Philosophical Research Society
3910 Los Feliz Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90027

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026

7PM - 8:30PM

Join us for an exploration of how humanity has pursued collective ecstasy throughout the ages.

'The Art of Losing Control' and The Pursuit of Ecstasy Throughout the Ages

In the AUDITORIUM

Frequent PRS presenter Dr. Fahad Siadat will share an overview of Jules Evans' book “The Art of Losing Control: A Philosopher's Search for Ecstatic Experience”, which offers a survey of how, and potentially why, humans seek transcendental experiences. Evans’ book explores art, music, meditation, psychedelics, and even nationalism and violence as avenues for achieving collective ecstasy.

Evans combines personal experience, interviews, and philosophy (from Plato to modern transhumanists) to investigate how people find meaning in "losing control” and looks at both the benefits and the dark side of these pursuits.

In addition to reviewing the primary concepts in the book, Siadat will share some of his own explorations of this topic and how they have manifested in his work as a performer and composer, in particular is newest work SAMĀ which will be presented at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica on March 6th and 7th.