More mystical notions. (Letters).I rather often experienced mystical enlightenment, as Robert Austin described it ("Into the mystic, SN: 2/17/01, p. 104), when I was jogging regularly. We may not be able to repeat the psilocybin psilocybin (sĭl'əsī`bən), perception-altering substance found in some species of mushroom. See hallucinogenic drug. study of Walter Pahnke Walter N. Pahnke M.D., Ph.D. (1931-1971) was a minister, physician, and psychiatrist who attended Harvard in the early 1960s. He earned an MD from Harvard Medical School, a BD (now MDiv) from Harvard Divinity School, a PhD from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and a Harvard , but couldn't we study whether endorphin endorphin Any of a group of proteins occurring in the brain and having pain-relieving properties typical of opium and related opiates. Discovered in the 1970s, they include enkephalin, beta-endorphin, and dynorphin. levels correlate with these types of mystical feelings and spiritual ideas? Harold Zeckel Arlington, Mass. Some of the scientists of enlightenment contend that innate capacities for mystical experiences need to be explored. Others appear to be interested in exploring such capacities only as human delusions Delusions Definition A delusion is an unshakable belief in something untrue. These irrational beliefs defy normal reasoning, and remain firm even when overwhelming proof is presented to dispute them. . Both groups make assumptions that circumscribe cir·cum·scribe tr.v. cir·cum·scribed, cir·cum·scrib·ing, cir·cum·scribes 1. To draw a line around; encircle. 2. To limit narrowly; restrict. 3. To determine the limits of; define. the phenomena they will examine and limit the tools available. These researchers will find what they set out to find, limited by their assumptions, and they will not take seriously the experiential claims of their subjects. Their research will not contribute anything of significance unless, perhaps, the scientists seek the experiences for themselves. But then would that still be "science"? Barry N. Bishop Lewisburg, Pa. |
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