5 ms·

What is the "spiritual effect" of cancer? And just how do you believe that psychedelics "could bring remission to [cancer's] physical manifestation"?

by eivarv 11y ago

omarchowdhury 11y ago
A spiritual effect of cancer is it reminds the organism of its impermanence. We walk on earth without acknowledging the true significance of impermanence, but of course, it does not necessarily need to take to something as earth shattering as cancer to remind oneself of impermanence. As far as remission, OP could be alluding to 'mind over matter', etc. I could say more, but skeptics gonna skeptic. In these matters there are usually opposing sides which never meet in the middle. One side emphasizing the importance of direct experience and the other side first demanding proofs of that experience before themselves exploring (as if certainty is communicable), a fear based reaction to not simply plunge into the unknown and see beyond recurrent thinking.
- eivarv 11y ago
  I fail to see how what you're describing can be distinguished from a psychological effect. I don't think anyone disputes the fact that (summed up and oversimplified) attitude matters; but it's not as if attitude matters to the extent that it is more important than the cancer processes themselves. I don't think it's quite as you describe though; the side demanding proofs do emphasize experience (which is what empiricism is built upon), but it demands a certain standard (which is what skepticism is about). Not being so generous towards the other "side", I would suggest that it has a problem with regards to bothering with metacognition, as its sympathizers are often more occupied with speculation and imagination - running their mouths, rather than ensuring that what they say makes any sense. While the adventurous streak in the "experience side" is somewhat admirable, it simply isn't up to par with regards to (standards for) credible claims of truth and knowledge - not to mention that the approach of mindlessly plunging into every unknown might lead to certain death in some cases.
DanBC 11y ago
Having cancer fucking sucks. Taking psychedelics might help it suck less.
- kleer001 11y ago
  From what I understand they do help with the anxiety of end of life care. What I think happens is that you take mushrooms/LSD for the first time in that condition and then you fully realize the size and scope of yourself and the universe, and get the giggles, and everything's a little easier to take. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-psychedelic-drugs-can-help-patients-face-death.html?_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-psychedelic-d...

What is the "spiritual effect" of cancer? And just how do you believe that psychedelics "could bring remission to [cancer's] physical manifestation"?

by eivarv 11y ago

What is the "spiritual effect" of cancer? And just how do you believe that psychedelics "could bring remission to [cancer's] physical manifestation"?

omarchowdhury 11y ago

A spiritual effect of cancer is it reminds the organism of its impermanence. We walk on earth without acknowledging the true significance of impermanence, but of course, it does not necessarily need to take to something as earth shattering as cancer to remind oneself of impermanence. As far as remission, OP could be alluding to 'mind over matter', etc. I could say more, but skeptics gonna skeptic. In these matters there are usually opposing sides which never meet in the middle. One side emphasizing the importance of direct experience and the other side first demanding proofs of that experience before themselves exploring (as if certainty is communicable), a fear based reaction to not simply plunge into the unknown and see beyond recurrent thinking.

eivarv 11y ago
I fail to see how what you're describing can be distinguished from a psychological effect. I don't think anyone disputes the fact that (summed up and oversimplified) attitude matters; but it's not as if attitude matters to the extent that it is more important than the cancer processes themselves. I don't think it's quite as you describe though; the side demanding proofs do emphasize experience (which is what empiricism is built upon), but it demands a certain standard (which is what skepticism is about). Not being so generous towards the other "side", I would suggest that it has a problem with regards to bothering with metacognition, as its sympathizers are often more occupied with speculation and imagination - running their mouths, rather than ensuring that what they say makes any sense. While the adventurous streak in the "experience side" is somewhat admirable, it simply isn't up to par with regards to (standards for) credible claims of truth and knowledge - not to mention that the approach of mindlessly plunging into every unknown might lead to certain death in some cases.

DanBC 11y ago

Having cancer fucking sucks. Taking psychedelics might help it suck less.

kleer001 11y ago
From what I understand they do help with the anxiety of end of life care. What I think happens is that you take mushrooms/LSD for the first time in that condition and then you fully realize the size and scope of yourself and the universe, and get the giggles, and everything's a little easier to take. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-psychedelic-drugs-can-help-patients-face-death.html?_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-psychedelic-d...