Abstract
In this article, I explore the viability of a shamanist ontology. Through the lens of the German philosopher Ludwig Klages (1872-1956), I will address the possibility of outlining the philosophical merits of shamanism. Klages was one of the last European philosophers to represent a tradition which took seriously altered states of consciousness. Klages opposed a destructive ‘Spirit’ (= Reason, Will) to a nourishing ‘Soul’ (=Life). His thinking can be called ‘psycho-philosophy’, insofar as it reconciles psychology and cosmology. Klages’ intellectual legacy – also the legacy of German Romanticism – has been entirely neglected (not refuted) in mainstream 20th and 21st philosophical and scientific thinking. In this article, I try to show that Klages’ philosophy not only accounts for deeper states of consciousness but also cohering ‘original images’. Taking up this account might allow for bridging gaps between philosophical thinking and shamanistic consciousness. I will also briefly address the shamanistic consciousness’s alleged liability to ‘pathology’. Unfortunately, Klages’ work has hardly been translated. Therefore, I translated crucial passages myself. Keywords: shamanism, ecstasy, inspiration, consciousness, soul
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.