Transpersonal psychology, science, and the supernatural

Abstract

This article critically discusses the scientific status of transpersonal psychology and its relation to so-called supernatural claims. In particular, analysis focuses on Friedman's (2002, 2013a) proposed division of labor between a "scientific" transpersonal psychology and "nonscientific" transpersonal studies. This paper demonstrates that despite Friedman's aim to detach transpersonal psychology from any particular metaphysical worldview, turning the field into a modern scientific discipline effectively binds transpersonal psychology to a naturalistic metaphysical worldview that is hostile to most spiritual knowledge claims. After identifying several problems with Friedman's account of science and neo-Kantian skepticism about "supernatural" factors in spiritual events, this paper introduces the perspective of a participatory metaphysical pluralism and considers the challenge of shared spiritual visions for scientific naturalism. Finally, a participatory research program is outlined that bridges the naturalistic/supernaturalistic split by embracing a more liberal or open naturalism—one that is receptive to both the ontological integrity of spiritual referents and the plausibility of subtle dimensions of reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Transpersonal Psychology is the property of Association for Transpersonal Psychology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)