Critical Evaluation of the Validity of Religious Experience ‎and Presentation of Patrick McNamara's Solutions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Faculty of Philosophy and Ethics, Baqir al-Olum University, ‎Qom, Iran (Corresponding Author).‎

2 MA student, Philosophy of Religion, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran.‎

Abstract

Religious experience, as one of the most prominent states and experiences of human beings, has drawn the attention of both philosophers and scientists due to the justificatory role it can play in the realm of religious beliefs. However, if not properly understood and assessed, it can lead to a form of extremism. Therefore, a precise definition and explanation of all understandings of religious experience will help us properly recognize and validate it. Neuroscientist Patrick McNamara has studied the process of religious experience with a new approach based on neuroscience, distinguishing it from other rival approaches. Grounded in the scientific method, his approach addresses crucial questions and challenges that have called into question the validity of such experiences and their role in justifying beliefs. Accordingly, in this article, we seek to properly understand the validity of religious experience, using McNamara's strategies to evaluate and critique it. We will gather materials from McNamara's scientific works and other research, applying rational and analytical methods for a thorough assessment. Finally, we will introduce rational, revelatory, and empirical proof as conditions for the validity of religious experience, emphasizing the limitations and inadequacy of a purely empirical method in appraising such spiritual entities.

Keywords

References

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Theosophia Islamica
Volume 5, Issue 1 - Serial Number 9
August 2025
Pages 259-288

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