Inquiry into phenomenology of mystical experiences: a defense of the perceptual model

Ksenija Puškarić - Izvorni znanstveni članak

Rasprava o fenomenologiji mističnih iskustava: obrana perceptualnog modela

Abstract
This paper explores the phenomenology of mystical experiences and its philosophical implications. The focus will be on defending Alston’s view that there are perceptual kinds of mystical experiences, a view that has been historically prominent. In Christian mystical tradition the most influential discussions on spiritual senses were led by Origen and respected theologians like Karl Rahner and Hans Urs von Balthasar. The question of phenomenal qualities of such experiences will be discussed, as well as the role of emotions in mystical cognition. In addressing the problem of inter-subjective confirmation and articulation of such largely ineffable experiences, it will be argued that analytical methods are limited, but this is not philosophically problematic. The conclusion affirms the thesis that mystical experiences of the holy and infinite resemble sensory perception in its essential features.

Sažetak
Ovaj tekst bavi se fenomenologijom mističnih iskustava. Po uzoru na Williama Alstona koji je teorijski slijedio kršćansku mističnu tradiciju o duhovnim osjetilima počevši od Origena do teologa poput Karla Rahnera i Hansa Ursa von Balthasara – brani se stav da su neka mistična iskustva nalik osjetilnoj percepciji. U ovom kontekstu razmatra se uloga emocija u mističnom iskustvu i spoznaji. Diskutira se problem intersubjektivne verifikacije subjektivnih i često riječima neopisivih mističnih iskustava, te se brani teza da ograničenost analitičko-filozofskog pristupa ovom fenomenu nije filozofski problem.