Pharmakon genealogy and philosophical uses of psychedelic substances

Abstract

The objective of this research is to provide the theoretical framework and methodology to develop a genealogy of pharmakon, primarily focused on the cultural uses that psychedelic substances have had throughout history. The development of this genealogy will allow us to explain the configuration of the pharmacratic regimes that have sustained the politics of prohibition and the relations of domination derived from the triad of knowledge-power-truth. Based on the works developed by Friedrich Nietzsche and Michel Foucault, we will examine an area that has been explored minor in philosophy and psychedelic studies. Another fundamental objective is to explain clearly the possible philosophical uses of psychedelic substances since the current process of globalization, also called the "psychedelic renaissance," privileges medical or religious uses, which are linked to disciplinary institutions such as hospitals and churches. This genealogy also intends to deepen the pharmakon, which could be understood as a philosophical principle.