Transformative Experience

Bibliographic Data

ID4079770
AuthorsDaniel Villiger (0000-0003-0851-624X, University of Zurich, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume19
Issue6
Publication date2024-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhilosophy Compass (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1747-9991 • E-ISSN: 1747-9991
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/phc3.13000
OpenAlexW4399381449
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited66

Since its publication in 2014, L. A. Paul's book Transformative Experience has sparked many discussions in philosophy and beyond. Her main argument is that experiences we have not had before can transform us epistemically (i.e., we learn something we could not learn without the experience) and personally (i.e., our point of view changes radically). This has implications for decision theory in particular, but also for other fields. The present paper provides an overview of how transformative experiences are thought to challenge rational choice and how authors have responded to this challenge (with a focus on the epistemic transformation). Furthermore, it also shows how the concept of transformative experience has been fruitful beyond the decision-theoretical context, with a particular focus on illness, medical treatment, and the ethical issues involved. Finally, the paper presents open questions in the literature on transformative experiences

Pedagogy · Sociology · Transformative learning · African cultural and philosophical studies · Cultural Differences and Values · Psychology · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access