Hello there. I've been following this conversation with interest.
Roger wrote:
"And linking back to the 'Third Man' - it would surely be irresponsible to place young people in a situation where they are likely to hallucinate, especially if they come to believe that such hallucinations are real."
On a general point, in regard to the safety and well-being of young people in our care, I agree with you. There is also, however, a deeper philosophical question which I perceive in your statement. Are they hallucinations, or are they altered perceptions?
This is not just a nicety of language, but a matter of respect for experiences that people of all ages have, which may have great personal or spiritual significance for them. Supporting people of any age to discern the level of reality (physical, emotional, spiritual) on which an experience sits can be difficult - there are subtle questions of ethics around respect for beliefs, as well as practical questions of ethics around safety from serious harm. Seeking to dismiss another's experience as 'not real', however, is in my view not an ethical option.
As regards Chris's question of using sleep deprivation to contact the gods: many spiritual practices around the world use a variety of techniques to alter consciousness, to allow adherents to contact their gods, experience ecstasy, retrieve information, etc. Techniques include sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, pain, chanting, repetitive movement, particular breathing patterns, and use of hallucinogenic plants and fungi. "Shamanism" by Piers Vitebsky is a nice quick read on the subject, with a bibliography of more in-depth reading (e.g. Mercia Eliade), but these techniques can also be found in structured and monotheistic religions.
best wishes
Elinor
Elinor Predota
Postgraduate Student
School of Geography, Politics and Sociology
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Mobile: 07799 468309
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