The concept of the altered states of consciousness and its problematic nature

Psychology

Authors

  • Alexander I. Muss Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
  • Dariya V. Vovk Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
  • Alexandra V. Mikhailova Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
  • Yulia A. Chicherina Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
  • Alena A. Kirsanova Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17072/2078-7898/2023-1-71-83%20

Keywords:

psychophysiology, the problem of consciousness, mental states, altered states of consciousness (ASC), key characteristics of altered states of consciousness

Abstract

The study of altered states of consciousness as a group of similar phenomena began about 60 years ago, and is now a significant part of contemporary studies of consciousness. Since the definition of consciousness remains a problem for modern science, this article raises the question of how to understand altered states of consciousness (ASC) without solving the problem of consciousness itself. This understanding becomes possible via the problematization of the philosophical concept of ASC: do we use it to describe one phenomenon, a group of similar, or rather different phenomena? In other words, the question is whether the concept of altered states of consciousness is just an «umbrella concept» or all these states have something in common. Answers to these questions could be found through searching for key characteristics that are common to all conditions related to altered states of consciousness. To solve this problem, we provide two possible solutions: 1) to find and examine the parameter characterizing ASC in terms of their novelty and uniqueness; 2) to find characteristics common to different ASC in their descriptions taken from various theories. The first solution involves using the data on the orienting reflex, while the second way leads us to distinguishing at least three parameters: 1) emotional evaluation, 2) activation, and 3) the content and structure of speech. These solutions could be verified empirically, and future research is expected to broaden our knowledge about altered states of consciousness.

Author Biographies

Alexander I. Muss , Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia

Candidate of Psychology, Senior Lecturer of the Department of General Psychology

Dariya V. Vovk , Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia

Clinical Psychology Student

Alexandra V. Mikhailova , Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia

Clinical Psychology Student

Yulia A. Chicherina , Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia

Psychology Student

Alena A. Kirsanova , Saint Petersburg State University, 7–9, Universitetskaya emb., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia

Psychology Student

References

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Xygalatas, D., Khan, S., Lang, M., Kundt, R. et al. (2019). Effects of extreme ritual practices on psychophysiological well-being. Current Anthropology. Vol. 60, iss. 5, pp. 699–707. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/705665

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