The study of mystical experiences and Latour’s ontological turn

Toward a participatory approach

Bibliographic Data

ID21591766
AuthorsAndré Van Der Braak (0000-0003-3372-1886, Vrije Universiteit, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume39
Issue5
Pages1924-1950
Publication date2026-07-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhilosophical Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0951-5089 • E-ISSN: 1465-394X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09515089.2025.2506542
OpenAlexW4410715489
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited33

This article argues that Latour’s concepts of actor-networks and modes of existence make room for a different participatory approach to mystical experiences (MEs), as well as religious experience more broadly, that interprets them as participatory events rather than as the inner experiences of an isolated subject. This alternative Latourian approach to MEs neither assumes the a priori presence or absence of an ontological referent to those experiences, nor does it defer the ontological question. Section one gives a historical overview of the academic study of MEs, introducing the approaches of perennialism and constructivism. Section two lays out the various philosophical problems with both these approaches. Section three describes Latour’s notions of actor-networks and modes of existence. Two of his modes of existence, beings of transformation and beings of religion, will be further elucidated. The discussion will consider in which ways a participatory approach can make a difference in the academic study of MEs

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