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Nonordinary Consciousness
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:27
Abstract
Covers research on nonordinary states of consciousness (dreaming, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, rhythm-induced trance, advanced meditation, deathbed visions, near-death experiences, psychedelics). Implications for mental health are also considered. All contributions will also be reflected from the viewpoint of the humanities and psychology.
Objective
The overall objective is to provide the students with a comprehensive and substantiated introduction to nonordinary consciousness and its potential, and to also comprehensively embed this in a reflection from a humanities/psychology viewpoint.
Content
The nonordinary state of consciousness (NSC) is a state of consciousness that differs in basic ways from ordinary state of consciousness (OSC, everyday consciousness). This state can be occasioned by psychological/psychosomatic means or by psychopharmacological means, and may manifest with strong psychological experiences at the perceptual (e.g, visions), cognitive (e.g, very clear or disrupted thought), affective (e.g, deep bliss or despair), volitional (e.g., being vs. not being in control), and somesthetic (e.g, changed body scheme) level. This course covers the occurrence of nonordinary consciousness in the following contexts: dreaming, hypnosis, sensory deprivation (floating tank), rhythm-induced (shamanic) trance, (advanced) meditation, deathbed visions, near-death experiences, classic psychedelics (such as psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, and LSD), dissociative psychedelics (ketamine), and entactogenic/empathogenic psychedelics (MDMA). The psychedelic studies treated in this course that involve humans focus on controlled and ethically approved studies where these substances are administered to medically screened, prepared, and supported participants. Private/illicit use of psychedelics is not a topic of this course. This course also covers the health potential of nonordinary states of consciousness by showing how more and more studies indicate that the experience of a nonordinary state of consciousness (in healthy individuals and patients) can be associated with an increase in subjective well-being.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Nonordinary Consciousness |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )