German philosopher and theologian Rudolf Otto (1869-1937) coined the term “numinous” and described numinous religious experience in his influential 1917 book "The Idea of the Holy." This essay introduces Otto’s theory.
Tag: mysticism
William James on Mystical Experience
William James is considered the first philosopher of mysticism. This essay introduces James’ views on mystical experience.
Philosophy of Mysticism: Do Mystical Experiences Justify Religious Beliefs?
Mysticism refers to religious traditions devoted to cultivating altered states of consciousness called “mystical experiences.” This essay reviews philosophical attempts to define mystical experience as well as arguments about whether mystical experiences justify religious beliefs.