1. Classical psychedelics primarily exert their effects via the serotonin system, which has been proposed to act like auxin in plant tropisms to orient us towards relevant sources of stimuli and integrate the mind, body, and outside world.
2. The involvement of serotonin in various aspects of animal life relates to a modern model of the Mind and can provide a distinctive opportunity for the mind and body to re-orient and re-adjust priorities, attitudes, attention, and behavior.
3. Psychedelic experience can lead to insight and changes in priorities and behavior, helping us better allocate our resources. Careful psychedelic provocation of the serotonin system may offer a unique opportunity for this type of transformation.
The article "Psychedelotropism - Serotonergic Origins of Luminous Experience" by Eric M. Fortier explores the relationship between the serotonin system and psychedelic experience. The author proposes that serotonin acts as a way to orient us towards relevant sources of stimuli, integrate the mind, body, and outside world, and re-orient our priorities, attitudes, attention, and behavior.
The article provides an overview of the evolution of the serotonin system and its roles in animal life. However, it fails to provide sufficient evidence for its claims about how serotonin is involved in all these aspects of animal life. The author also draws on cognitive, behavioral, and neuropsychological investigations with classical psychedelics to explore their effects in this context. However, some of these investigations are not well-supported or have limitations that are not acknowledged.
The article presents a biased perspective on psychedelic experience as a positive force for change without acknowledging potential risks or negative outcomes. It also promotes the use of psychedelics without providing adequate information about safety precautions or potential adverse effects.
Overall, while the article raises interesting questions about the role of serotonin in psychedelic experience, it lacks sufficient evidence to support its claims and presents a biased perspective on the topic. Readers should approach this article with caution and seek out additional sources to gain a more balanced understanding of the subject matter.