The Problem with Experience

In a book I'm reading for an Ethics class, Joyce Milton describes how nineteenth century philosopher William James was "persuaded that our normal waking consciousness is just one of many 'potential' forms of consciousness that exist somewhere beyond our reach, separated from the waking mind by the filmiest of screens." He came to this conviction after he had experimented with mind altering drugs in attempt to have an experience of some "mystical significance."

Milton comments on James' reflections on his encounter: "Unfortunately, [the essence of this experience] was private, nonverbal and fleeting."
The problem with the mystical experience was that it lacked any authority to communicate itself to others.

The Road to Malpsychia: humanistic psychology and our discontents, p. 69.
April 6, 2008
0

Search

Popular Posts

Why did Jesus have to heal the Blind Man Twice in Mark 8?

In Mark 8:22-26, Jesus encounters a blind man in Bethsaida. To heal the man, Je…

Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Historical Theology w/ Madison Grace

In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Madison Grace about Dietrich Bonhoef…

"The Gospel" as the Unifying Theme of Theology and the Rule of Faith for the Churches

Mike Bird ends his articulation and apology for the structure of his systematic…