Author Description
Part I:the Science Of Altered States -- 1. Introduction: Toward A Science Of Spiritual Experience For The 21st Century -- 2. William James: A Study In Human Nature -- 3. The Varieties: The Classic Text And Its Impact -- 4. The Psychology Of Spiritual Experiences -- 5. The Brain On Spiritual Experiences -- 6. Origins: Triggers Of Spiritual Experience -- 7. The Pragmatic Principle: Positive And Pathological Experiences -- Part Ii:the Varieties -- 8. Types Of Spiritual Experience -- 9. Numinous Experiences: Encountering Divinity -- 10. Revelatory Experiences: Voices, Visions, And Epiphanies -- 11. Synchronicity Experiences: Everything Happens For A Reason -- 12. Mystical Experiences: Unity And Ego-dissolution -- 13. Aesthetic Experiences: Awe And The Sublime -- 14. Paranormal Experiences: Ghosts, Angels, And Other Entities -- Part Iii:considerations And Applications -- 15. Interpretations And Integration Of The Experience -- 16. Beliefs Reprise: Philosophical Reflections -- 17. Transformations -- 18. Clinical Applications -- 19. Consciousness And Altered States -- 20. Conclusion: Ever Not Quite -- Index David B. Yaden, Andrew B. Newberg. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Electronic Reproduction. Oxford Available Via World Wide Web.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the scientific and psychological mechanisms underlying spiritual experiences to establish a modern, empirical framework for understanding these phenomena in the 21st century. David B. Yaden and Andrew B. Newberg synthesize historical perspectives, particularly those of William James, with contemporary neuroscientific data and psychological research. The authors argue that spiritual experiences are measurable, observable events that can be categorized and analyzed through a pragmatic, clinical lens rather than purely theological ones.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive taxonomy of spiritual experiences including numinous, revelatory, and mystical types.
- Neuroscientific analysis of brain activity during altered states of consciousness.
- Clinical applications for integrating these experiences into therapeutic practice.
- Historical context regarding the evolution of the study of human nature.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide theological validation for specific religious claims.
- It does not offer a definitive metaphysical explanation for the origins of consciousness.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a significant update to the foundational studies of William James, providing a necessary bridge between classical philosophy and modern neuroscience. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for researchers and clinicians in the field of psychology and consciousness studies.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
1900-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press,
ISBN-10:
0190665688
ISBN-13:
9780190665685
Religion
Psychology
Spirituality
Philosophy
Spirituality
Spiritualité
Consciousness Studies
Neuroscience