Leary–Lettvin debate

Leary–Lettvin debate refers to a public confrontation that took place in 1967 between Timothy Leary, a psychologist and advocate for psychedelic drugs, and Jerome Lettvin, a neurophysiologist and critic of Leary's views. The debate was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was a significant event in the history of the 1960s counterculture.

Background

Timothy Leary was a psychologist who had been conducting research on psychedelic drugs at Harvard University until his dismissal in 1963. He became a prominent advocate for the use of these substances, arguing that they could be used to expand consciousness and achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Jerome Lettvin was a neurophysiologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was a critic of Leary's views, arguing that the use of psychedelic drugs was dangerous and could lead to mental health problems.

The Debate

The Leary–Lettvin debate took place at MIT in 1967. The event was attended by a large audience, reflecting the intense public interest in the issue of psychedelic drug use at the time. Leary argued that the use of these substances could lead to a new form of consciousness, while Lettvin countered that they were dangerous and could lead to mental health problems.

Aftermath

The Leary–Lettvin debate was a significant event in the history of the 1960s counterculture. It highlighted the deep divisions in society over the issue of psychedelic drug use, and the debate continues to be studied by scholars interested in the history of this period.

See also

• History of LSD
• Psychedelic era
• Counterculture of the 1960s

References

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