On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research

Summary & key facts

The paper argues that psychedelic therapy should include clear, optional discussions of metaphysical views during integration. It presents a suggested "Metaphysics Matrix" and a new Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire (MMQ) as tools for offering patients an intelligible set of metaphysical options and for measuring aspects of psychedelic experience in trials. The author defines metaphysics, contrasts it with mysticism, and says this is a theoretical proposal rather than proof that it improves outcomes.

Key facts:

• The paper proposes a "Metaphysics Matrix" — an optional, structured schema to help discuss metaphysical options with patients during the integration phase of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
• The author introduces a Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire (MMQ) intended to be usable as an additional or alternative quantitative measure of psychedelic experiences in research trials.
• The paper defines metaphysics as a branch of philosophy (alongside epistemology and axiology) and distinguishes it from mysticism; metaphysics is described as based on argument, while mysticism is described as more revelation-based.
• The author explicitly states that not all psychedelic experiences are metaphysical or mystical and distinguishes those three terms in the text.
• The paper frames the integration of metaphysics in therapy as a potential extra benefit for patients, but this is presented as an argument and proposal, not as demonstrated empirical evidence.
• This work is theoretical and programmatic: it offers concepts and measurement tools (the Matrix and MMQ) but does not present trial results showing that these additions change clinical outcomes.

Abstract

The essential proposal of this text is that psychedelic-induced metaphysical experiences should be integrated and evaluated with recourse to metaphysics. It will be argued that there is a potential extra benefit to patients in psychedelic-assisted therapy if they are provided with an optional, additional, and intelligible schema and discussion of metaphysical options at the integrative phase of the therapy. This schema (the "Metaphysics Matrix") and a new Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire ("MMQ") stemming therefrom will be presented, the latter of which can also be used as an alternative or additional tool for quantitative measurement of psychedelic experience in trials. Metaphysics is not mysticism, despite some overlap; and certainly not all psychedelic experience is metaphysical or mystical-all three terms will be defined and contrasted. Thereafter psychedelic therapy will be presented and analysed in order to reveal the missing place for metaphysics. Metaphysics, with epistemology (theory of knowledge) and axiology (ethics and aesthetics), is a defining branch of Philosophy. Metaphysics, in contrast to mysticism, is considered to be based on argument rather than pure revelation. Thus, in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy one sees here the potential bridge between reason-based philosophy and practical therapy-or, more broadly, with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy there is the potential and mutually beneficial fusion of philosophy with practical science.

Topics

Chemical synthesis and alkaloids Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Argument (complex analysis) Computer science Epistemology Internal medicine Machine learning Medicine Metaphysics Mysticism Philosophy Psychology Schema (genetic algorithms) Theology