Conference

About

Conference

About

Jussi Jylkkä, PhD

Åbo Akademi University

Speaker Bio

Jussi Jylkkä (PhD in philosophy, PhD in psychology, docent in cognitive psychology) is a researcher working at the psychology department at Åbo Akademi university, Finland. He has done research in areas such as cognitive psychology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind and language. Since 2022 he has been working on the three-year project “Comforting delusions or life-transforming insights”, funded by the Kone foundation, focusing on psychedelic insights and belief changes, and their compatibility with the scientific worldview.

ICPR 2024 Abstract

Spirituality in psychedelic research and therapy

This symposium explores the issue of integrating spirituality into psychedelic research and therapy, a debate that has garnered significant attention in contemporary scientific circles. At the core of this discourse lies the question of whether spiritual elements should be incorporated into the scientific study and therapeutic application of psychedelics. A faction of researchers and practitioners advocates for a naturalistic or secular approach, suggesting the removal of spiritual notions to maintain scientific rigour. Contrarily, another perspective emphasises the intrinsic nature of psychedelic experiences, which often encompass mystical or spiritual dimensions. Proponents of this view argue for the inclusion of spirituality, citing evidence that mystical-type experiences under psychedelics can lead to positive well-being changes, particularly among healthy individuals. Bringing together both proponents and opponents, this symposium will explore these issues in depth, focusing on the role of spiritual expertise in psychedelic research, the nature and impact of mystical experiences, and the intricate relationship between psychological well-being and spirituality. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this complex subject, appealing to both scientific researchers and therapists involved in psychedelic studies. Through this exploration, the symposium seeks to bridge the gap between spiritual experiences and scientific inquiry, shedding light on how these two realms can coexist and facilitate diversity in psychedelic research.

© 2007-2024 ICPR by OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
© 2007-2024 ICPR by OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
© 2007-2024 ICPR by OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands