Abstract

The subject matter of this book is the exciting struggle of the Immanent One, who is All That There Is, to achieve ontological actuality in a mystical absorption of the collective human psyche and thereby triumph over the Transcendental Altogether Other in "a cosmic shootout at the OK Corral." And if this is none too clear, it is at least a fair sample of the kind of philosophical yellow journalese in which Braden couches his remarkable apocalyptic seizures. Matters of style aside, this is a shame. For Braden's concern is the religious significance and theological implications—if any—of the so-called "psychedelic" drugs. This problem, moreover, is an open and unfulfilled invitation to some serious philosophical exploration, especially in view of some of the value-laden and cognitive claims which have been made for these pharmacological oddities. Among the numerous errors of both logic and fact, one may discern here an argument to the effect that the way to theological enlightenment is barred by the rational scientific intellect, and that the world of ordinary perception and pragmatic morals is an illusion foisted upon us by the artificialities of "Aristotelian" logic and scientific method. Thus, true to its author's private revelation, Braden's argument is not conspicuous for its logical cogency; but the author seems blissfully unaware that, insofar as he tries to present an intelligible and logically convincing case, his book is refuted by its own thesis.—H. P. K.