Mystical Experience
Mystical Experience
Defined in contradistinction to so-called ordinary or mundane experience, mystical experience conjures images of ecstatic rapture, overwhelming emotion, or profound quietude. An apparently universal aspect of human experience cross-culturally and interreligiously, subjective experiences of a mystical persuasion likely reflect universal but nonetheless unusual predispositions and propensities of the human mind. Continuing advances in cognitive science in general, and in the neurosciences in particular, promise to illuminate aspects of mystical experience previously hidden behind the mask of the phenomenological. At the same time, a historically more refined form of comparative phenomenology promises to coordinate the enormous variety of descriptions of mystical experiences. Research from both the sciences and the humanities will contribute to the development of a comprehensive, compelling interpretation of these experiences.
See also Experience, Religious: Philosophical Aspects; Mysticism
jensine andresen
More From encyclopedia.com
Exceptional Human Experience , Skip to main content
Exceptional Human Experience
Exceptional Human Experience (Journal)
Semiannual journal founded and edited by Rhea A. White. Its… Religious Experience , Most of the philosophical work on "religious experience" that has appeared since 1960 has been devoted to its phenomenology and epistemic status. Two… Illumination , The Buddha (c. 563–c. 483 b.c.e.) had spent one week in samadhi, a state of deep awareness when, on the morning of December 8, 528 b.c.e., he looked… Near-death Experience , Near-Death Experiences
Near-death experiences (NDEs) have been reported for much of human history. There is evidence in early Greek and Roman literat… John Dewey , Dewey, John (1859–1952)
The American philosopher, educator, and social critic John Dewey was born in Burlington, Vermont. A shy youth, he enjoyed rea… John Dewey , Dewey, John (1859–1952)
The American philosopher, educator, and social critic John Dewey was born in Burlington, Vermont. A shy youth, he enjoyed rea…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
Mystical Experience