A Philosopher’s Guide to Psychedelics: A Review of Justin Smith-Ruiu’s “On Drugs” in Philosophy Books

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Philosopher’s Journey: Drugs,Consciousness,and a Catholic Awakening

September 17,2025 – 8:00 AM

Paris,France – A Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the Université Paris Cité is sparking debate with a new book detailing his decades-long engagement with psychedelic substances and their profound influence on his philosophical outlook.The Professor’s work directly challenges long-held assumptions about rationality, selfhood, and the nature of reality.

A History of Exploration

The Professor’s account meticulously catalogs a range of substances consumed over several decades, including Psilocybin, LSD, Cannabis, and various prescription medications for anxiety and depression. Remarkably, he emphasizes a consistent daily intake of coffee beginning in 1990.Though, the core of his exploration isn’t simply a chronicle of drug use, but rather a deeply analytical inquiry into the altered states of consciousness they induce.

Reimagining Descartes: The Melting Mind

The Professor’s central argument involves revisiting René Descartes’ famous “I think, thus I am.” Descartes’ wax experiment – observing how perception doesn’t alter the essential nature of an object – formed a bedrock of Western rationalism. The Professor asks: what if Descartes had instead undergone a psychedelic experience,”melting his mind” with a hallucinogen?

He posits that this could have led to a fundamentally different philosophical trajectory,one prioritizing inventiveness and interconnectedness over strict rationality,potentially envisioning humanity as “infinite reservoirs of light and wisdom”. this idea resonates with contemporary philosophical movements like new realism and object-oriented philosophy, which challenge traditional notions of subjective experience.

Psychedelics and Spirituality: An Unexpected Convergence

The Professor’s intellectual journey took an unexpected turn in 2023 with his return to Catholic mass after a forty-year absence. He argues that the psychedelic experience shares striking similarities with ritual worship,both involving a distortion of ordinary time and a potential perception of eternity. Moreover, he suggests both involve a voluntary surrender of individual will.

“Psychedelics, like religion, like poetry are among other things an abandonment of the will to go it alone,” he writes, acknowledging the seemingly paradoxical nature of this conclusion – that his explorations might have led him back to faith.

Did You Know? Recent studies indicate a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for conditions like depression and PTSD. Johns Hopkins Medicine is at the forefront of this research.

Beyond Substances: Everyday Psychedelia

The Professor also contends that altered states of consciousness aren’t solely achievable through chemical means. He draws parallels to Marcel Proust’s experience in *À la Recherche du Temps Perdu* where the protagonist’s imagination blurs the lines between reality and fiction, suggesting that everyday experiences can unlock similar transformative states.

Method	Mechanism	Key Characteristic
Psychedelics	Neurochemical alteration	Altered perception,ego dissolution
Religious Ritual	Symbolic action,communal experience	Transcendence,surrender of will
Imaginative Immersion (e.g.,Proust)	Neural plasticity,associative thinking	Blurring of reality and fiction

Pro Tip: Cultivating mindfulness and engaging in creative practices can also foster altered states of consciousness and expand your perspective.

What role do you think altered states of consciousness should play in philosophical inquiry? do you believe that spiritual experiences can be rationally examined, or are they fundamentally beyond the scope of logical analysis?

The Enduring Quest for Consciousness

The intersection of consciousness, philosophy, and spirituality remains a central topic of inquiry across disciplines. The pursuit of understanding altered states and their implications for human experience continues to evolve with advancements in neuroscience and ongoing philosophical debate. As of late 2024,research into the brain’s “default mode network” is providing new insights into how our sense of self is constructed and how it can be disrupted. This work builds on decades of research into consciousness, starting with early pioneers like William James, and reflects a sustained human desire to comprehend the nature of our own existence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelics and Philosophy

What are psychedelics? Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that can profoundly alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.

How do psychedelics affect consciousness? They primarily impact serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to changes in neural activity and subjective experience.

what is the philosophical significance of psychedelic experiences? They raise basic questions about the nature of reality, self, and the limits of human perception.

Can psychedelics be used therapeutically? Emerging research suggests potential benefits for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but further study is needed.

Is the Professor’s claim about psychedelics and religion valid? It’s a provocative idea that sparks debate. Some argue that both experiences can induce a sense of awe and transcendence.

What is “new realism” in philosophy? It’s a contemporary movement that rejects the idea that reality is constructed by human consciousness, asserting the independent existence of objects and entities.

Are psychedelic experiences safe? psychedelics can carry risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. They should be approached with caution and ideally under the guidance of trained professionals.

Share your thoughts on this fascinating intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality in the comments below!

How dose Smith-Ruiu utilize the concept of *sunyata* (emptiness) to support his argument about the constructed nature of reality?

A Philosopher’s Guide to Psychedelics: A Review of Justin Smith-Ruiu’s “On Drugs” in Ideology Books

The Philosophical Stakes of Altered States

Justin Smith-Ruiu’s On Drugs (published within the Philosophy Books series by Bloomsbury) isn’t a guide to using psychedelics, nor is it a purely past account. It’s a rigorous, often challenging, philosophical exploration of what altered states of consciousness – induced by substances like psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, and MDMA – reveal about the nature of reality, selfhood, and morality. Smith-Ruiu doesn’t shy away from personal experience, but consistently anchors his reflections in the history of philosophy, from Plato to Nietzsche, and contemporary neuroscience. This makes the book a unique contribution to both psychedelic literature and philosophical discourse on consciousness. The core argument revolves around the idea that psychedelic experiences can offer legitimate, though frequently enough unsettling, insights into the constructed nature of our everyday reality.

Deconstructing Reality: The Core Argument

Smith-Ruiu’s central thesis isn’t that psychedelics reveal a hidden truth, but that they demonstrate the inherent instability of our perceived reality. He draws heavily on Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concept of sunyata (emptiness), to argue that our sense of a solid, independent self and a fixed external world is an illusion.

here’s a breakdown of key points:

* The Default Mode Network (DMN): Smith-Ruiu explains the neurological basis for this argument, referencing the Default Mode Network – the brain region associated with self-referential thought and our sense of continuity. Psychedelics, he argues, temporarily disrupt the DMN, leading to ego dissolution and altered perceptions.

* Constructed Reality: This disruption isn’t simply a breakdown of brain function, but a glimpse behind the curtain of our constructed reality. We don’t passively perceive the world; we actively construct it based on ingrained patterns of thought and sensory input.

* Moral Implications: If reality is constructed, what are the implications for morality? Smith-Ruiu tackles this head-on, exploring the potential for psychedelics to foster empathy and challenge conventional ethical frameworks. He doesn’t advocate for moral relativism, but urges a critical examination of our values.

Psychedelics and the History of Philosophy

The book’s strength lies in its masterful weaving together of philosophical history and contemporary psychedelic research. Smith-Ruiu doesn’t treat psychedelic experiences as isolated phenomena, but as points of contact with long-standing philosophical questions.

* Plato’s Cave: The allegory of the cave is a recurring motif, representing our limited perception of reality and the potential for liberation through knowledge. psychedelics,Smith-Ruiu suggests,can offer a kind of “forced exit” from the cave,though the experience can be disorienting and even terrifying.

* Nietzsche and the Will to Power: The author connects psychedelic ego dissolution to Nietzsche’s concept of the death of God and the subsequent need to create new values. The breakdown of the self can be seen as an chance for radical self-overcoming.

* eastern Philosophy: The influence of Buddhist thought is pervasive, particularly the emphasis on impermanence, non-self, and the illusory nature of reality. Smith-Ruiu argues that psychedelic experiences can provide a direct, experiential understanding of these concepts.

Beyond the Mystical: A Pragmatic Approach to Psychedelic Exploration

While acknowledging the potential for profound mystical experiences, Smith-Ruiu consistently grounds his analysis in a pragmatic framework. he’s less interested in the “spiritual” aspects of psychedelics and more concerned with their potential to illuminate fundamental philosophical problems.

* Set and Setting: He emphasizes the importance of “set and setting” – the mindset and environment in which a psychedelic experience takes place – not as mere preconditions for a positive trip, but as crucial factors shaping the interpretation of the experience.

* Integration: Smith-Ruiu stresses the need for careful integration of psychedelic insights into everyday life. The goal isn’t to escape reality, but to return to it with a renewed perspective.

* Risk Mitigation: The book doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the risks associated with psychedelic use, including psychological distress and potential for harm. responsible use and careful preparation are paramount.

The role of MDMA: A Unique Case study

Smith-Ruiu dedicates notable attention to MDMA (ecstasy), arguing that its effects offer a unique window into the social construction of empathy and the nature of intersubjectivity.

* Oxytocin and Bonding: He explains the neurochemical basis of MDMA’s effects, focusing on its role in releasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust.

* Breaking Down Social Barriers: MDMA, he argues, temporarily dissolves the psychological barriers that normally separate us from others, allowing for a more direct and empathetic connection.

* Ethical Considerations: This raises critically important ethical questions about the nature of authenticity and the potential for manipulation in social interactions.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Current Research & Future Directions

The book touches upon the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy,particularly for conditions like depression,anxiety,and PTSD. Smith-Ruiu is cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits