Lysergamides Is it Right to think of LSD as Technology?

[*Love*Lite*]

I found a definition... there are MANY of technology:

Technology- 1. Human innovation in action that involves the generation of knowledge and processes to develop systems that solve problems and extend human capabilities; 2. The innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment to satisfy perceived human needs and wants.

I would say that by this definition LSD is certainly a technology. I like to think of it as a tool for the mind and soul. Now many non psychedelic minded people would probably argue that its "just a drug" but I think to truly understand its capabilities as a technology for the mind you must experience it first hand.

Really interesting discussion GP Way to go!

 

[Roger&Me]

I would definitely say that LSD is technology. Its the perfect key to our 5HT2A receptors; a tool that allows us to make neuronal connections that mankind never dreamed possible. LSD

 

[malakaix]

Yes.

I've always thought of the human mind as a super computer, the ego as the operator and LSD as the piece of software.

 

[ikkyu]

Yes. Technology as a label does not need to be restricted to computers and machines; it's a much broader concept than that if you look at its root (Gr. τέχνη: "craft"). Plotinus rightly considered medicine a form of τέχνη, and I think many of us would consider LSD a kind of medicine. But here Plotinus probably used the word φαρμακος, which more ambiguously implies both poison and medicine and which, I think, is a more accurate label for the effects LSD can impart.
On the other hand you could also look at drugs themselves as kinds of machines that perform specific pharmacological functions in the human bodies that ingest them, and in that sense they could fit the narrower, more widely accepted definition of technology as well. And a few others have mentioned that regardless of all of this, many of us use LSD as a tool for some desired end or another.

[...]perhaps you could construe aspects of language as technology (the recursive representations found within the mind of a language user for instance may accurately fit within the extension of the term technology)...

I wouldn't mistake the recursive representation feature of most languages as a technology because there exists at least one example of a language (Pirahã) that lacks recursion or "true" embedded structures. Does this make the Pirahã language not a technology? I don't think it's that simple, and like SwingBreed I consider symbolic activity on the whole (basically culture, including language and not just its isolated aspects) a form of technology.

Very interesting topic!

Edit: for those who voted 'no' I'd be interested in reading why you think so!

 

[bellow]

Technology - the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.

I'll say yes.

 

[Riemann Zeta]

Of course LSD is technology, it was engineered in a lab as all chemicals were.

I would actually consider something like ayahuasca to be technology--it was one of the first great achievements in applied pharmacology. That is, we gained the knowledge of using another chemical to activate the otherwise inactive DMT; by using the (natural product) MAO-A inhibitor as a tool, we made it a (primitive) technological 'device.'

 

[Chemical Wizard]

Telescope for the sky
Microscope for the petri dish
LSD for the mind

Sure is technology if you ask me

 

[delta_9]

I would actually consider something like ayahuasca to be technology--it was one of the first great achievements in applied pharmacology. That is, we gained the knowledge of using another chemical to activate the otherwise inactive DMT; by using the (natural product) MAO-A inhibitor as a tool, we made it a (primitive) technological 'device.'

I agree with this 100%.

"One wonders how peoples in primitive societies, with no knowledge of chemistry or physiology, ever hit upon a solution to the activation of an alkaloid by a monoamine oxidase inhibitor"
--Richard Evans Schultes

 

[*Love*Lite*]

^^ well given that I think that can we call ALL psychedelics technology?? Why just LSD here guys?

 

[delta_9]

^Well for one thing, lsd's existance came about through technology(ie organic chemistry). Some psychedelics exist already in nature, like psilocin for example. So in this sense, lsd is obviously more technological.

 

[*Love*Lite*]

I think the Shulgins would not be so happy that you said that.... but I know what you mean.

^ AWWW

 

[delta_9]

Why? What's wrong with what I said? Some psychedelics do exist in nature while others clearly do not. Lsd has it's roots in nature(ergot alkaloids), but the molecule itself is synthetic, well, semisynthetic actually.
Psychedelics like psilocin, mescaline, ibogaine, ect already exist in nature and need not even be extracted in order for one to use them. Looking at it this way, lsd and other (semi)synthetic compounds involve more technology in their production/use. I'm not saying natural psychedelics aren't "technology", just a different kind.

 

[*Love*Lite*]

Nothing wrong delta just remember that other psychs were created using technology too... and I found that pic of the Shulgins and couldnt resist :D
Peace Brother

 

[delta_9]

They are adorable.

 

[aberrant]

Telescope for the sky
Microscope for the petri dish
LSD for the mind

Sure is technology if you ask me

Fan of Watts?

 

[Propyl Power]

Over the last few decades, the concept of technology has become freighted with much cultural baggage, to the point where describing any psychedelic as 'technology' sits uncomfortably with me...

But looking back to the Greek root "techne", which is usually translated as "craft" or "art", and implies the technique or artistic method through which one produces or accomplishes something. It is applied understanding, poetry in motion - often opposed to episteme, which is a passive mode of knowledge.

In that broad sense, then yes, psychedelics are absolutely technologies.

But that is not all that they are...

I guess what makes me uncomfortable is that approaching a psych as a mere 'technology' may for some people encourage a more 'utilitarian' attitude when deeper & richer forms of relationships with these allies are possible - and necessitated once a certain level of involvement is attained.

EDIT: ikkyu already mentioned the root techne, didn't see that

 

[nativenick]

interesting question ive never really thought about it but i guess it is. technology is essentially man trying to create things that imitate nature . so yeah.



psylocibin mushrooms, mescaline, lsa natural - to lsd and several other synthetic tryptamines and phenethylmaines synthetic and in a way technology

 

[-neptune-]

LSD = neurotechnology.

 

[tails]

Ok, I voted.

Why is this relevant and how is this thread not just a silly argument of semantics?

 

[*Love*Lite*]

Ok, I voted.

Why is this relevant and how is this thread not just a silly argument of semantics?

Intelligent conversations are never just silly arguments or semantics...

Reasons this thread is relevant:
1. Because GP started it... duh
2. Because this is PD and we like to have silly arguments when we please
3. Because thinking of LSD as something other than a drug is an INTERESTING TOPIC.
4. Its relevant because you question its relevancy.
5. Because i say so %)

Now dont make me come back and give you 5 more reasons... cuz I will... oh I will.