Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to engage in a philosophic inquiry into Cosmic Consciousness, written by Dr. Richard Bucke. But, ancillary to this activity is a purpose: an endeavor to ascertain the nature of a mystical experience. ;There are nine chapters in this work: some are expository in nature and others critical, to a large degree; yet others are mixed--being expository, critical, and even speculative. The early chapters are structured to correspond, for the most part, to Bucke's book. But, the later chapters are not so connected; they are free-ranging and loosely structured, although relevant to philosophic mysticism. ;Chapter I deals primarily with the life of the author of Cosmic Consciousness, R. M. Bucke. Secondarily, it places the book alongside several other books of relevant import. ;Chapter II gives Bucke's account of the evolution of human consciousness, up to the point of self consciousness. ;Chapter III deals with evolution from the stage of self consciousness to the attainment of cosmic consciousness. ;Chapter IV presents two instances of cosmic consciousness, viz., St. Paul and Walt Whitman. ;Chapter V treats of the nature of cosmic consciousness: i.e., it shows its chief characteristics. ;Chapter VI discusses some metaphysical and logical issues of mysticism. ;Chapter VII exposes some psychological and moral problems, arising from mysticism. ;Chapter VIII looks critically and speculatively, at some of Bucke's beliefs, as evidenced in Cosmic Consciousness, and some of the questions that arise therefrom. ;Chapter IX is a selective discussion of cosmic consciousness, in the framework of Bucke's presentation and evolution; this will be tied to a view of rationality and to a conception of philosophic mysticism