William James's 1902 study The Varieties of Religious Experience signalled a wider turn to experience evident both in popular culture and in the philosophy of religion throughout the 20th century, and continuing today. This interest in experience among westerners was partly shaped by growing awareness of Indian mysticism. Professor Carlisle's lecture will explore some philosophical questions about experience. It will focus on the story of the renowned south-Indian sage Ramana Maharshi, whose spiritual awakening or 'Self-realisation' is usually attributed to a "transformative experience" — an account Ramana himself contested. By examining the divergences between these two accounts, Professor Carlisle will consider the attractions and the pitfalls of the concept of religious experience.

Clare Carlisle is Professor of Philosophy at King's College London, and the author of eight books on philosophy and philosophers — including Spinoza, Kierkegaard and George Eliot. Her Gifford Lecture on life writing and philosophy, titled Transcendence for Beginners, were published in London by Fitzcarraldo Editions in 2025. While she was trained in European philosophy at Trinity College, Cambridge, Professor Carlisle also has a longstanding interest in Indian traditions. Her most recent publication, for example, is 'Spinoza and India: The Question of Influence.'

In the Chair: Dr Mark Vernon

Venue & Admission

18 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3ED

Doors open at 6.10 pm, lecture begins at 6.30 pm.

£10 General Admission

FREE for Temenos Academy Members/Full-time students with ID card