Revealing the Mind: The Promise of Psychedelics

Nearly every culture throughout history has used chemicals that alter consciousness for spiritual exploration. In the 20th century these drugs caught the attention of scientists. Psychedelics, as they were named, proved effective at treating intractable illnesses like depression and addiction. And they became a tool for studying the mind, opening “the doors of perception,” as Aldous Huxley wrote. But those doors slammed shut when President Nixon declared psychedelics dangerous and medically useless. Join scientists and “psychonauts” who are now picking up where research left off 50 years ago, experimenting with LSD, psilocybin, DMT and other psychedelics to heal—and reveal—the mind.

The Big Ideas Series is supported in part by the John Templeton Foundation.

PARTICIPANTS: Alison Gopnik, Eduardo Kohn, Stephen Ross, Anil Seth

MODERATOR: Emily Senay

MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND
PARTICIPANTS: https://www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/revealing-the-mind-the-promise-of-psychedelics/

TOPICS


PROGRAM CREDITS
- Produced by Nils Kongshaug
- Associate Produced by Emmalina Glinskis
- Short films produced / edited by Vin Liota
- Music provided by APM
- Additional images and footage provided by: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Videoblocks
- Recorded at NYU Skirball Center

This program is part of the BIG IDEAS SERIES, made possible with support from the JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION.

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