Psychedelics and Consciousness Evolution

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This chapter explores Terrence McKenna's stone-dape theory of consciousness, which posits that psychedelic mushrooms significantly influenced human cognitive evolution. It contrasts this theory with other perspectives on early human resilience, highlighting the neurobiological mechanisms, particularly serotonin 2A receptors, and their role in consciousness and social behaviors across species.

Can neuroscience explain what happens to the brain on psychedelics? And even if we map the brain while it’s tripping, does that tell us why these experiences can be so transformative?

We’ll talk with some of the pioneers in psychedelic research — from Amanda Feilding’s boundary-busting work to Robin Carhart-Harris’ theory of the "entropic brain." Also, renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch goes down the rabbit hole on 5-MeO-DMT, also known as toad venom.

Original Air Date: July 15, 2023

Interviews In This Hour:

Exploring consciousness on toad venom — The godmother of the European psychedelic revival — How therapeutic psilocybin could help heal long-buried trauma — Magic mushrooms and the 'entropic brain'

Guests:

Christof Koch, Amanda Feilding, David Nutt, Robin Carhart-Harris

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