universal "truths," the only thing we would have to base our "distance" on is our perceptive experiences positioned against what we believe as present-time "truths" (i.e. the existence/non-existence of God, our individual set of ethics, etc.).

By the large, I suppose it could be that since we create our own realities, we also create our own truths within them.

I suppose, but then one might measure the utility of various truths and question whether or not truths are worth their salt, if they lack utility, practically or personally. I've experimented with every drug I ever heard of over ten years ago, and I found many pros and cons. I doubt I was any closer to understanding reality though.

[Seyorni]

Originally Posted by Neale

Yes! Also, there are certain meditative practices that induce the same effect in regards to changes in brain chemistry, which subsequently also yield the same "experience." It all boils down to perception and the subjective experience within those realms.

Agreed. The philosophia perennis is described by meditators, ascetics and hallucinogen users.

[Neale]

To the top! Any other thoughts?

I'd like to explore possibilities within perennial philosophies for conscious, drug-aided mindfullness...on the forums, rather!