31 October 2024 , 17:00 - 18:30

Lecture Series on Psychedelics: Brian Earp (Singapore)

“Psychedelics, Ethics, and Love” (hybrid event, join via Zoom)

Video:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/62816751995

Venue in person:
HU Berlin, Institute of Theoretical Biology
Campus Nord
Ostertaghaus, House 4, Lecture Hall 4 (1st floor)
Philippstraße 12
Berlin 10115
https://philevents.org/event/show/128234

Abstract:  Most current research on psychedelics focuses on the benefits and risks for individuals, for example in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But psychedelics also have implications for relationships, including close, loving relationships between romantic partners, as emphasised in this talk. The talk will briefly review the small amount of scientific research on couple-level psychedelic-assisted therapies before turning to important ethical, social, and philosophical concerns that these types of therapies raise. For example, how should power dynamics between the couple be assessed and addressed? Can a couple give valid informed consent to a potentially mutually-transformative experience? What are the implications of drug-assisted interventions for the authenticity and durability of a couple’s love? Are we ready, as a society, to talk about potential real-world “love drugs”?

Brian Earp is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Ethics at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as well as a Research Affiliate of the Uehiro Oxford Institute of the University of Oxford.