An Analysis of the Possibility of Reconstructing Mystical Experiences through Virtual Reality Technology within the Framework of Neo-Sadrian Philosophy
Subject Areas : Islamic theologyMahdavi Nour Seyyed Hatam 1 * , Sima Rahmani 2
1 -
2 - گروه معارف، واحد تهران غرب، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
Keywords: Virtual Reality, Mystical Experience, Presential Knowledge, Neo-Sadrian Philosophy, Unity of the Intellect and the Intelligible.,
Abstract :
This interdisciplinary study investigates the potential for reconstructing mystical experiences within virtual reality (VR) environments from the perspective of Neo-Sadrian philosophy. While prior research has predominantly focused on psychological dimensions of this phenomenon, the present article introduces a novel philosophical analysis grounded in the concepts of "presential knowledge" (al-ʿilm al-ḥuḍūrī) and the "unity of the intellect and the intelligible" (ittiḥād al-ʿāqil wa-l-maʿqūl) as articulated in Transcendent Theosophy (al-ḥikma al-mutaʿāliya). The findings demonstrate that although VR technology can effectively simulate phenomenological aspects of mystical experiences — such as feelings of cosmic unity and transcendence — significant epistemological challenges remain from a Neo-Sadrian perspective, particularly concerning the ontological nature of presential knowledge. The study employs an analytical-descriptive methodology, synthesizing empirical evidence with philosophical foundations, thereby paving the way for therapeutic applications of this technology in spiritually-oriented interventions.
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