What mysticism would mean to a postmetaphysical culture?

Abstract

This paper proposes some general and preliminary reflections on the expression “mysticism” and its relation to secular philosophy and culture. First, it is considered how the polysemy of this term affects the comprehension and valuing of the alleged experience or experiences denoted by the term. Regarding this, the essential, phenomenological features of a specific type of mystical experience (“non-dual”), commonly studied in the phenomenology of religion, are widened and made explicit. Secondly, the alleged scope
”“ epistemic, metaphysical and moral ”“ usually attributed to this type of mystical experience, as well as other types, is criticized. Consequently, at least one of the meanings of this term is clarified and delimited, aiming at a more balanced understanding and appreciation ”“ avoiding idealisms and reductionisms, not properly supported by phenomenological analysis. In this way, the cultural relevance, and, even more, the vital significance of this word can be shown for a world subjected to a process of secularization and post-metaphysical transformation.