Altering Consciousness: Multidisciplinary Perspectives [2 volumes]

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This authoritative, multidisciplinary overview of altered states of consciousness (ASC) shows how their study is necessary to gain a fundamental understanding of human culture, history, and biology. Altered consciousness is one of humanity's most mystical and life-altering aspects. These remarkable changes in mental state have understandably been a topic of general interest and scientific inquiry across time. Beyond simply satisfying our curiosity, however, studies focused upon altered consciousness can also bring valuable insights into our experience, biology, and culture. This unprecedented two-volume set will intrigue anyone interested in psychology, biology and neurology, science, history, arts and the humanities, and literature on consciousness, from general readers to scholars and researchers. An impressive collection of international contributors address altered states of consciousness from the perspectives of history, evolution, psychology, culture, literature, human biology, contemporary science, and society, seeking to illuminate the causes, effects, and meanings of altered consciousness. The first volume provides an introduction and centers on the importance of altered states in history, culture, and the humanities, while the second volume presents biological and psychological perspectives on altered consciousness and examines their potential for healing and pathology.

Reviews

Cardea and Winkelman have produced two valuable collections on non-ordinary states of consciousness . . . There is much to learn here: no serious scholar of consciousness should be without these volumes on their shelf. * Journal of Consciousness Studies *
In summary, Altering Consciousness: Multidisciplinary Perspectives edited by Cardea and Winkelman provides an invaluable resource for the professional engaged in research, teaching, or clinical work on consciousness, altered states, hypnosis, dreams, shamanic healing, and a variety of other areas. The work is definitive, setting a new standard for research by clarifying concepts and paradigms; comprehensive, touching on research across the broad spectrum of the humanities, the arts, and the sciences; and relevant, guiding the reader to the scientific and existential importance of current research on consciousness. I recommend this book as a must read for the professional, a must buy for the library, and a must read for the graduate student. My compliments to Cardea and Winkelman for assembling this vast crew and bringing the book to press. * PsycCRITIQUES *
Each essay includes excellent references; the set as a whole has an outstanding bibliography that covers the vast array of topics related to ASC. Skeptics are likely to be dismissive of this endeavor, but ASC research remains important, and a scholarly treatment is welcome. Summing up: Recommended. * Choice *
These two very rich volumes are now necessary for anyone conducting research on the history of consciousness and its alterations. It remains a difficult topic, but these volumes will prove to be of great value for decades to come. * Religious Studies Review *

Author Bio

Etzel Cardea, PhD, holds the endowed Thorsen Chair of Psychology at Lund University, Lund, Sweden. Michael Winkelman, MPH, PhD, retired from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, in 2009 and currently lives in the central highlands of Brazil where he is developing permaculture-based intentional communities.