CFP: Fourth UK Conference on Philosophy and Psychiatry Philosophical Issues in Psychedelic Drug Use

Submission deadline: February 28, 2017

Conference date(s):
October 5, 2017 - October 6, 2017

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Conference Venue:

Philosophy Special Interest Group, Royal College of Psychiatrists
London, United Kingdom

Topic areas

Details

CALL FOR PAPERS

 

FOURTH UK CONFERENCE ON PHILOSOPHY AND PSYCHIATRY

 

THURSDAY 5TH AND FRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2017

 

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS

21 PRESCOT STREET

LONDON E1 8BB

PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN PSYCHEDELIC DRUG USE 

There is a growing literature on the effects of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin on the brain.  There have been a number of recent high profile publications which have studied the nature of the LSD experience and accompanying changes in the brain revealed by functional neuroimaging.


There have been trials of treatment with these drugs in a range of conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, addictions and “existential anxiety” in terminally ill patients. It is likely that clinical use of these drugs will grow in the next few years.

A conference which looks at the philosophical and ethical issues arising from use of psychedelics is therefore timely.  The impact of these drugs on the brain also brings into focus important issues in the philosophy of mind.

Professor Roland Griffiths, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore and Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, Imperial College, London have kindly agreed to attend the conference as keynote speakers.

The conference is not confined to psychiatrists and is open to anyone with an academic, professional or personal interest in this area. We hope to bring together speakers from different backgrounds with the aim of promoting an eclectic, multi-professional approach to the topic of the conference.

We invite submissions under the following headings although this list is not exhaustive:

Mind-Brian Relationship.


Neuroimaging  studies that also examine subjective effects of psychedelic drugs are providing new insights into how changes in brain function can lead to the particular changes in emotional and cognitive experiences produced by these drugs. 

Treatment or Psychological Enhancement?

Administration of drugs such as Psilocybin and LSD can produce lasting improvements in emotional wellbeing. In some cases, these are still present more than a year after a single dose of drug.  It has been suggested that LSD creates a temporary “entropic state” in the brain.  As the acute effect wears off, this leads to modulation in the quality of cognition in the direction of increased flexibility.  It has been suggested that this might be conducive to improved psychological wellbeing and may explain why the drug can achieve benefits in patients.  What are the ethical concerns in allowing people to change themselves in this way? Are there any risks to individuals or society from this form of psychological enhancement?

Neuroscience and Phenomenology

The changes reported by experimental subjects who are given psychedelics include altered experiences of the self and the place of the individual in the wider scheme of things in ways that are felt to be positive and beneficial.  It may be that psychedelics offer a pharmacological ‘probe’ that could enhance our knowledge of how states of the brain relate to identity and its context.

 

Restrictions on the Use of Psychoactive Drugs

There is widespread concern in society about the non medical use of psychoactive drugs.  In response to this there are legal prohibitions and punishments applied to those who use and sell such substances.  The positive effects and rarity of serious adverse effects when drugs such as LSD and Psilocybin are used in controlled settings are well established. Is there a case for relaxation of legal restrictions on use? If so, how far should this go?

Spirituality and Neuroscience

The experiences quoted by users of LSD and other psychedelics are often similar to spiritual experiences which arise in other settings such as profound meditation and religious ecstasies.  Is spiritual experience no more than an illusion created by certain brain states? (Is nothing sacred?) Or is it possible that psychedelics do in fact allow their users access to realms of experience that are otherwise rarely disclosed? If so, is it possible to provide a naturalised, non-reductive account of spiritual experience?

Use in Forensic Settings

The impact of psychedelic drugs often includes an enduring sense of benevolence towards one’s fellow human beings.  These drugs have been occasionally (and controversially) used in the past in forensic populations. Is there potential to use psychedelics to ameliorate certain forms of criminality? Is this potential one that should be explored? If so, what ethical problems may arise and what constraints should be applied?

Others

Proposals in any other area related to the philosophy and clinical use of psychedelic drugs will be welcome.

Abstracts

 

Submissions for oral and poster presentations are invited. Speakers will have 30 minutes for their presentations. A summary no longer than one side of A4 should submitted to the conference organiser, Dr John Callender by 28th February 2017. Please submit by e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected]. Abstracts should include subject heading, contact details and information on academic or professional affiliations.

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