Psychedelics & Consciousness: Philosophical Mysteries of the Mind with Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes

Philosophical Mysteries of the Mind

“Psychedelics are catalysts for a deeper understanding of the mind and consciousness.”

– Stanislav Grof

In this talk, philosopher Dr. Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes will explore the long-standing question, “What is consciousness?” considering everything from the brain and body to nature, computers, and the cosmos. He will enframe this mind-matter mystery through the lens of psychedelic experiences and common metaphysical occurrences. 

The psychedelic state can relate to core  philosophical concepts, whether it be an aliveness of nature (animism), transcending realms (platonia), or encountering God. Through this talk and discussion, Peter will delve into these ideas, opening up horizons to a deeper understanding of our mind and reality at large. 

The doors will open at 7:00 pm, and the talk will begin promptly at 7:15 pm, followed by a Q&A session. There will be time after the event to connect with other curious beings, interested in psychedelics and the mind. Feel free to bring your own drinks. 

About Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes

Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes is a Philosopher of Mind and Metaphysics who specializes in fields pertaining to panpsychism, pantheism, mental causation, and altered states of consciousness through thinkers such as Whitehead, Spinoza, Nietzsche, and Bergson. Peter is a lecturer at The University of Exeter, where he is a lead on the postgraduate courses in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture. He is co-director of Europe’s largest psychedelics conference, Breaking Convention, and the author of Noumenautics (2015), Modes of Sentience (2021), co-editor and contributor of Bloomsbury’s Philosophy and Psychedelics (2022), and Strange Attractor’s Breaking Convention: Musings and Meditations on Psychedelia (2025) – alongside numerous articles. As well as the TEDx Talker on ‘psychedelics and consciousness’, and speaker on the BBC’s show ‘The Trip’, Peter is an inspiration to the recreation ofthe  inhuman philosopher Marvel Superhero, Karnak.

About the Venue: The People's Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC)

The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft is a community enterprise that holds the philosophy of a new economy close at heart.

Located on Jamaica Street in Stokes Croft - the cultural heart of Bristol - the PRSC space has been extensively used by artists, reformists and organisations bringing to light and campaigning for social justice. 

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