Harvard is creating a new Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture.
The study will be an interdisciplinary endeavor across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Divinity School. The goal is to “transform the psychedelics research landscape by producing cutting-edge scholarship and convening faculty, students, and experts to engage in discussion around their far-reaching implications.”
Former Tesla director Antonio Gracias made this move possible by donating $16 million to Harvard to study psychedelics in society and culture. According to Harvard’s press release, the Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture will take a holistic view of this research, including humanism, law, policy, ethics, religion and spirituality, the nature of consciousness, and art and literature.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring students, faculty, and researchers together around the important issue of how psychedelics impact our society,” said Robin Kelsey, Dean of Arts and Humanities.
Michael Pollan, psychedelic advocate and professor at Harvard’s Creative Writing program “This is a visionary gift, in that it is the first to take the so-called psychedelic renaissance beyond medicine, by recognizing the importance of the humanities in exploring the impact and potential of these remarkable substances.”
Quotes taken from Harvard’s full announcement, found here
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