Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 82 | Robin Carhart-Harris on Psychedelics and the Brain
Feb 3, 2020
Robin Carhart-Harris, Director of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, leads cutting-edge studies on psychedelics and their therapeutic benefits. He discusses the historical challenges faced in psychedelic research and the evolving understanding of their effects on mental health, including conditions like depression and addiction. Carhart-Harris reveals how psychedelics alter brain function, promote cognitive flexibility, and can lead to profound self-discoveries. He also addresses societal perceptions of psychedelics versus alcohol, advocating for a mindful approach to their use.
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Bicycle Day
- In 1943, Albert Hofmann intentionally ingested LSD, expecting a small effect due to the low dosage.
- His subsequent bike ride home, now known as "bicycle day", became infamous for his terrifying hallucinations and belief that he was dying.
Psychedelic Mechanism
- Classic psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin, primarily affect the serotonin 2A receptor in the brain.
- This receptor is concentrated in the cortex, the brain region associated with high-level functions such as imagination and self-awareness.
Entropic Brain
- The "entropic brain" theory suggests psychedelics increase the unpredictability of brain activity.
- This heightened entropy correlates with a richer, less predictable stream of consciousness.
