Richard H. Jones is the author of several books, including Philosophy of Mysticism: Raids on the Ineffable and Mystery 101: Introduction to the Big Questions and the Limits of Human Knowledge, both published by SUNY Press.

"The volume provides a groundwork for mystical studies and offers a variety of perspectives on the interpretations and debates that animate the field, along with essential terminology, labels, and categories … The pleasure of this book lies in its clear and concise explanations of abstract and complex ideas." — Reading Religion"Written in an accessible style to those new to the subject, it covers all the main areas and issues that naturally arise when attempting to study and explain what mysticism is … Jones does all of this fairly, intelligently, and with a control of the large literature that exists on these matters. This is a book for all who study religion and philosophy." — CHOICE

• Preface1. What Is Mysticism?2. Types of Mystical Experiences3. Mystical Paths4. The Diversity of Mystical Knowledge-Claims5. The Interaction of Experience and Culture in Mystical Knowledge6. Approaches in the Study of Mysticism7. Themes in the History of Mysticism8. Psychological, Sociological, and Cultural Approaches to Mysticism9. The Scientific Study of Mystical Experiences10. The Relation of Mysticism and Science11. Are Mystical Experiences Cognitive?12. Mysticism and Language13. Mysticism and Morality14. Comparative Approaches to Mysticism15. Theological Approaches to Comparative Mysticism16. The Importance in Studying Mysticism TodayNotesReferences and Further ReadingIndex

Richard H. Jones is the author of several books, including Philosophy of Mysticism: Raids on the Ineffable and Mystery 101: Introduction to the Big Questions and the Limits of Human Knowledge, both published by SUNY Press.

"The volume provides a groundwork for mystical studies and offers a variety of perspectives on the interpretations and debates that animate the field, along with essential terminology, labels, and categories … The pleasure of this book lies in its clear and concise explanations of abstract and complex ideas." — Reading Religion"Written in an accessible style to those new to the subject, it covers all the main areas and issues that naturally arise when attempting to study and explain what mysticism is … Jones does all of this fairly, intelligently, and with a control of the large literature that exists on these matters. This is a book for all who study religion and philosophy." — CHOICE

• Preface1. What Is Mysticism?2. Types of Mystical Experiences3. Mystical Paths4. The Diversity of Mystical Knowledge-Claims5. The Interaction of Experience and Culture in Mystical Knowledge6. Approaches in the Study of Mysticism7. Themes in the History of Mysticism8. Psychological, Sociological, and Cultural Approaches to Mysticism9. The Scientific Study of Mystical Experiences10. The Relation of Mysticism and Science11. Are Mystical Experiences Cognitive?12. Mysticism and Language13. Mysticism and Morality14. Comparative Approaches to Mysticism15. Theological Approaches to Comparative Mysticism16. The Importance in Studying Mysticism TodayNotesReferences and Further ReadingIndex