Hallucinogens: Science & Myth
Amit Hagar
History & Philosophy of Science & Medicine
The purpose of this course is to provide a gentle, non-expert, introduction to Neuropharmacology with a historical perspective of psychedelic drug research, their use in psychiatric disorders, research restricting regulatory controls, and their recent emergence as potential breakthrough therapies for several brain-related disorders. In addition, we will explore the cultural and religious connotations of alter-state of consciousness derived from natural hallucinogens, and in particular the speculative Biblical Entheogens Hypothesis, that has recently gained traction in cognitive science. The material will serve as a foil for discussing the scientific method in psychology and cognitive science, drug discovery and the role of society in regulating it, and the ethical and cultural issues surrounding alter-state of consciousness. Evaluation will be based on class discussion and presentation, on 5 bi-weekly essays, and on a final research project (in pairs).
Catalog Information: HON-H 240 SCIENCE AND SOCIETY