PT505 – Bicycle day Reflections, Quantum Mechanics, and the Value in Studying Philosophy to Understand Psychedelic Experiences, with Lenny Gibson, Ph.D.
Apr 19, 2024
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Lenny Gibson, Ph.D., shares insights on LSD experiences and the importance of philosophy in understanding psychedelics. Topics include the value of non-ordinary states, Albert Hofmann's discovery on Bicycle Day, the shift from Cartesian to quantum thinking, and the need for a holistic approach to reality. The discussion touches on the philosophical teachings of Plato and Whitehead, the novelty of LSD creation, and the influence of William James and John Dewey on education and philosophical thought.
Philosophy provides a framework for understanding mystical experiences with psychedelics.
Education needs a practical and conceptual approach to enrich perspectives on psychedelics and depth psychology.
Deep dives
Introduction of Lenny Gibson and Discussion on Bicycle Day
Lenny Gibson, a prominent figure in the field of breathwork, joins the podcast to discuss Bicycle Day, where they delve into the historical background of Albert Hoffman's LSD discovery. The conversation touches on the transformative power of LSD, shared experiences, and the origins of psychedelic exploration. Lenny reflects on how early encounters with substances like cannabis and LSD led to philosophical insights and a deeper engagement with thinkers like Plato and Alfred North Whitehead. The significance of cultural frameworks and historical education paths in shaping perspectives on psychedelics is also explored.
Insights on Education and Philosophical Perspectives
The discussion delves into the role of education, with a comparison drawn between John Dewey's pragmatic approach and William James' more holistic view. The exploration of James' homeschooling background and Dewey's adaptation to an evolving American university system highlights contrasting educational philosophies. The podcast emphasizes the importance of diverse educational frameworks in shaping critical thinking and philosophical perspectives towards topics like psychedelics and depth psychology. The rich history of American philosophical thought, from Jonathan Edwards to behavioral experimentation, underlines the diverse intellectual landscape guiding contemporary discussions.
Challenges and Potentials of Psychedelic Renaissance
The conversation navigates the promises and perils of the psychedelic renaissance, juxtaposing clinical psychiatric applications with spiritual and mystical explorations. Lenny underscores the potential dualities in the movement, cautioning against a purely monetary-driven approach to psychedelic medication. The blurred lines between psychiatric quantification and esoteric cultural understanding present a complex landscape fraught with challenges. The podcast reflects on the necessity of reconciling diverse perspectives and cultural histories to steer the psychedelic movement towards balanced and meaningful outcomes.
Dream Shadow and Breathwork
Lenny Gibson shares insights into Dream Shadow, a breathwork facilitation method developed with Elizabeth Gibson. Dream Shadow blends philosophy, lecture, and experiential exercises, offering a unique approach to applied philosophy. The podcast highlights Dream Shadow's aims to bridge conceptual engagement with experiential understanding, echoing Whitehead's notion of applying philosophy practically. Lenny's elucidation of intrinsic reality, value, and the essence of psychedelic experiences underscores the transformative potential of Dream Shadow and breathwork in navigating profound philosophical and experiential realms.
In this episode, Joe and Kyle interview Lenny Gibson, Ph.D.: philosopher, Grof-certified Holotropic Breathwork® facilitator, 20-year professor of transpersonal psychology at Burlington College, and the reason Joe and Kyle met many years ago.
He talks about his early LSD experiences and how his interest in the philosophy of Plato and Alfred North Whitehead provided a framework and language for understanding a new mystical world where time and space were abstractions. He believes that while culture sees the benefits of psychedelics in economic terms, the biggest takeaway from non-ordinary states is learning that value is the essence of everything. And as this is being released on Bicycle Day, he discusses Albert Hofmann’s discovery and whether or not it’s fair to say that Hofmann intentionally had the experience he did on that fateful day.
He also discusses:
The end of Cartesian thinking and the need for a new understanding of reality that incorporates the insights of quantum mechanics
How philosophy has been taught as an intellectual endeavor, and how we need to embrace the practical and conceptual side of life
John Dewey and quantitative thinking, William James and pragmatism, and was Aristotle a Platonist?
The novelty of the creation of LSD, and how it gave us a path to a mystical experience that wasn’t culturally bound