Dr. John Vervaeke

 This conversation marks the beginning of a deeper inquiry for Dr. John Vervaeke: What if pilgrimage is not a retreat from the world, but a return to what is most real? Joined by Ethan Hsieh, John explicates his intent to preregister his intellectual and philosophical orientation before beginning his metaphorical pilgrimage. Drawing on parallels with psychology's preregistration practice, John's aim is to document his internal state at various stages of his journey. The conversation delves deep into the concepts of theoria, theophany, and theosis, advocating for a pilgrimage that is not merely a lecture series but a 'meta-noetic passage.' The dialogue anticipates John's encounters with historical figures, sages, and the individuals who embody and interpret their legacy. John expresses his openness to how these encounters might transform him, acknowledging the potential psychological and physiological challenges involved. The dialogue also touches upon themes of the imaginal and the importance of community and fellowship in the pilgrimage process. Ethan contributes by drawing connections to broader themes of perception and philosophical inquiry. The conversation culminates in the hope that this philosophical and spiritual journey will not only deepen John's understanding but also inspire others to embark on their own explorative journeys. —- Notes: (00:00) Introduction to the Philosophical Silk Road (00:30) The Concept of Preregistration in Philosophy (01:00) Defining the Pilgrimage and Its Purpose (02:00) Introducing Ethan and the Dialogical Approach (04:30) Exploring the Original Orientation (05:30) The Challenge of Propositional Tyranny (07:00) Theoria and Theophany: Renewing the Senses (13:30) Meta Noetic Passage and Pilgrimage (20:00) Engaging with Sages and Geographical Perspectives (24:00) Personal Challenges and Psychological Defects (31:30) The Fellowship of the Pilgrimage (33:00) Interlocutors and Sages: A Deeper Dive (54:00) Introduction to Theosis (55:00) Historical Continuity and Henosis (56:00) Henosis and Kenosis in Christian Mysticism (57:30) The Paradox of Self-Transcendence (01:00:30) Theosis and Inner Athea (01:05:30) Personal Reflections and Burnout (01:09:00) The Concept of Unbinding (01:11:00) Non-Theism and Theism (01:25:00) Pilgrimage and Transformation (01:38:30) Reflections on Personal Growth (01:48:00) Concluding Thoughts and Future Questions If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Learn more about our work.  If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. Join Practice. John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon  

Ritual, Wisdom, and What's Lost Sebastian Morello was trained in philosophy by Sir Roger Scruton and Andrew Pinsent. He is a lecturer, columnist, and popular public speaker in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Morello has previously co-authored books on subjects of philosophy and education. He lives in Bedfordshire, England, with his wife and children.   Each quarter, John engages in thought-provoking extended conversations with a leading expert in psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. Each season offers a unique exploration, bringing together their diverse fields of knowledge to create fresh insights and understanding. These in-depth discussions, chaptered for your convenience, offer nuanced perspectives and integrative approaches to navigating our complex world.   The first episode is free and publicly available. To follow the rest of the season as well as gain access to previous discussions, you can sign up at the Beta Tier (and above) on The Lectern at the Lectern Lounge.   If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Learn more about our work.    If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. Join Practice.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Sebastian Morello: LinkedIn | The Gnostalgia Podcast   "What practices and philosophical frameworks can help us recover a sense of the sacred in an age dominated by disenchantment and institutional collapse?" John Vervaeke and Sebastian Morello engage in an expansive dialogue that traverses the authority crisis in the Catholic Church, the enduring wisdom of Neoplatonism, and the transformative power of Hermetic practices. Anchored in Morello's provocative new book, Mysticism, Magic and Monasteries, the conversation unpacks the “double crisis” of our time- one of meaning and one of sanctity, and argues that modernity functions like a spell that must be broken. Together, they examine how monasticism once offered a stable and embodied sanctity, and why recovering mysticism, ritual magic (in the Hermetic sense), and lived devotion might be essential for collective reawakening.  Notes:  (0:00) Welcome to The Lectern (0:30) John reconnects with Sebastian Morello  (3:00) Sebastian Gives a Brief Introduction of Himself (6:00) Diagnosing the Double Crisis - Meaning and Authority (9:00) Critique of Modernity and the Catholic Church (12:00) The Loss of Embodied Wisdom in the West (20:00) Neoplatonism and the Need for Relational Ontology (26:30) Philosophical Anthropology and Cosmic Personhood (31:00) Modernity's Ontological Truncation (38:30) Sacred Authority and the Failures of Clericalism (42:00) Monasteries as Alternatives to Institutional Collapse (49:00) Christian Liturgy as Baptized Theurgy (54:00) Hermetic Cognition - Practicing the Theocentric Vision (1:00:00) Recovering Sacred Imagery - Tarot, Ritual, and Mystical Space (1:04:00) Digital Gnosticism and the Threat to Embodiment (1:07:00) The Future of Privacy - Personhood, Property, and Charity (1:11:00) The Philosophical Silk Road - East-West Interpenetration  

Can artificial intelligence truly become wise? In this landmark lecture, John Vervaeke explores the future of AI through a lens few dare to examine: the limits of intelligence itself. He unpacks the critical differences between intelligence, rationality, reasonableness, and wisdom—terms often used interchangeably in discussions around AGI. Drawing from decades of research in cognitive science and philosophy, John argues that while large language models like ChatGPT demonstrate forms of generalized intelligence, they fundamentally lack core elements of human cognition: embodiment, caring, and participatory knowing. By distinguishing between propositional, procedural, perspectival, and participatory knowing, he reveals why the current paradigm of AI is not equipped to generate consciousness, agency, or true understanding. This lecture also serves as a moral call to action: if we want wise machines, we must first become wiser ourselves. Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. — 00:00 Introduction: AI, AGI, and the Nature of Intelligence 02:00 What is General Intelligence? 04:30 LLMs and the Illusion of Generalization 07:00 The Meta-Problems of Intelligence: Anticipation & Relevance Realization 09:00 Relevance Realization: The Hidden Engine of Intelligence 11:30 How We Filter Reality Through Relevance 14:00 The Limits of LLMs: Predicting Text vs. Anticipating Reality 17:00 Four Kinds of Knowing: Propositional, Procedural, Perspectival, Participatory 23:00 Embodiment, Consciousness, and Narrative Identity 27:00 The Role of Attention, Care, and Autopoiesis 31:00 Culture as Niche Construction 34:00 Why AI Can't Participate in Meaning 37:00 The Missing Dimensions in LLMs 40:00 Rationality vs. Reasonableness 43:00 Self-Deception, Bias, and the Need for Self-Correction 46:00 Caring About How You Care: The Core of Rationality 48:00 Wisdom: Aligning Multiple Selves and Temporal Scales 53:00 The Social Obligation to Cultivate Wisdom 55:00 Alter: Cultivating Wisdom in an AI Future — The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission: https://vervaekefoundation.org/ Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships: https://awakentomeaning.com/ — Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Jeff Hinton Jordan Peterson Keith Stanovich Michael Levin Stroop Effect Bertrand Russell Plato (Republic, Symposium) Predictive Processing Relevance Realization Spearman (1926) DeepMind (DeepSeek) — Follow John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke — Thank you for watching!  

Britt Hartley is a certified spiritual director, meditation teacher, and leading voice in secular spirituality, specializing in religious trauma, deconstruction, and nihilism recovery. With a Master's in Applied Theology, doctoral work in Open and Relational Theology (ABD), and training across Sufi, Mormon, and meditation traditions, she is the author of No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools, No Faith Required and a respected scholar on Gen Z and the future of American religion.   Britt Hartley: Website | Instagram | YouTube    Each quarter, John engages in thought-provoking extended conversations with a leading expert in psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. Each season offers a unique exploration, bringing together their diverse fields of knowledge to create fresh insights and understanding. These in-depth discussions, chaptered for your convenience, offer nuanced perspectives and integrative approaches to navigating our complex world.   The first episode is free and publicly available. To follow the rest of the season as well as gain access to previous discussions, you can sign up at the Beta Tier (and above) on The Lectern at the Lectern Lounge.   If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Learn more about our work.    If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. Join Practice.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   "How can someone rebuild meaning, a sense of the sacred, and genuine connection after religion, without having to adopt beliefs they no longer hold?" John Vervaeke is joined by Atheist Spiritual Director, Britt Hartley to explore what happens after belief falls apart. Britt shares her personal journey through suicidal nihilism and how mysticism, resonance, and play led her to rediscover meaning and orientation in life without needing to return to religion. John and Britt challenge the limits of therapeutic models, explore the difference between propositional truth and lived wisdom, and ask whether modern secular culture has lost the capacity to sustain sacredness. This Lectern is a philosophical act of compassion, bridging ancient spiritual technologies and contemporary existential pain. John and Britt offer pathways for transformation that bypass belief while restoring depth, connectedness, and awe. Notes:  (0:00) Welcome to The Lectern (2:00) Meet Britt Hartley - Theological Background and Faith Crisis (5:00) The Descent into Suicidal Nihilism (10:00) Religion's Collapse and the Meaning Crisis (15:00) Philosophical vs. Clinical Healing (16:00) Why Therapy ‘Fails' the Nihilist (21:00) Religion, Secularism, and Building Your Own Path (26:30) Balancing Fundamentalism and Nihilism (31:00)  ”The most spiritual atheist and the most deconstructed Christian, the space in between those two people when you actually look at their life is just a hair.” - Britt Hartley (34:30) The Triple Transcendent and Sacredness (40:30) Mysticism and the Sacred (45:30) Building a Life Worth Experiencing (53:00) The Role of Play and Resonance (55:00) Embodied Knowing and Existential Shifts (58:00) Trauma, Depression, and Resonance Recovery (1:09:30) Exploring 'Holy Envy' and Interfaith Learning (1:12:00) The Transformative Power of Sufism (1:19:00)  Feminine Perspective on Religion (1:25:30) The Value of Tailored Spiritual Practices  

What happens when data knows us better than we know ourselves? In this raw and riveting conversation, John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro sit down with Andy Russell — a former architect of data-driven persuasion — to expose how AI, behavioral profiling, and social media algorithms can hijack human desire, threaten our agency, and reshape our civilization. But there's hope: what if the same power that manipulates us can be used to heal us? This episode lays bare the disturbing origins of persuasion tech, how it was used in politics and commerce, and what it will mean when AI takes the driver's seat. Andy shares his personal reckoning, his brush with death, and how he's dedicating the rest of his life to restoring dignity and meaning to the human experience — with spiritual urgency. Andy Russell is a serial entrepreneur and former insider in data and media technology. After helping build some of the very tools that now shape persuasion online, he experienced a profound moral and existential crisis. He now advocates for radical transparency, decentralized AI, and human-centered design as a pathway toward societal healing. Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer who is fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He actively contributes to the Vervaeke Foundation. Sundae Labs aims to build tools and systems that foster a healthier relationship between humanity and technology.   Notes: (0:00) Introduction to the Series (1:00) Andy Russell's Journey — From Data Pioneer to Whistleblower (4:00) The Origin of Data-Driven Persuasion Tech (6:30) Persuasion and Political Weaponization — The 2016 Turning Point (9:45) How Data and Emotion Drive Modern Media Campaigns (13:30) “Turning Humans into Puppets”: Behavioral Influence at Scale (15:30) Personal Collapse — Andy's Reckoning with His Role (18:00) Between Frodo and Boromir: Can Anyone Wield the Ring? (23:30) Toward a Better Future — Rational Hope and Distributed AI (28:00) Scarcity, Hoarding, and the Death of Trust (33:00) Can Social Media Unite Rather Than Divide? (36:00) AI as a Tool for Healing and Transformation (40:30) Free Will and the Power of Influence (47:00) Hacking the Human Soul — Fear, Desire, and Belief (51:00) The Ethics of Deep Behavioral Nudging (58:00) From Suffering to Forgiveness: The Power of Redemption (1:05:00) Andy's Story of Survival and Purpose (1:10:00) Building the Fellowship — Why This Fight Matters (1:15:00) Final Reflections and the Role of Virgil     Connect with a global community devoted to human flourishing. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to the pursuit of wisdom and advancing our collective capacity for meaning. Join the mission: https://vervaekefoundation.org Explore transformative practice and reflection through Awaken to Meaning: https://awakentomeaning.com/ Support John Vervaeke's ongoing work: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned: The AI Dilemma (Tristan Harris) Cambridge Analytica The Social Dilemma (Netflix) Plato's Republic Dante's Divine Comedy Oppenheimer Syndrome The Rwandan Genocide and Forgiveness Ho'oponopono (Hawaiian Forgiveness Practice) Sundae Labs Free Will, Desires, and the Meaning Crisis Personalized AI vs. Centralized Persuasion Tech

Welcome to a special installment of the Lectern Q&A! This month's theme is Love as a Virtue and Existential Stance. This session dives into the nature of love—not just as a feeling, but as a participatory, person-making virtue that binds us to reality and each other. Joining John and Ethan is Ellie, who brings both a deeply reflective presence and insightful contributions to this exploration. Lectern Q&As are a monthly gathering where John and Ethan take questions from The Lectern's members, threading through important themes that are most pertinent and perplexing to the collective. Pre-submitted questions form the bulk of the discussion with a Live Q&A segment toward the end. These conversations are particularly important for generating knowledge that is relevant both to John and The Lectern's broader audience. To participate in these discussions live, submit questions ahead of time and gain access to previous Q&As by signing up at the Alpha Tier (and above) on The Lectern: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lectern-lounge If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/ If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed, and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. https://awakentomeaning.com/join-practice/ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Opening Reflections on Love 02:45 Love as an Existential Stance 05:00 Love, Participatory Knowing, and Binding Identity 08:45 Eros, Philia, and Agape: The Three Movements of Love 13:00 The Person-Making Nature of Love 17:00 Love as a Doorway to the Sacred 20:30 The Transformation of Self Through Love 23:45 Somatic and Embodied Knowing of Love 28:00 Trauma, Attachment, and the Challenge of Loving Well 32:10 Secure Attachment and Love as Practice 37:40 Circling, Dialectic, and Learning to Love Wisely 40:15 The Role of Worldview in Love and Meaning 46:50 A GI, the Sacred, and What We Truly Love About Humanity 54:20 The Ecology of Religions and Participatory Pluralism 59:30 Final Reflections from John, Ethan, and Ellie Biographical Sentences John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist, philosopher, and the creator of the YouTube series Awakening from the Meaning Crisis. His work focuses on wisdom cultivation, consciousness, and the scientific pursuit of meaning. Ethan is a co-host and facilitator of the Lectern Q&A sessions. He curates conversations that illuminate existential, psychological, and philosophical insights emerging from the community and John's teachings. Ellie is a scholar and practitioner deeply engaged in environmental science, interpersonal growth, and attachment theory. She brings a reflective, embodied perspective to the conversation on love. Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Søren Kierkegaard John Bowlby, Attachment Theory Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight, Attachment Theory in Practice Eric Fromm, The Art of Loving Thomas Kuhn, Paradigms and Worldview Albert Camus, The Stranger Martin Buber, I and Thou Taoism and the concept of the Dao as Mother Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva path Sufism and Divine Love Socratic Knowledge and Dialogos Circling & Dialectic into Dialogos Lauren Barrett, Emotionally Focused Therapy Halcyon Guild Pluralism in religion and spiritual practice Connect with John Vervaeke Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Thank you for Listening!

If you find yourself torn between rationality and spirituality, science and mysticism, facts and belief; The Lectern's inaugural 8-week course will offer you a new lens through which to reflect on these dilemmas. Click here to enroll: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/einstein-and-spinoza-s-god1 “What does it really mean to be authentic, and can this virtue be meaningfully understood and measured across psychology and philosophy?” John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques and Matthew Schaublin embark on a discussion covering the concept of authenticity. The discussion explores authenticity as one of the premier virtues of modernity, comparing it with autonomy, and tracing its roots through romanticism and existentialism, notably discussing Heidgegger and Kierkegaard. Greg introduces psychological perspectives and client-centered therapy influenced by Carl Rogers, while Matthew shares insights from his empirical research on dispositional authenticity carried out at the University of Chattanooga. The trio also touch on the tensions between self-identification and participation, self-alienation, cognitive fluency, and the societal quest for authenticity, proposing a nuanced and dynamic understanding of the true self. Gregg R. Henriques is an American psychologist. He is a professor for the Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, US. Matthew Schaublin is a master's candidate in psychology at the University of Chattanooga, with a four-year research focus on authenticity. His work blends empirical psychology with philosophical and classical inquiry, investigating how dispositional authenticity is expressed and experienced. —- Notes:  0:00 Introduction to the Lectern 0:45 Exploring the Concept of Authenticity 3:30 Greg's Perspective on Authenticity 5:00 Matthew's Research on Dispositional Authenticity 9:00 Theoretical Foundations of Authenticity 12:30 Philosophical and Clinical Perspectives 24:30 Relational and Psychological Dimensions 36:30 The Evolution of Self-Definition in Modernity 38:00 The Greek Roots of Authenticity 39:30 Modeling Authenticity and Personality 43:15 Rationalization and Authenticity 44:45 Tensions in Authenticity: Identification vs. Participation 49:00 The SAFE Model of Authenticity 55:00 Empirical Studies on Authenticity and Agency 1:06:30 Key Takeaways and Future Directions —-- Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. https://awakentomeaning.com/ John Vervaeke:  https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   Gregg Henriques: http://www.gregghenriques.com/ https://x.com/henriqgx   Matthew Shaublin: https://www.instagram.com/matthewschaublin/   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Kierkegaard's Concept of Authenticity Heidegger's Use of ‘Authenticity' Maslow's Theory of Self-Actualization Dispositional Authenticity The SAFE Model of Authenticity Alienation and Cognitive Fluency The Ethics of Authenticity by Charles Taylor On the Concept of Irony and The Sickness Unto Death by Søren Kierkegaard Being and Time by Martin Heidegger On Becoming a Person by Carl Rogers Martin Heidegger Charles Taylor Aristotle Jean-Paul Sartre   Quotes:  ”Like, meaning, like rational, authenticity is not just a descriptive term.” -John Vervaeke (2:00)  ”Inauthentic living… Tough, you know.” -Gregg Henriques (28:30)   

As AI continues to advance and integrate into our daily lives, can it truly be designed to align with our deepest human values and moral principles? If so, how can we ensure that AI not only understands but also respects and promotes our ethical frameworks, without compromising our privacy or hindering our personal growth and autonomy?  John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Jordan Hall embark on a nuanced exploration of the intricate relationship between AI and human flourishing. They explore the concept of "intimate AI," a personalized guardian that attunes to individual biometrics and psychometrics, offering a protective and challenging presence. The discussion underscores the critical importance of privacy, the perils of idolatry, and the urgent need for a new philosophical framework that addresses the meaning crisis. Jordan Hall is a technology entrepreneur with several years of experience building disruptive companies. He is interested in philosophy, artificial intelligence, and complex systems and has a background in law. Hall has worked for several technology companies and was the founder and CEO of DivX. He is currently involved in various think tanks and institutes and is focused on upgrading humanity's capacity for thought and action. Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer who is fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He actively contributes to the Vervaeke Foundation. Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern (0:30) Overview of Today's Discussion: Can AI be in Alignment with Human Values? (1:00) The Three-Point Proposal - Individual Attunement, Decentralized and Distributed AI, Guardian AI (6:30) Individual AI Attunement  (8:30) Distributed AI and Collective Intelligence (8:45) Empowerment of Agency through AI (12:30) The Role of Intimacy in AI Alignment - Why Relationality Matters (22:00) Can AI Help Develop Human Integrity? - The Challenge of Self-Alignment (28:00) Cultural and Enculturation Challenges (31:30) AI, Culture, and the Reintegration of Human Rhythms (38:00) Addressing Cocooning and Cultural Integration (47:00) Domains of Enculturation - Psychological, Economic, and Intersubjective  (48:30)  ”We're not looking necessarily for a teacher as much as we were looking for the teacherly opportunity in the encounters we're having.” (51:00) The Sanctity of Privacy and Vulnerability (1:07:00) The Role of Intimacy in Privacy (1:13:00) Final Reflections    ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon   Jordan Hall: YouTube | Medium | X   Christopher Mastropietro: Vervaeke Foundation   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Christopher Mastropietro Jordan Hall Jordan Peterson James Filler Spinoza Marshall McLuhan Plato Immanuel Kant The AI Alignment Problem Decentralized & Personal AI as a Solution The Role of Intimacy in AI Alignment Enculturation & AI's Role in Human Integrity Privacy as More Than Just Protection The Republic – by Plato Critique of Pure Reason – by Immanuel Kant The Idea of the Holy – by Rudolf Otto Interpretation of Cultures – by Clifford Geertz  

What if the deepest truth of reality lies not in substances or isolated things, but in the pure relationality that connects everything? John Vervaeke is joined by renowned scholar Douglas Hedley to explore James Filler's groundbreaking work "Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being." John and Douglas examine the profound implications of viewing ultimate reality as fundamentally relational rather than substantial, uncovering significant convergences between Heidegger's later thought and the ancient Neoplatonic tradition. The dialogue goes into how Neoplatonic metaphysics offers potent solutions to the philosophical dilemmas posed by modernity and postmodernity, and why the notion of strong transcendence is essential yet challenging in contemporary thought. Douglas enriches the discourse with reflections on imagination, symbolism, and theological significance within the Neoplatonic heritage. Douglas Hedley is Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge University. He was educated at Keble College, Oxford and at the University of Munich, and has previously taught at Nottingham University. He is the Director of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism and co-chair of the Platonism and Neoplatonism section of the American Academy of Religion. Dr Hedley's work centers on concepts of imagination, violence, and the sublime, and he has published widely, from early modern philosophy—particularly the Cambridge Platonists—to Coleridge. He is the Principal Investigator for the AHRC grant on The Cambridge Platonists at the Origins of Enlightenment: Texts, Debates, and Reception (1650-1730), and is co-editor of the Series Studies in Philosophical Theology. Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern (01:30) Douglas Headley's Background and Interests (03:30) Overview of James Filler's Argument (05:30) Critique of Substance Ontology (9:00) Neoplatonism and the Trinity (9:30) Lectern Dialogues: Philosophical Connections: Relational Ontology and the Modern Crisis (10:30) Heidegger's Misreading of Plato (16:30) Heidegger's Theological Influences (26:00) Modernity, Postmodernity, and Transcendence (34:30) Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Neoplatonism (36:15) Pushback on the Trinity Concept (40:00) Greek and Russian Orthodox Traditions (43:00) Western Theology and Neoplatonism (49:30) Dialogical Model of the Self (55:00) Christian Neoplatonism and Love (59:30) Embodiment and Transcendence (01:04:30) Final Thoughts and Parting Words   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Substance Ontology vs. Relational Ontology Heidegger's Relationship to Neoplatonism James Filler's Philosophical Contribution The Trinity as Relational Symbolism Mysticism and Theology Embodiment and the Contemporary Crisis of Meaning James Filler Plotinus Iamblichus St. Augustine Marius Victorinus Jonathan Pageau "The Iconic Imagination" by Douglas Hedley "Participation in the Divine" "Process and Reality" by Alfred North Whitehead "Symposium" by Plato

Join John Vervaeke, Guy Sengstock, and Kyle Koch as they invite you to a transformative retreat designed to help you reconnect to the real—deepening your connection to yourself, others, and the world around you. They explore the philosophical, spiritual, and psychological concepts behind the retreat and how these ideas will be integrated into the activities. Guy introduces his 'circling approach,' Kyle shares his nature-centered practices, and John elaborates on the importance of dialogical practices for cultivating wisdom and meaning. The retreat will take place from March 17th to 22nd, 2025 at Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat Center in North Carolina and aims to help participants deepen their connections with themselves, others, and the natural world. Lastly, the trio touches on the broader cultural implications of meaning in the age of advancing artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of shared, meaningful practices. Reconnecting to the Real Retreat - Spaces are limited to just 20 participants to ensure a deeply immersive, participatory experience where genuine connection and transformation can take place. This retreat is a fully participatory experience, where John, Guy, and Kyle will guide you through immersive practices while engaging in them alongside you. Each day follows a carefully designed flow: Morning Movement: Led by John or Sara, starting the day with embodied practice. Morning Sessions (9 AM - 12 PM): John will lead transformative practices, including meditation, contemplation, and deep philosophical inquiry. Afternoon Nature Connection (2 PM - 4 PM): Kyle and Guy will guide participants through core routines of nature connection, helping to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world. Evening Practices: John and Guy will lead Circling and Dialogical practices, fostering deep listening, relational intelligence, and transformative conversation. Throughout the retreat, you will learn and practice: Wisdom & Awareness Practices Dialectic into Dialogos Philosophical Fellowship Socratic Search Space Meditation & Contemplation Yoga The Circling Method & Relational Practices Group Circling Exercises 1-on-1 Circling Sessions Deep Listening & Communication Skills  Core Routines of Nature Connection Sit Spot (Attuning to nature through stillness) Storytelling (Sharing and integrating experiences) Animal Forms (Embodied movement inspired by nature) Mapping (Developing a spatial awareness of the land) Bird Language (Understanding ecological intelligence through avian behavior) This retreat is an opportunity to engage deeply with practices that cultivate self-awareness, relational depth, and a profound connection to nature.  Location: Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat, North Carolina (ashville) Cozy cabins and shared spaces with mountain views Organic and locally sourced meals Access to nature trails, meditation spaces, and quiet areas Pricing: Private Suite: $4800 Private Lodge: $4500 Shared Room: $4300 Dorm Room: $4,000 *Includes food Notes:  (0:00) Welcome! Today's special topic is ‘Reconnecting to the Real' (1:00) Guy's Introduction - The Power of Circling (3:00) Kyle's Introduction - Embodied Practice & Nature Connection (4:00) Retreat Details (7:00) John's Contribution - Dialogical & Imaginal Practices (9:00) Socratic Search Space - Exploring Virtue Through Dialogue (12:00) The Meaning Crisis & The Need for Embodied Wisdom (14:00) Guy's Circling Approach (16:00) Relational Presence & Deep Listening (21:00) The  Existential Crisis of What it Means to be a Human Being (27:00) The Call to Practice Connection Now (37:30)  ”Knowledge is knowing how to solve the problem and wisdom is knowing what problems to solve.” (40:00) “Theology would become the discipline for the future.”  (41:00) The Shared Nature of Meaning (51:00) The Impact of Virtual Connection and Lose Connection (57:00) Rediscovering a Connection with Nature   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Guy Sengstock, the founder of the Circling method, is a renowned facilitator and innovator in the field of authentic communication and personal development. His method blends philosophical rigor with a deep understanding of relational dynamics, offering transformative experiences that foster genuine connection and self-awareness. Learn more about Guy Sengstock and his methods at his website Kyle Koch is a movement expert and facilitator of nature-based embodiment practices, Kyle has been working with Evolve Move Play for over a decade, helping people reconnect with their bodies, the land, and the deeper rhythms of existence. He integrates physical play, ancestral movement, and relational presence into his work.  Learn more about Kyle Koch at his website  

  What is the true nature of contemplation, and how does it intertwine with our understanding of reality? John Vervaeke is joined by Mateusz Stróżyński to discuss his masterful work, Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World. They explore the deep and often overlooked wisdom of Plotinus, one of history's greatest thinkers. Together, they dive into the connection between thought and experience, revealing how contemplation isn't just about thinking it's about actively participating in reality itself. Mr. Stróżyński breaks down Plotinus' intricate view of the universe, showing how everything is woven together in a way that challenges our modern, fragmented way of seeing the world. They go on to discuss the nature of the self and what it means to truly “know” something, touching on insights from Buddhist Dzogchen, Christian mysticism, and personal experience. Mateusz Stróżyński is a professor of classical philology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, and a practicing psychoanalyst. His research focuses on the intersection of Platonism, mysticism, and spirituality, exploring how ancient philosophical traditions inform modern contemplative practice. He is the author of Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World. Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern  (0:30) Mateusz Stróżyński joins John Vervaeke to explore Platonism (2:00) The Interplay of Philosophy and Experience  (6:00) A Kinship Between Works (8:00) Interweaving Phenomenological and Conceptual Perspectives (11:30) The Role of Contemplation in Plotinus's Philosophy (15:30) The Threefold Structure of Consciousness (20:00) The Fall and the Multiplicity of Experience (30:00) The Hierarchical Nature of Reality (43:00) Fractal Coherence in Plotinus's Philosophy (50:30) Democratic Views and Reality Perception (52:00) Exploring Plotinus' Worldview (57:00) Plotinus' Analytical Approach (1:05:00) Mapping Cognition and Reality (1:16:30) Skepticism and Participatory Knowing (1:28:00) Modern Science and Metaphysics (1:34:30) Concluding Thoughts   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode The Nature of Contemplation Interweaving of Knowing and Being Fractal Metaphysics The Threefold Structure of Consciousness Modern vs. Premodern Worldviews The Relationship Between Science and Mysticism Plotinus Marcus Aurelius St. Augustine Nishida Kitarō “Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World” by Mateusz Stróżyński  “Waking, Dreaming, Being” by Evan Thompson   Quotes: "Plotinus does not create a system—he reveals a dynamic interplay where intellect and experience are seamlessly interwoven." - Mateusz Stróżyński (10:00)   "If we want to truly understand something, we must go beyond it—transcend it—because reality unfolds from higher principles." - John Vervaeke (15:00)   "Everything that exists contemplates—existence itself is an act of seeing, an act of knowing." - – Mateusz Stróżyński (20:00)  

"How does the concept of a 'limited God' differ from traditional theistic views, and what implications does this have for understanding the purpose of the universe and human existence?" John Vervaeke is joined by Phillip Goff to discuss his influential book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe, and his unique perspective on panpsychism. The duo discuss the intricate philosophical questions concerning the nature of consciousness, the purpose of the universe, and the existential meaning that interweaves with our fundamental worldview. Goff elucidates his nuanced yet respected stance on panpsychism, highlighting his academic contributions at Durham University. Goff introduces the concept of a "goddish" entity, explaining that the universe may have a sense of purpose or goal-directedness without adhering to traditional theistic views. Goff and John examine the commonalities between Goff's ideas and Neoplatonism, as well as Whitehead's process theology, noting the importance of a unifying principle in the universe. The dialogue also touches on holistic perspectives on health, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Phillip Goff is a philosophy professor at Durham University, UK, who dedicates most of his time to unraveling the ultimate nature of reality. In his recent book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe (Oxford University Press, 2023), he explores the middle ground between traditional belief in God and secular atheism. Goff recently converted to a form of 'heretical Christianity,' which he discusses in this article and this interview. Some of the big themes of his research include the nature of consciousness, panpsychism, and the purpose of the universe. He also actively engages in philosophical debates on X and Bluesky and co-hosts the podcast Mind Chat with Keith Frankish, a philosopher who holds polar opposite views. Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern  (3:15) Philip Goff joins John to discuss Panpsychism (3:30) Background of Philip and his works   (6:00) Exploring the Concept of God and Purpose (9:00) Debating Theistic and Non-Theistic Views (11:30) Beyond Traditional Theism  (24:00) Eastern Orthodoxy and Neoplatonism (26:30) From Panpsychism to Faith (32:00) Challenging the Limited God  (37:00) Divine Creativity and Limitations (46:00) Exploring Panentheism and God's Nature (47:00) The Vine and the Branches - Unity with God (50:00) The Meaning Crisis and Existential Questions (53:00) Four Pillars of Meaning in Life (56:30) Purpose vs. Orientation in Life's Meaning (1:02:30)  ”There's a very important social role religion has played historically in bringing the community together, marking the seasons and the big moments of life, birth, coming of age, marriage, death. Giving people a framework and a focus for spiritual practice, a way of interpreting and responding to their deepest experiences.” (1:16:30) Reimagining Religion and Holistic Health (1:22:30) Parting Words   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Panpsychism Goddish entity Meaning Crisis Neoplatonism connection Whitehead's theology Holistic health Heretical Christianity John Hick Tim Mulgan David Bentley Hart Karen Armstrong Keith Frankish The Fifth Dimension The Interpretation of Religion Galileo's Error Fine-Tuning in Physics Cosmic Purpose and Human Contribution "The Interpretation of Religion" by John Hick "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" by John Vervaeke "Mind and Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo-Darwinian Conception of Nature is Almost Certainly False" by Thomas Nagel "Life After Faith" by Philip Kitcher "The Case for God" by Karen Armstrong   Quotes: "Every generation absorbs a worldview it can't see beyond. I think future historians will look back and ask, why did people ignore the evidence for cosmic purpose for so long?" (10:00)   "Faith is not about certainty; it's about trust—a way of interpreting your deepest experiences and shaping your fundamental life goals." (29:00)   "If there's purpose in the universe, maybe we can contribute to the meaning of existence itself. That's a powerful and hopeful idea." (1:01:00)   Philip Goff: Website | X | Podcast   —   Thank you for Listening!  

Question - "How does Jhana meditation simplify experience to facilitate insight and cognitive flexibility?" John Vervaeke is joined by Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, to explore the intersection of predictive processing, relevance realization, and embodied cognition in contemplative practices. They introduce PhD candidate Jonas Mago, who discusses his research on Jhana meditation and its impact on cognitive flexibility and insight. The conversation touches on contrasting Jhana practices with charismatic Christian traditions such as speaking in tongues. They also explore how Jhana states temporarily reduce the complexity of perception, allowing practitioners to observe the construction and deconstruction of their experiential models. The neuroscientific evidence provided, such as changes in brain responses during these states, adds depth to this exploration, illustrating how such simplification can lead to profound insights. Mark Miller, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, holds a senior research fellowship at Monash University's Center for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies in Australia, with affiliations at the University of Toronto and Hokkaido University in Japan. His work, which dives into the interplay between human thought, technology's impact on well-being, and human-computer interaction, is at the forefront of integrating cognitive neuroscience with philosophical inquiry. Rick Repetti is Professor of Philosophy at Kingsborough Community College, CUNY, USA. He is the author of The Counterfactual Theory of Free Will (2010), as well as several articles on Buddhism, meditation, free will, and philosophy of religion. Jonas Mago is a cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado, deeply invested in understanding the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying human flourishing. His research explores contemplative practices designed to cultivate wholesome states of mind—spanning meditation, prayer, collective cultural rituals, and psychedelic therapies. I approach these topics from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating cognitive science, neurobiology, computational modeling, and phenomenology to investigate mechanisms of self-regulation and transformation. He is currently pursuing my doctoral studies in Neuroscience at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Michael Lifshitz, with co-supervision from Prof. Dr. Karl Friston. His academic journey includes a master's degree in Mind, Language, and Embodied Cognition from the University of Edinburgh (UK) and undergraduate studies in Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Maastricht (Netherlands). Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern. This is the beginning of The Predictive Processing Series (0:30) Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, and Jonas Mago joins John Vervaeke  (1:30) Predictive Processing and Meditation (4:00) Inside Jhanas Meditation (10:00) Phenomenology and Cognitive Functions of Jhanas (11:30) “Is Jhanas essential for the path of awakening?” (13:00) Predictive Coding and Cognitive Models (18:00) Jhana meditation and the transient nature of predictive models (25:00) Analysis of the risks and benefits associated with Jhana practice (30:00) EEG Studies on Jhana Practitioners (37:00) Jhana versus Pure Consciousness (45:00) High Arousal Contemplative States: Jhana and Christian prayer (54:00) The Importance of Context in Contemplative Practices (1:05:00) Final Words   ---  The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Predictive Processing Epistemic Vulnerability Metacognition Absorption States fMRI Studies Sangha EEG Studies Relevance Realization Embodied Cognition Jhana Meditation Thomas Metzinger Michael Lifshitz Alton Ram Dass Buddha Tanya Luhrmann Shaila Catherine Metzinger, T. (2021). The Elephant and the Blind: Insights into pure consciousness experiences. Lerman, T. (2012). When God Talks Back: A study on evangelical experiences of speaking in tongues.   Quotes:   “What we're trying in, in meditation is starting to model our predictive hierarchy of the brain opaque. So to notice that experience ultimately is not something that's, that's kind of a real grasp on reality, that all we have is this imprint of reality on our experiential or generative modeling, through this, this predictive hierarchy.”   "The interplay between micro and macro perspectives mirrors the flexibility we aim for in meditation and science."   "Epistemic vulnerability can be a doorway to growth if properly framed—or a risk without it." Mark Miller: Website | X | Podcast | YouTube Rick Repetti: Website | X | Facebook Jonas Mago: Website | X |  —   Thank you for Listening!

John Vervaeke engages in a profound discussion with James Filler, author of 'Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being'. They examine the core arguments of Jame's book, which emphasizes relationality as more fundamental than individual existence in understanding reality. The conversation explores Neoplatonism, Heidegger's philosophy, and the convergence of these ideas with contemporary physics and biology. James recounts his journey in developing his dissertation into a pivotal work aimed at reorienting ontological perspectives. John and James also discuss the trajectory of Western and Eastern Christian thought, touching upon relational ontology's scientific and ethical ramifications. James Filler is the author of Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being, a groundbreaking work exploring the philosophical underpinnings of relational ontology. His forthcoming book, Substance Ontology and the Crisis of Reason deepens the critique of substance thinking in Western philosophy. Notes:  (0:00) Welcome to the Lectern (1:00) Core themes of Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being (3:00) Background of James Filler (5:30) Core argument of the book (10:00) The philosophical debate between Parmenides and Heraclitus (15:00) Ontological relationality and its philosophical implications (25:00) Heidegger's dialogue with Asian philosophy and the Christian trinity (34:00) Western vs. Eastern Christianity - diverging paths (40:00) A critique of Process Philosophy  (48:30) The conceptual and ethical implications of historical Christian interpretations (51:30) Distinction between discursive and non-discursive reasoning (58:30) Substance ontology and the crisis of reason (1:03:00) Addressing the crisis of rationality in modernity (1:11:00) Final reflections on relationality and its broader impacts   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Martin Heidegger  Plotinus Aristotle St. Gregory  Heraclitus  Parmenides Plato Jordan Hall Evan Thompson Relationality  Neoplatonism Substance Ontology Trinity Process Philosophy Virtue Epistemology Humility Dialogical Rationality "Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being" by James Filler "Substance Ontology and the Crisis of Reason" by James Filler (upcoming book) "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" by John "Recovering Plato: A Platonic Virtue Epistemology" by James Filler (published in Episteme) "The Divine Matrix" by David Ray Griffin "The One" by Paas "Being and Time" by Martin Heidegger "The Republic" by Plato "The Enneads" by Plotinus "Metaphysics" by Aristotle   Quotes:   "Relationality is itself more primordial, more fundamental to understanding the nature of reality."   "To be independent in the first place required a relation—because to be independent means there's something you're independent from."   "Our rationality operates best dialogically, not nomologically, which aligns deeply with relational ontology."  

John Vervaeke and Evan Thompson continue the exploration of life, cognition, and consciousness, drawing from interdisciplinary collaboration and philosophical discourse. The discussion challenges reductionist perspectives in biology, examines organisms as autonomous agents, and questions the adequacy of current models to explain life's complexities. Consciousness is explored through presence and embodiment, while also debating the roles of large language models like ChatGPT in understanding cognitive processes. By integrating philosophical and phenomenological perspectives, the episode addresses the interconnectedness of consciousness, cognition, and life, transcending traditional mind-matter dichotomies and emphasizing the significance of embodiment in cognitive functions.  Evan Thompson is a philosopher and author, specializing in the integration of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Asian philosophical traditions. Based at the University of British Columbia, his work, including his recent book 'The Blind Spot', examines the intersections of consciousness, experience, and reality through a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.   Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking insights of Evan Thompson's thought-provoking book, "The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience”   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction: Welcome to the Lectern (0:15) Evan Thompson's Background and the Book 'The Blind Spot' (2:10) The Blind Spot in Perception: Cognitive Science, Asian Philosophy, and Mystical Insight  (2:30) Revolution in Biology: Life, Cognition, and Consciousness (5:00) Autonomous Agents vs. Machines (11:30) Challenges to Newtonian Mechanics and Reductionist Ontology (22:00) Life as Self-Enabling, Not law-Entailing (32:00) Historical and Nomological Explanations in Biology (39:00) Epiphenomenalism (43:00) Debunking Computational Functionalism (45:00) Exploring Cognition and Relevance Realization (49:00) Limits of AI (51:00) The Energy and Social Costs of AI (1:00:00) Structures of Consciousness (1:08:00) The Primacy of Awareness and Embodiment (1:22:00) Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Evan Thompson: Website | Twitter | Facebook    Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - book co-authored by Evan Thompson, Adam Frank, and Marcelo Gleiser Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy - book by Evan Thompson Why I Am Not a Buddhist -  book by Evan Thompson The Nature of Selection: Evolutionary Theory in Philosophical Focus by Elliott Sober The Watchmen (comic series) by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons The Relevance Realization (paper) by John Vervaeke and colleagues Chalmers' work on consciousness works by David Chalmers The Visible and the Invisible by Maurice Merleau-Ponty Neoplatonism Hegelian Philosophy Immanuel Kant Alfred North Whitehead Douglas Harding Marcelo Gleiser   Quotes:   “Organisms are autonomous agents, not machines.” -Evan Thompson (4:00)   “Consciousness has the order of priority in terms of intelligibility or meaning.” -Evan Thompson (1:04:00)  

In this episode, John Vervaeke and Harvard professor Charles Stang explore the concept of the 'daimon'', stemming from Stang's book Our Divine Double. John and Charles discuss semi-autonomous entities in psychological and philosophical contexts, linking ancient wisdom and modern cognitive science. Key topics include Socratic 'daimonion', Platonic thought, phenomenology of visionary encounters, and cultural ontology. They emphasize the embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended nature of cognition, highlighting the relevance of understanding these phenomena amid emerging technologies like AGI and virtual realities. The episode calls for Socratic self-awareness to navigate these transformative potentials and risks. Charles Stang is a Professor of Theology at Harvard Divinity School and Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions. His research focuses on ancient Mediterranean religions, Neoplatonism, and contemporary philosophy and spirituality. His research and teaching focus on the history of Christianity in the context of the ancient Mediterranean world, especially Eastern varieties of Christianity. More specifically, his interests include: the development of asceticism, monasticism, and mysticism in Christianity; ancient philosophy, especially Neoplatonism; the Syriac Christian tradition, especially the spread of the East Syrian tradition along the Silk Road; other philosophical and religious movements of the ancient Mediterranean, including Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and Manichaeism; and modern continental philosophy and theology, especially as they intersect with the study of religion. Notes:  (0:00) Introduction: Welcome to the Lectern (2:30) Charles Stang, Background, Framework (4:45) John's Experience and Dialogue with Hermes (IFS)  (7:45) IFS (Internal Family Systems) - a psychotherapy model that focuses on dialoguing with various parts of the self (10:00) Platonic Tradition and Daimonology (15:00) Socrates and the Concept of Daimonion in Plato's Apology (20:40) Real-Life Accounts of Felt Presence (28:00) Socrates' Complex Relationship with the Imaginal (33:00) Socrates' Authority vs. Rational Argument (41:30) Corbin's Notion of the Imaginal (46:30) Daimonology and Angelology - Encounters with the Higher Self (49:00) The Role of Hermes in Personal Encounters (54:30) Lucid Dreaming and Cognitive Science (1:03:30) The Interplay of Subjective and Objective Realities (01:12:00) Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Plato, Apology Plato, Republic Charles Stang, Our Divine Double John Geiger, The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible Henry Corbin, The Man of Light in Iranian Sufism Henry Corbin, Alone with the Alone: Creative Imagination in the Sufism of Ibn 'Arabi' Gregory Shaw, Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplationism of Iamblichus Socrates Socratic philosophy Daimonion (Divine sign) David Gordon White, Daemons Are Forever: Contacts and Exchanges in the Eurasian Pandemonium Porphyry, Life of Plotinus Daimonology Paul VanderKlay Christopher Mastropietro Carl Jung Theurgy Internal Family Systems (IFS) Quotes: "Socrates' daimonion was unique in that it only ever told him ‘no,' which highlights its role as a dissuading force rather than a guiding one." — Charles Stang (13:30)   “One of the things that seems to be a requirement for rationality is a metacognitive ability, ability to step back and reflect, and know, become aware of your cognition so that you can redirect it. In fact, that seems to be an essential feature. If you don't have that, if your attention and intelligence couldn't ever do this reflective thing, then it's hard to know how you could ever be rational in the, in the way we seem to indicate like noticing bias or noticing fallacy or noticing misdirection.” — John Vervaeke (39:40)  

In this presentation delivered at the "Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist" conference—a collaborative event by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March 2024—John Vervaeke explores the concept of "mattering" and its critical role in understanding the meaning of life. He contrasts "meaning in life" with the broader "meaning of life," emphasizing the importance of connectedness and belonging over mere purpose. Vervaeke draws on research to introduce "religio," a deep sense of connectedness that underpins our existence, and critiques materialism for overlooking the relational aspects of human life. Through cognitive science, biology, and philosophy, Vervaeke demonstrates how our intelligence and problem-solving abilities are deeply intertwined with our capacity to find what truly matters.   —   Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist was a collaborative conference put on by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March of 2024. This three-day conference brought leading process thinkers across various disciplines, including physics, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and theology, into critical dialogue with McGilchrist's work in a collegial effort to assess, question, extend, and apply it. For more information on the conference and to purchase recordings, please visit https://ctr4process.org/mcgilchrist-conference/   Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.   — 0:00 Introduction to the Metaphysics of Mattering 1:05 Meaning in Life: Purpose, Coherence, Significance, and Mattering 6:40 Connectedness and Religio 10:10 Relevance Realization and General Intelligence 12:45 The Problem of Relevance Realization 21:20 Formalization and Ill-Defined Problems 27:10 Relationality and the Sacred —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Matthew Segall Richard Tarnas Kelly-Ann Allen Evan Thompson Read Montague Michael Levin Aristotle Zak Stein Nietzsche Iain McGilchrist   Christopher Cherniak Jerry Fodor J.L. Schellenberg Relevance Realization Religio Conformity theory Duhem–Quine thesis, Susan Wolf, Meaning in Life and Why It Matters John Searle, The Rediscovery of the Mind Catherine Pickstock, Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics Harold Brown, Rationality  James Filler, Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground J. Jaeger, A. Riedl, A. Djedovic, J. Vervaeke, and D. Walsh, Naturalizing relevance realization: why agency and cognition are fundamentally not computational Frank Martela and Michael F. Steger, Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significance   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon —   Thank you for Listening!  

Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, examining the intersection of psychotherapy, dynamical systems theory, and the meaning crisis. Kasra is dedicated to exploring how self-organizing criticality and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can drive transformation and personal growth in young people. Dr Robin Barre has over 30 years of experience working with adolescents. Her dissertation focused on trauma and the archetypal nature of adolescence. She runs a small psychotherapy practice and consults with parents, caregivers, and organizations to enhance adolescent well-being. How does the intricate dance of self-organizing criticality relate to the turmoil and transformation of adolescence? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke, Kasra Mirzaie, and Dr Robin Barre explore the transformative potential of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in addressing the meaning crisis and supporting adolescents on their developmental journey. The conversation delves into the complex interplay of IFS, dynamical systems, and the critical phase transition of adolescence. They discuss principles such as self-organizing criticality, entropy, and insight, explaining how these concepts drive change and present unique challenges and opportunities. The episode highlights cultural shortcomings, the significance of wisdom traditions, and the role of IFS as a modern initiation process.   Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   —   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:45 Self-Organizing Criticality & IFS 07:20 Entropy and Insight in Change 20:20 Curiosity and Transformation 23:15 Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis 47:05 Culture's Disabling Effects 50:00 IFS Initiation for Adolescents 01:04:50 Remembering Adolescence and Navigating Mistakes 01:13:40 Communicating Conflict and Validating Adolescents 01:21:10 Embracing Transformation in Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis     —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Tatjana Schnell Dr Kelly-Ann Allen Bill Plotkin James Hillman Vygotsky  Richard Frankel, The Adolescent Psyche National Scientific Council on Adolescence, Cultivating Purpose in Adolescence   Relevant Episodes Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis Is IFS a Path to Self-Knowledge or Self-Deception? Insights from Kasra MirzaieTransforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay Inside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon —   Thank you for Listening!  

  Can we find meaning in a world without religion?   In this episode first released on Dissident Dialogues, Freddie Sayers hosts John Vervaeke and Alex O'Connor, formerly known as Cosmic Skeptic, to explore the deep question of meaning in an increasingly secular world. They discuss the historical role of religion in providing purpose and narrative, the modern challenges of finding meaning, and the rise of non-propositional forms of knowledge and practice. O'Connor and Vervaeke share personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, highlighting the timeless struggle for meaning, the limitations of relying solely on logical arguments, and the potential of emerging communities and practices to fill the void left by traditional religious structures.    —   Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.   —   00:00 Introduction: The Loss of American Narrative 02:00 The Meaning Crisis in a Secular Age 04:32 Exploring Atheism and Meaning 07:35 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning 12:35 The Role of Non-Propositional Knowledge 18:31 The Search for New Narratives 30:19 Conclusion: Emerging Communities and Future Prospects —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    Follow us:   John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon Alex O'Connor: YouTube Freddie Sayers: X  Dissident Dialogues: X | Instagram | Facebook   —   Thank you for Listening!  

Nicholas Janni is a pioneer in executive development, having co-founded Olivier Mythodrama Associates, where he created leadership programs based on Shakespearean stories. He continues to work globally with leaders and organizations through his consultancy, Core Presence, and his innovative 'Leader as Healer' program, which promotes integrated, conscious leadership. How can the ancient practices of spirituality and modern leadership development intersect to create transformative experiences?   In this episode of “Voice with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke and Nicholas Janni explore this question through a conversation about leadership, spirituality, and human connection. Nicholas shares his transformative journey, from his school days to his encounters with Tibetan Buddhism and immersive theater, which led him to develop a unique approach to spiritual and embodied leadership. They discuss the importance of leaders connecting with their bodies, emotions, and the transpersonal, and the role of practices like bodywork, deep breathing, and poetry in facilitating this connection. Their conversation also explores the metaphysical realm, including prayer and spiritual guidance, and their impact on leadership. John and Nicholas discuss the cultural implications of their work and stress the importance of leaders who can promote this holistic approach to leadership and foster supportive communities for transformative experiences.  Dive deeper into the journey of personal growth and meaning by becoming part of our Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.   —   00:00 Introduction: Convergence of Spirituality and Leadership  11:25 From Theatre to Leadership Consultancy 16:40 The Birth of 'Leader as Healer' 23:35 Reawakening Non-Propositional Thinking 43:40 The Transformative Power of Poetry 48:05 Therapy vs. Transformational Work 51:10 Integrating Awakening and Healing 01:02:55 Addressing the Modern Meaning Crisis 01:15:50 Embracing Prayer, Reverence, and Connectedness 01:24:30 Concluding Thoughts: The Imperative to Wake Up     —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Nicholas Janni, Leader as Healer Heinrich Päs, The One: How an Ancient Idea Holds the Future of Physics Vivian Dittmar Richard Olivier Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Shakespeare, W. Henry V. Shakespeare, W. Julius Caesar. Shakespeare, W. The Tempest. Malidoma Somé  Michael Meade Patrick Connor Charles Taylor David Wyatt Mary Oliver, Wild Geese. Plato René Descartes   Relevant Episodes Exploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar Transpersonal States: Awakening, Enlightenment, and the Ego | Vivian Dittmar Exploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Nicholas Janni: Website | Email | LinkedIn    —   Thank you for listening!  

Brendan Graham Dempsey is the director of Sky Meadow Institute and the author of the Metamodern Spirituality Series. He explores the evolution of spirituality and the integration of science and religion in contemporary culture. To learn more about his latest book release, "A Universal Learning Process," which is the first volume in his series "The Evolution of Meaning," please visit this link.   Can Metamodern Christianity breathe new life into ancient religious frameworks?   In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey continue their exploration of MetaModern Christianity in part two of their discussion. Building on their previous conversation, which addressed the potential for metamodern spirituality to rejuvenate the Christian faith, they delve deeper into the integration of ancient doctrines with contemporary thought. They tackle the limitations of traditional religious frameworks, explore the concept of ultimate reality and the sacred through a non-theistic lens, and emphasize the significance of dialogical relationships in meaning-making. Vervaeke and Dempsey connect these insights to broader philosophical and cultural themes, examining the evolution of spiritual maturity, the interplay between personhood and the universe, and the integration of scientific and mystical perspectives.   —   Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.   —   00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One 00:45 Brendan's Work on Metamodern Spirituality 02:45 Ultimate Reality and the Sacred 13:25 Integrating Critiques: Schellenberg, Transcendence, and Non-Theism 16:50 Meaning and Learning in Sacred Evolution 29:20  Dialogical Relationship with the Sacred 41:45 God as Cosmic Self-Realization 50:00 Prayer and Maturation in Deep Time 54:30 Prayer and Transpersonal Dialogue 58:30 Prayer and Ultimate Reality 01:15:05 Conclusion: The Evolution of Meaning and the Sacred   —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   J.L. Schellenberg Gregg Henriques Rudolf Otto  Clifford Geertz Carl Sagan Meister Eckhart Paul Tillich Iain McGilchrist Martin Heidegger Michael Levin Epicurus Bobby Azarian Kasra Mirzaie Leonard Angel Spinoza John Hick Dan Chiappe Paul Tillich Dionysus Brendan Graham Dempsey, A Universal Learning Process (The Evolution of Meaning) ​​Matt Rossano, Ritual in Human Evolution and Religion Joseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and West Leonard Angel, Enlightenment East and West   Relevant Episodes   Reviving Faith with Metamodern Spirituality and the Future of Christianity | Brendan Graham Dempsey   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon Follow Brendan Graham Dempsey: Website | X | Facebook   —   Thank you for Listening!  

Have we confined the true essence of sainthood within too narrow a boundary? In this episode of 'Voices with Vervaeke,' John Vervaeke welcomes Christopher Mastropeitro and Andrew Sweeny for a discussion that delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of their innovative project, the Philosophical Silk Road. Together, they challenge contemporary notions of sainthood and wisdom, drawing connections between Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, and Tantric practices. Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogue, the trio examines the essence of saints and sages, the importance of humor and humility in spiritual journeys, and the delicate balance between our finite existence and the quest for transcendence. Join John, Chris, and Andrew as they share their spiritual paths and encounters with saintly figures, advocating for a renewed appreciation of the sacred in our modern world.   Andrew Sweeny is an educator, writer, musician, and podcaster. He teaches at Sciences Po University in Paris and is an editor at Parallax magazine. Sweeny explores Zen Buddhism, Tantric practices, and music through his media platform, Parallax, offering courses and podcasts. Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He is the executive director and an active contributor to the Vervaeke Foundation, collaborating on projects exploring wisdom, spirituality, and transformative dialogue.   Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   —   00:00 Introducing the Guests and the Philosophical Silk Road 02:50 Andrew's Path: Zen, Tantra, and Music 05:05 Exploring the Philosophical Silk Road 07:00 Dialogos and Sacred Emergence 10:40 Setting the Stage: Connecting Zen, Neoplatonism, and Theurgy 21:40 Tantra's Influence in East and West 31:40 Reflections on Saintliness       44:25 The Enigma of Crazy Wisdom and Non-Conformity 52:10 Understanding the Hidden Order and Profound Humanity of Saints 01:09:05 The Role of Romanticism and Humor in Sainthood 01:17:40 Pilgrimage and the Saintly Path 01:19:30 Final Reflections        —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Kitaro Nishida Alicia Juarrero Friedrich Nietzsche  James Filler Erich Fromm Chögyam Trungpa Heidegger Plato Nagarjuna Christianity Neoplatonism Socrates Thomas Aquinas Augustine Joseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and West Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of Iamblichus Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice  Lotus Guru Padmasambhava, The Tibetan Book of the Dead Albert Camus, The Plague Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov; The Idiot  Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Andrew Sweeny: Medium | Twitter | YouTube   Connect with Christopher Mastropietro   —   Thank you for listening! --- Key Words: Philosophical Silk Road, John Vervaeke, Andrew Sweeny, Christopher Mastropietro, Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, Tantra, dialogos, John Vervaeke podcast, Voices with Vervaeke, sacred journeys, spiritual growth, transformative dialogue, spiritual wisdom, cognitive science, psychology of religion, meaning crisis, philosophical podcasts, spiritual practices, Eastern and Western traditions, romanticism in spirituality, humor in spirituality, sacred and secular, spiritual transformation, evolutionary psychology  

Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, exploring the interplay between psychotherapy, spirituality, and self-deception. Can understanding all parts of ourselves sometimes lead us away from the truth? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke continues to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with guest Kasra Mirzaie. They discuss the paradox of IFS as both a path to self-discovery and a potential source of self-deception. Their conversation covers the intersection of spirituality and science within IFS, offering listeners insights into this therapeutic approach. Mirzaie shares personal experiences, emphasizing the transformative roles of love and forgiveness in therapy. Vervaeke and Mirzaie also examine the philosophical and cognitive scientific foundations of IFS, setting the stage for future discussions on self-organizing criticality and the relationship between cognitive science and spirituality. This episode aims to broaden listeners' understanding of the self and provide new perspectives on human psychology.   Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   —   00:00 Introduction and Mirzaie's Background and Work 03:00 Exploring Self-Deception  17:00 The Role of Love and Forgiveness 22:50 The Spiritual Dimension of IFS 34:40 Self-Deception and Spiritual Bypassing 38:45 Spirit of Self-Deception: The Paradox of Adaptation and Growth 43:00 The Paradox of the Fall and Self-Consciousness 45:40 Relational Reality and the Self 59:50 The Therapeutic Approach to Trauma 01:06:25 Conclusion: Gratitude, Growth, and Ongoing Exploration     —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Neoplatonism Mark Lewis Paul Vander Klay Seth Allison Marc Lewis Milton's Lucifer William Desmond Heidegger William Blake  Filler Jung Nietzsche Vygotsky Nishita Kirkegaard Tom Holmes, Parts Work: a Path of the Heart: Healing Journeys Integrating IFS and Spirituality Christopher Ben Simpson, The William Desmond Reader Robert B. Brandom, A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel's Phenomenology Relevant Episodes Transforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay Inside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon —   Thank you for Listening! --- Keywords John Vervaeke, Kasra Mirzaie, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, self-deception, spirituality and science, cognitive science foundations, love and forgiveness, personal transformation, self-organizing criticality, cognitive science and spirituality, relationality in therapy, self-identity and agency, therapeutic practices, modern spirituality, Voices with Vervaeke podcast  

Paul Vander Klay is a minister at Living Stones CRC in Sacramento, CA, known for his engaging online discussions on faith and thoughtful community engagement. How can the convergence of ancient spiritual practices and modern cognitive science redefine our understanding of identity and collective wisdom? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Paul Vander Klay explore the intersections of personal transformation and collective wisdom. They discuss the role of spiritual practices like Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in modern society and their implications for personal growth and collective understanding. The conversation highlights the significance of relationality in understanding agency and cognition, emphasizing how our relationships with others shape our sense of self and our ability to navigate the world. John and Paul also address the advent of the sacred in modern culture and the potential for new cultural cognitive grammars. They share insights from their personal and professional experiences, offering a thought-provoking exploration of modern spirituality and relational being. This episode leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of how personal growth and collective wisdom are intertwined.   Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   —   00:00 Introduction: Faith, Friendship, and Exploration 03:10 Exploring IFS Therapy, Dialogical Self, and Archetypal Experiences 08:50 Dialoguing with Hermes: Ally Work and Neoplatonic Traditions 14:00 Dialogical Models and Changing Public Perception of Humans 22:50 Rethinking the Self: Transjectivity, Relationality, and the Imaginal 28:00 Beyond Substance Ontology 55:00 Dialogical Presencing and Transjective Ontology in Religion 58:05 Communal Aspects of Christian Tradition 01:01:35 Dialogical Practice and Hermetic Consciousness 01:05:25 Therapeutic Practices and Self-Deception 01:12:15 Exploring the Sacred in IFS and Dialogical Practices 01:40:50 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty     —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Dialogical Practices Hermes (Guiding Figure) Proclus Plotinus Jordan Peterson Jonathan Pageau Seth Allison Kasra Mirzaie Richard Schwartz Marc Lewis Anderson Todd Jeffrey Raff  Dallas Willard James Fuller Robert Falconer Sam Tideman Paul Kingsnorth Martin Shaw Richard Rohlin (Universal History) Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of Iamblichus Ben Alderson-Day, Presence: The Strange Science and True Stories of the Unseen Other T. M. Luhrmann, How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others Paul Ricoeur, Fallible Man: Philosophy of the Will Plato, The Seventh Letter Charles Taylor Neoplatonism Socrates   Relevant Episodes Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis The Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show AI Sages and the Ethical Frontier: Exploring Human Values, Embodiment, and Spiritual Realms   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Paul Vander Klay: Blog | Twitter | YouTube —   Thank you for Listening!  

Thomas Jockin is a Fellow at the Halkyon Guild and the Founder of TypeThursday. He has taught at Pratt Institute, FIT (SUNY), Queens College (CUNY), and City College of New York (CUNY). Sign Up for Thomas Jockin's Course: Plato on Beauty and Virtue | Halkyon Academy   Can re-engaging with classical ideals of beauty help us address the meaning crisis? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Thomas Jockin explore the concept of beauty through the lens of Plato's philosophy. Thomas shares insights from his upcoming course, discussing the interconnectedness of beauty, truth, and goodness. They examine how modern interpretations of beauty differ from Plato's original vision and how re-engaging with classical ideals can address the current meaning crisis. John and Thomas challenge contemporary perspectives and seek to rediscover foundational principles. Join the discussion to learn more about the profound impact of beauty on our lives.   Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   —   00:00 Exploring Plato's Concept of Beauty with Thomas Jockin 01:10 Jockin's Halcyon Course: Plato on Beauty and Virtue 04:25 The Cultural Decline of Beauty 08:00 Plato's Beauty: Love, Reason, and the Soul's Recollection 10:25 Philosophical Implications of Beauty, Love, and Truth 24:00 The Rationality of Beauty Beyond Propositions  31:45 The Cascade Effect of Moral Virtues in Everyday Life 35:55 Bridging the Material and the Divine 40:55 The Interconnectedness of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth 51:15 Modern Art and the Role of the Artist 01:08:15 Beauty as a Solution to the Meaning Crisis in Modern Art and Architecture 01:14:25 Conclusion: Returning to Foundations in the Modern World       —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Plato. Greater Hippias. Plato. Symposium. Plato. Phaedrus. Plato. Meno. Plato. Cratylus. Plato. Parmenides. Sonia Sedivy, Beauty and the End of Art Byung-Chul Han, Saving Beauty Drew A. Hyland, Plato and the Question of Beauty D. C. Schindler, “The Primacy of Beauty, the Centrality of Goodness, and the Ultimacy of Truth” John Russon, Bearing Witness to Epiphany: Persons, Things, and the Nature of Erotic Life Duchamp (Fountain) Heidegger Maurice Merleau-Ponty Habermas Neoplatonism Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Thomas Jockin: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn    —   Thank you for Listening!  

Marc Lewis is a neuroscientist and former professor of developmental psychology, who taught at the University of Toronto and Radboud University. He is the author of numerous journal publications and books, including Memoirs of an Addicted Brain and The Biology of Desire. How can understanding our internal parts lead to emotional healing and personal growth? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Marc Lewis explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. They examine the emotional landscapes that shape our behaviors, the interaction of different parts of the mind, and the transformative potential of self-compassion in therapy. This conversation provides insights into psychological healing, challenging conventional views and offering new perspectives on personal growth and recovery.   Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon Community. —   00:00 Introduction: Understanding Addiction and Emotional Regulation through IFS Therapy 03:15 Marc's Academic Journey and Neuroscience Insights 05:35 The Power of IFS Therapy: A Faster Route to Healing and Understanding 11:35 Practical Applications of IFS and Why it Works 21:00 Dialoguing with Our Inner Selves 33:50 Exploring the Concept of Self in IFS 43:55 Bridging Therapy, Spirituality, and Emotional Healing 48:20 Balancing Growth, Responsibility, and the Role of the Self 01:00:00 Navigating Cultural Reactivity and Spiritual Dimensions 01:13:35 The Importance of Guidance and Pedagogical Preparation  01:17:15 Conclusion: The Evolving Nature of IFS Therapy and the Need for Continued Inquiry     —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Plato, Republic  Richard Schwartz, No Bad Parts  Cece Sykes, Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addictions: Trauma-Informed, Compassion-Based Interventions for Substance Use, Eating, Gambling and More  Wizard of Oz (film) Seth Allison Kasra Mirzaie  Lucas Forstmeyer Gedankenexperiment  Relevant Episodes Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Marc Lewis: Website | YouTube —   Thank you for Listening!  

Vivian Dittmar is an author, speaker, and wisdom teacher dedicated to enhancing holistic development for over two decades. Through her books and the Be the Change Foundation, she focuses on emotional intelligence, ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment to address modern society's crises.  What does it mean to truly transcend the ego and embrace a transpersonal state of being?  In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar thoughtfully explore enlightenment, viewing it not as a final destination but as an ongoing journey of maturation and integration. They challenge conventional perspectives on enlightenment, proposing a more dynamic interplay between personal growth and spiritual awakening. By examining the delicate balance required to maintain higher states of consciousness while cultivating a healthy personal self, they illuminate the complexities of spiritual bypassing and the necessity of embracing imperfection. Their conversation also delves into the importance of vulnerability, aligning inner and outer worlds, the role of synchronicity, and the transformative power of confronting our own mortality. Join them as they unravel these intricate themes with intellectual rigor, poetic insight, and a commitment to deepening our understanding of what it means to lead a truly awakened life.   Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon Community. —   00:00 Introduction: Exploring Transpersonal and Transegoic States 02:10 Navigating the Spectrum of Egoic and Transrational Consciousness 07:20 Beyond the Social Conscience: Discovering the Voice of the Soul 12:35 Exploring the Implicate Order and Transrational Ways of Knowing 19:00 Redefining Spiritual Awakening and the Mythology Surrounding It 23:25 Bridging the Gap between Inner and Outer Worlds through Wisdom and Virtue 32:20 Cultivating a Healthy Personal Self after Enlightenment 43:45 Beyond Spiritual Bypassing and the Pursuit of Perfection in the Journey Towards Wholeness  57:00 Facing Mortality: A Journey Towards Wholeness and Maturity   01:18:00 Conclusion: Reflections on Convergence, Gratitude, and the Quest for True Prosperity   —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   The Death of Ivan Ilyich, by Leo Tolstoy David Bohm Plato Carl Jung Leo Tolstoy Spinoza Fallible Man, by Paul Ricoeur  Relevant Episodes Exploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar   Exploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar   Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3   — Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Vivian Dittmar: Website | YouTube Workshops/Courses:   Introduction to the Practice of Conscious Release How Big Is Your Emotional Backpack?The Emotional Backpack Books: The Emotional Backpack Your Inner GPS —   Thank you for Listening!  

Gregg Henriques is a professor at James Madison University, author of "A New Unified Theory of Psychology," and a leader in the Unified Psychotherapy Movement, with over 20 years of experience in psychology and psychotherapy, specializing in adult psychopathology.    Pascal Layman is a philosopher based in Northern Ontario, known for his groundbreaking work on the metaphysics of adjacency, the coaxial stages model, and metaprogressive politics.   Bruce Alderman is an accomplished musician, visual artist, and deep meditation practitioner. He is the producer of The Integral Stage podcast and the organizer of the Blue Sky Leadership Program at the California Institute for Integral Studies.    Does the universe hold inherent mystery, or is our scientific understanding merely inadequate?  In this episode of The Cognitive Science Show, John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques are joined by Layman Pascal and Bruce Alderman to reflect on the Transcendent Naturalism series and explore its potential for fostering collective transcendence. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the importance of ethical and relational dimensions in our understanding of the world, the role of art and meaning-making in a meta-modern context, and the layered ontology of nature. Join us to explore this fascinating approach to understanding how transcendent naturalism can shed light on our world and guide us toward a deeper sense of purpose. Gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by supporting John's innovative work on Patreon.   —   “IPS (Integral Post-Metaphysical Spirituality) wants to leave room for the interplay of transcendence and immanence, but without needing to posit an unthinkable outside to reality. It's in strong accord with transcendent naturalism in this regard." - Bruce Alderman  [08:37]   "John's proposed simple move to arrive at an extended naturalism, getting science to more explicitly accept what it already presupposes, is genius. There's much more that could be said about that, but my simple response is bravo." - Bruce Alderman [08:49]   —   0:00 - Introduction: Series Finale and Overview of Transcendent Naturalism Series 4:00 - Integral Post-Metaphysical Spirituality and its Flexible Nature 14:10 - Influential Theories and Thinkers: Integrating Cognitive Science, Philosophy, and Transcendence 24:20 - Flexible Metaphysics and the Layered Ontology of Transcendent Naturalism 32:50 -  Theology, Art, and Literature: Navigating the AGI and Meaning Crisis 39:20 - Participatory Spiritual Practices and Metaphysical Rituals 45:20 - Strong Transcendence with Preeminent Imminence 53:40 - The Role of Art and Narrative in Transcendent Naturalism 57:00 - Cultivating a Transformative Curriculum: Reimagining Institutional Roles in Spiritual Growth 1:10:20 - Conclusion: Culminating Thoughts and Future Pathways    —   Help advance the pursuit of scientifically rigorous wisdom and make a meaningful impact by joining the Vervaeke Foundation. Learn more at The Vervaeke Foundation   Deepen your virtues and foster authentic connections in life by joining Awaken to Meaning. Start your journey today at Awaken to Meaning   —   If you're interested in learning more about transcendent naturalism, be sure to check out the Cognitive Science Show. Towards a Metapsychology that is true to Transformation w/ Gregg Henriques and Zachary Stein   —   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X/Twitter  | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Gregg Henriques: Website | X/Twitter | UTOK   Follow Layman Pascal: Substack | X/Twitter | YouTube   Follow Bruce Alderman: LinkedIn | Facebook   —   Thank you for Listening!  

Brendan Graham Dempsey is an author and speaker specializing in metamodern spirituality, exploring the intersections of traditional faith and contemporary thought. How can ancient faith traditions adapt to the complexities of the modern world? In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey explore the potential for metamodern spirituality to breathe new life into the Christian faith. Dempsey shares his transformative journey from traditional beliefs to a metamodern perspective that integrates ancient doctrines with contemporary thought. Their discussion addresses challenging issues such as historical and postmodern critiques of the Bible, the complex relationship between faith and science, and the psychological underpinnings of religious practices. This conversation aims to rejuvenate our understanding of Christianity and enrich our engagement with reality, setting the stage for future dialogues on the essence of God and the sacred. Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community!  --- "I'm interested in the ways that spirituality begins to dovetail with the sciences, where that antagonism many of us are familiar with is transcended and healed in a profound way." - Brendan Graham Dempsey [00:04:00] "We need the language of explaining because the language of explaining is the language of science. If we don't have a properly cultivated language of explaining, the gulf between spirituality and science will remain. That is one of the significant drivers of the meaning crisis." - John Vervaeke [00:15:33] "What's the point of the religious relationship to Jesus? Is it to accurately capture the past or wisely prepare you for the future? I think the latter is exactly what it's most properly for." John Vervaeke [00:39:28] ---   0:00 Introduction: Brendan's Christian Roots and Academic Journey  06:20 Modern and Postmodern Biblical Critiques 10:15 Metamodern Christianity and Its Challenges 13:40 Training vs. Explaining in Religious Contexts 20:45 Bridging Historical Jesus and Imaginal Christ 43:05 Faith, Maturation, and the Interplay of Training and Explanation 51:50 Imaginal Recovery and Theological Continuity 01:02:45 Navigating Order and Chaos: Spiritual Growth Dynamics 01:27:30 Conclusion: Exploring the Numinous - God, Sacredness, and Ultimate Reality   ---   Become a part of The Vervaeke Foundation's  mission to promote the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and create a lasting impact on the world.    Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   --- The Meaning of Meaning | Transcendent Naturalism #7   The Future of Faith | Transcendent Naturalism #8   Unlocking the Mysteries of Meaning: An Intellectual Odyssey The Artful Scaling of the Religion that is not a religion w/ Layman Pascal & Brendan Graham Dempsey --- Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in This Episode: Metamodernism  Transcendent Naturalism Jesus of Nazareth  Biblical Studies  Postmodern Critiques  Nietzsche  Foucault  Derrida Spinoza Plato  Xenophon  Aristophanes Solon Aristotle  Henry IV, V, and IV (Shakespeare)  Shakespeare's early works  Plato's Socrates  H.G. Gadamer T.S. Eliot J.R.R. Tolkien C.S. Lewis G.W.F. Hegel J.L. Schellenberg J.Campbell C.Jung  Jordan Peterson Jared Morningstar Dr. Johannes A. Niederhauser (Halkyon Academy) J.A.S. Kelso Paul (Apostle) Brian McLaren  D.C. Schindler Paul Vander Klay The Language of Coaching by Nick Winkelman ---    Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X/Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Brendan Graham Dempsey: Website | X/Twitter | Facebook   ---   Thank you for listening!  

Gregg Henriques is a clinical psychologist and professor at James Madison University. He is known for his Unified Theory of Knowledge (UTOK), which integrates various domains of psychology into a coherent framework.   Bonnita Roy is the founder of Alderlore Insight Center, a non-profit educational organization and the curator of The POP-UP School, an online learning community exploring new ways of thinking and acting. Alexander Bard is a philosopher and futurist specializing in the relationship between humanity and technology, with a profound interest in psychoanalysis and anthropology to understand the impact of technological change on interpersonal relationships. What drives our social connections and sense of belonging? Recorded live at UTOK Consilience Conference 2024, this episode features Gregg Henriques, Alexander Bard, Bonnitta Roy, and John Vervaeke examining the convergences and fault lines between transcendent naturalism and emergentism and the profound implications these theories have on our understanding of reality. By critiquing materialism, idealism, and dualism, the panel advocates for a new 21st-century philosophical framework that integrates Eastern and Western insights, emphasizing relationalism and dialectical thinking. Enriched with references to thinkers like Hegel, Whitehead, Nietzsche, and Deleuze, this dialogue explores the roles of cognitive science, spirituality, and community practices. Join this journey to uncover the essence of ultimate reality and the transformative potential of sacredness while underscoring the importance of humility, love, and pragmatic approaches to contemporary challenges.   Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community!    —   00:00 Introduction: Setting the Stage for Transcendent Naturalism and Emergentism 03:30 John Vervaeke: Outline of Transcendent Naturalism 19:45 Bonnitta Roy's Perspective on Naturalism and Stratified Reality 32:00 Alexander Bard on the Necessity of Metaphysics and Transcendent Emergentism 48:00 Group Dialogue on UTOC Framework and Integrating Perspectives 01:11:00 Exploring Zoofism and the Philosophical Silk Road 01:18:45 Q&A: Integrating Transcendental Emergentism with Science and Philosophy 01:31:10 Alexander Bard on Integrating Hegel with Modern Thinkers 01:33:50 Ontology of Pure Relationality and the Future of Digital Networks and Decentralization 01:40:05 Stability, Relational Thinking, and Dynamic Systems 01:43:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections: Convergences and Future Directions   —   Join The Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world.   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today.    —   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Evan Thompson Adam Frank Marcelo Gleiser James Blachowicz  Alicia Juarrero Wolfgang Smith Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics by Catherine Pickstock  Willard Van Orman Quine Hilary Putnam Quine-Duhem Immanuel Kant Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel James J. Gibson ​​Martin Heidegger James Filler Kyoto School John L. Schellenberg Roy Bhaskar Sabine Hossenfelder Eric Weinstein Alfred North Whitehead Friedrich Nietzsche Henri Bergson Dan Chiappe Matt Segall  Bruno Latour  Diana Fosha Gilles Deleuze Process and Event by Alexander Bard and Jan Söderqvist    — Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Gregg Henriques: Website | Twitter | UTOK   Follow Bonita : YouTube | Substack   Follow Alexander Bard Henriques: Blog | Twitter    —   Thank you for Listening!  

Tataya Bailey is the founder and lead trainer of Prisma Leadership, combining her law degree, multiple yoga certifications, and over two decades of facilitation experience to create a unique leadership approach rooted in integrity and connection. Rachel Hayden is a magpie of the Liminal Web, and occasional collaborator with people like John, Gregg Henriques, and Alexander Bard. Her background includes somatics, meditative and contemplative practice, and peer-based mental health How can we heal and transform ourselves through embodied practices and the relational field?  In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, Tataya Bailey and Rachel Hayden join John Vervaeke to explore the transformative power of relational practices on personal growth and healing. They delve into the balance between structure and spontaneity, discuss handling trauma, and emphasize the significance of attention and attunement in fostering authentic connections. This episode highlights the beauty of human connection and the endless possibilities for transformation.   Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community!    — "I discovered capacities in me that I didn't even know I had." - Tataya Bailey [00:06:30] "The experiences ranged from incredibly profound and bequeathing of a new dharma for me, all the way to working through shadow stuff, having alternate childhood experiences, and working through archetypal symbolism and tribal imagery between people. It was all like welcome there, and it was all material for that relationality, which I found so beautiful and so accessible to me." - Rachel Hayden [00:12:00]  —   00:00 Introduction: Exploring Relational Practices 08:35 Rachel's Prisma Experience: Embracing Vulnerability and Transformation 13:45 The Structure and Values of Prisma: Balancing Spontaneity and Containment 21:10 How Prisma Unlocks Relational Potential: Recovering Lost Parts and Deepening Connection 40:05 Attention and Attunement: Harmonizing Individuation and Participation 43:50 The Musicality of Relational Practices: The Dance of Metaphors and Sacred Rituals 50:50 Navigating Trauma and Safety in Relational Work 01:00:00 Embracing Discomfort: The Journey from Propositional to Participatory Connection 01:04:50 Re-exaptation and the Imaginal: The Role of Aporia in Transformative Practices 01:12:10 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations   —   Become a part of The Vervaeke Foundation's  mission to promote the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and create a lasting impact on the world.    Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   —   Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Alanja Forsberg - Avalon Community Alexander Bard Seth Allison - IFS James Carse - Infinite Game Andrew Huberman Kerry Ressler Robert Kegan   — Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Tataya Bailey: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn   —   Thank you for watching!  

Gregg Henriques is a clinical psychologist and professor at James Madison University. He is known for his Unified Theory of Knowledge (UTOK), which integrates various domains of psychology into a coherent framework.   What drives our social connections and sense of belonging? In this episode, originally recorded at the UTOC 2024 conference, John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques explore the profound concept of recursive relevance realization, focusing on its integration into a fourth R: interpersonal relationality. Their conversation intricately weaves together cognitive science, philosophy, and psychotherapy, presenting a compelling case for understanding how relevance realization shapes social value and collective intelligence. By providing insights into predictive processing and the influence matrix, they uncover the complex dynamics of human cognition and social interaction. This episode not only offers a theoretical framework but also practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections in various aspects of life.  Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community!    — “Meaning in life is exactly what Gregg described: what keeps you going even when your subjective well-being is going down.” - John Vervaeke [00:39:15] “We need to be connected to what we deem to be really real.” - John Vervaeke [00:42:12] —   00:00 Introduction: Exploring the Fourth R 03:50 The Importance of Interpersonal Relationality 07:30 Exploring the Connection between Recursive Relevance Realization and the Influence Matrix 12:20 Anticipatory Relevance Realization: Integrating with the Influence Matrix and Predictive Processing 21:10 The Fourth R: Collective Intelligence and Reciprocal Recognition 23:30 Personal Memories and Relational Dynamics: Practical Examples 30:25 Integrating Theories: Bridging Science, Therapy, and Collective Intelligence 34:55 Social Influence vs. Relational Value: Implications for Society 38:35 Meaning in Life and Belonging: Integrative Insights 46:05 Reflections on Self and Social Justice: Future Directions 48:30 Final Thoughts: Collaboration and Convergence   —   Join The Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world.   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today.    —   Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Timothy Leary - Circumplex Model John Bowlby's Attachment Theory Michael Levin - Cognitive Light Cone Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit by Terry Pinkard  Jim Rutt - GameB Concept Kelly-Ann Allen Joshua Hicks Grice's Maxims of Conversation Untangling the World Knot - John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques   — Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Gregg Henriques: Website | Twitter | UTOK   —   Thank you for watching!  

Mahon McCann is a writer, award-winning playwright, philosophy doctoral researcher, martial arts coach, and podcast host who explores personal development and ethical issues of technology.   Are we on the brink of a new era of enlightenment or facing the rise of an existential threat? In this episode, John Vervaeke and Mahon McCann delve into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and the human search for meaning. They explore the potential of AI to act as a tool for personal and collective transformation, but also examine the challenges of creating AI that truly understands and respects our values. From predictive processing and relevance realization to Plato's cave allegory, this episode offers a fascinating exploration of the intersection between AI and human consciousness.   Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community!    — "Attention is like a spotlight you shine on things. When you shine your attention on them, they stand out and keep your attention." - John Vervaeke  [00:02:12] “So much of this first generation of AI is an environment, the large scale curation algorithms of social media are what's organizing our experience online. It's not a human being, but it's playing this role of orchestrating a lot of our experience and people's development. And so creating an optimal AI or an optimal environment would be trying to foster optimal agency, optimal meaning, which is really optimal wellbeing as well.” - Mahon McCann [00:38:23] “I think part of steeling the culture is to get the people within the AI industry [to] drop the sorcerer myth. Drop it. Disidentify with it. Take up the sage mythology. Take that up. That is the way we can do what you want, but in a way that isn't going to set us on a path to destruction. - John Vervaeke [00:59:16] —   0:00 Introduction to AI Alignment and the Meaning Crisis 1:00 Predictive Processing and Relevance Realization 2:00 Beyond the Spotlight Metaphor: New Models of Attention 6:30 Integrating Predictive Processing with Relevance Realization 23:00 Agency, Meaning, and the Self-Organizing Mind 29:20 Autopoiesis, Agency, and Plato's Insights 31:25 Predictive Processing, Motivation, Vertical Alignment, and Horizontal Anticipation  35:05 Optimal Agency, Collective Intelligence, and Persuasive Technologies 37:40 AI as Agents vs. AI as Environment 39:45 The Challenge of Aligning AI with Human Flourishing 53:15 Creating a New Sacredness in the Digital Age 59:44 Concluding Thoughts on Navigating AI Development: Embracing Choice Points, Wisdom, and Foresight for a Collectively Beneficial Future   —   Join The Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world.   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today.    —   Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Predictive processing and relevance realization: exploring convergent solutions to the frame problem - Brett Andersen, Mark Miller, John Vervaeke  Ken Lowry D.C. Schindler Jonathan Pageau Mark Miller Rick Repetti Attention Is Cognitive Unison: An Essay in Philosophical Psychology - Christopher Mole  Feature-integration theory of attention - Anne Treisman Metaphors We Live By - George Lakoff and Mark Johnson Attention Metaphors: How Metaphors Guide the Cognitive Psychology of Attention - Diego Fernandez-Duque, Mark Johnson William James  Andy Clark Phenomenology of Perception  - Maurice Merleau-Ponty Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Lev Vygotsky The Republic - Plato Theory of motivation Mentoring the Machines - John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne Free-Energy Minimising Agents and Beneficial A.I.: Ambient Smart Environments, Allostasis, and Metacognitive Control - Ben White and Mark Miller Tristan Harris Heidegger   — The Crossroads of Predictive Processing and Relevance Realization | Leiden Symposium AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist   —   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Mahon McCann: Website | Instagram | YouTube   —   Thank you for watching!  

In the vast expanse of human thought, how do philosophy and spirituality intertwine to shape our understanding of the sacred? In this conversation, first released on Andrew Sweeny's channel, The Parallax, John Vervaeke, Andrew Sweeny, and Christopher Mastropietro examine the delicate balance between philosophical rigor and spiritual experiences. They probe the challenges and rewards of navigating this complex terrain, emphasizing the transformative power of love, wisdom, and existential inquiry. By blurring the traditional boundaries between philosophical inquiry and religious practice, this conversation invites listeners to deepen their exploration of truth and meaning, ultimately fostering personal and communal growth.   Andrew Sweeny is an educator, writer, musician, and podcaster who currently teaches at Sciences Po University in Paris and serves as an editor at Parallax magazine.  Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer who is fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He actively contributes to the Vervaeke Foundation.   Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis Nothingness Beyond God: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Nishida Kitaro, by Robert Edgar Carter  Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis,  co-authored by Christopher Mastropietro Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being, by James Filler Iain McGilchrist Daniel Schmachtenberger Bishop Maximus Paul Vander Klay T.S. Eliot Jordan Peterson Sallie McFague Richard Dawkins Carl Jung Søren Kierkegaard Jacob Howland Douglas Hedley Jordan Hall   “The more people I'm talking to—high caliber, high quality people in this whole arena—the advent of the sacred as a response to the meaning crisis is a growing theme. I have found myself more and more called into service to doing whatever I can to afford the advent of that.” - John Vervaeke [00:02:00] "Nobody lives on the Silk Road; people move along it." - John Vervaeke [00:03:37] "The idea of the Silk Road, to me, is that the wandering, and the traveling, and the encountering different influences, and the metabolizing of a lingua philosophica helps to create a space within oneself into which that inward process can pour itself, discover itself, and metabolize itself." - Christopher Mastropietro [00:10:57] “The more I engage with this work, the more I realize that so much of the dawning consciousness of our encounter with the sacred is ultimately a process that happens to us. It occurs to us. We can bring consciousness to bear on it, and augment it, and make space for it, and inquire within it in such a way as to invite it.” - Christopher Mastropietro [00:11:23]   0:00  Embracing the Philosophical Silk Road: From Top-Down Religion to an Organic Spiritual Path 17:00  On the Philosophical Silk Road: An Interfaith Journey, Personal Transformation, and Confronting Idolatry 28:30  Beyond the Culture War: Embracing Authentic Dialogue and the Embodiment of Beliefs 35:40  The Unresolvable Dialogue: Embracing the Infinite Game Between Socrates and Jesus 44:10  Rediscovering the Essence of Faith: Beyond Doctrine to Personal Transformation 56:00  The Wildness of the Sacred: Recognizing and Integrating Spontaneous Spiritual Experiences 1:02:50  Philosophical and Sacred Synergies: Bridging the Divide through Love and Wisdom   Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. https://awakentomeaning.com/   Follow John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   Follow Andrew Sweeny https://twitter.com/andrewpgsweeny https://andrewpgsweeny.medium.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@parallax_media    Connect with Christopher Mastropietro https://vervaekefoundation.org/ Thank you for listening!  

Evan Thompson is a philosopher and author, specializing in the integration of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Asian philosophical traditions. Based at the University of British Columbia, his work, including his recent book 'The Blind Spot', examines the intersections of consciousness, experience, and reality through a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.   Can cognitive science, philosophy, and mysticism hold the keys to resolving our modern meaning crisis?    Join John Vervaeke and Evan Thompson in a captivating exploration of how these disciplines converge to address this pressing issue. The conversation showcases Thompson's interdisciplinary approach, drawing from his work on 'The Blind Spot' and his extensive background in Asian philosophy and phenomenology. Gain fresh perspectives on the essence of lived experience, the power of relevance realization, and the nature of reality as the discussion unfolds. Prepare for an intellectual journey that promises to deepen our understanding of truth, goodness, and beauty and bridge the gaps between diverse intellectual traditions. Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking insights of Evan Thompson's thought-provoking book, "The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience.”  https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Spot-Science-Cannot-Experience/dp/0262048809   —   “"The blind spot is the inability to see, or to recognize, or to acknowledge that lived experience is the source of science. And so if you undercut the source of science by occluding lived experience, you're actually damaging science." - Evan Thompson [00:19:34]   "The process of formalization of translating things into a formal system is always an ill-defined problem that requires relevance realization." - John Vervaeke [00:30:52] —   00:00 Introduction to Evan Thompson and 'The Blind Spot' 01:05 Evan Thompson's Background and Philosophical Journey 02:10 Diving Into 'The Blind Spot': A Book on the Meaning Crisis 09:30 Exploring Core Ideas and Arguments of 'The Blind Spot' 18:15 Addressing the Meaning Crisis: Science, Experience, and Reality 18:55 Navigating Between Science Triumphalism and Denial 21:30 The Role of Experience in Understanding Reality 31:25 Challenging the Bifurcation of Nature and the 'View from Nowhere' 38:45 Sacredness, Reality, and the Meaning Crisis 40:30 Exploring the Sacred Beyond Science 41:55 Exploring the Depths of the Sacred and Ultimate Concern: Secular vs. Transcendental Perspectives 47:45 The Axial Revolution and Its Impact on Modern Consciousness 56:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Bridging Science and Mysticism 59:54 Philosophical Reflections on Truth, Beauty, and the Good 01:11:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Dialogues   —   Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. https://awakentomeaning.com/   —   Idea, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - book co-authored by Evan Thompson, Adam Frank, and Marcelo Gleiser Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy - book by Evan Thompson Why I Am Not a Buddhist -  book by Evan Thompson Contact with Reality - book by Esther Lightcap Meek The Nothingness Beyond God - book by Robert Edgar Carter Maurice Merleau-Ponty  Edmund Husserl  Martin Heidegger  William James  Galileo Galilei  Nishida Kitaro  Alfred North Whitehead Nancy Cartwright  René Descartes Robert Kreese  Paul Tillich  Michael Polanyi Michael Schellenberger  Susan Wolf Ursula Goodenough  Immanuel Kant —   Follow John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Follow Evan Thompson: https://evanthompson.me/ http://twitter.com/evantthompson https://www.facebook.com/evan.timothy.thompson   —   Thank you for watching!  

Elizabeth Oldfield is a writer, speaker, and advocate for intentional community living based in South London. Her work, including her book 'Fully Alive', explores the intersections of faith, culture, and ethics through a deeply personal lens.    In a world that often trivializes love and deep connections, how can we cultivate a life of wisdom, virtue, and transcendence amidst our finite existence and growing polarization?   Join John Vervaeke and Elizabeth Oldfield in a profound dialogue that explores these critical themes of human existence, drawing from Platonic to Christian thought and emphasizing the transformative power of dialogical reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and awe. Elizabeth Oldfield shares insights from her book 'Fully Alive,' an Augustinian blend of autobiographical confession and psycho-spiritual reflection that highlights relational living and the transformative power of love. The conversation addresses the trivialization of love in modern culture and advocates for a deeper understanding while navigating the complexities of polarization in politics, the comparison between psychedelic and spiritual experiences, and the intrinsic value of community and wisdom traditions in achieving a virtuous life. Discover the necessity of grounding transformative experiences in communal practices for genuine personal and societal transformation in this thought-provoking discussion. Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   Discover a profound exploration of love, wisdom, and the human soul in Elizabeth Oldfield's upcoming book, "Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times." https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Alive-Tending-Turbulent-Times/dp/1587436507   —   “I can close my eyes now and know myself's seen, and the deep knowing of the presence of love in my life and the way that every other moment of love, and encounter, and intimacy reflects that is the ground of my being.” - Elizabeth Oldfield [00:32:48]   "Wisdom is about this loving enhancement of our connectedness. The wise person can go into a complex, messy, ill-defined situation and home in on what's relevant, summoning their agency in the right way so that they are properly responsible." - John Vervaeke [00:31:04] —   0:00 Introduction to Voices with Vervaeke: Elizabeth Oldfield' 1:30  Elizabeth Oldfield: Life, Faith, and the Quest for Existential Satisfaction 2:50 Exploring 'Fully Alive': Deep Dialogues on Belonging, Soul, and Existential Satisfaction 6:05 Plato's Insights on the Psyche, Inner Conflict, and the Pursuit of Inner Fullness 10:20 The Quest for Inner Peace, Wisdom, and Understanding Sin 14:20 The Interplay of Love, Wisdom, and the Divine in the Pursuit of Fully Aliveness 27:15 Unpacking the Realization of the Really Real: Connectedness, Love, and Presence 45:50 Identity, Cultural Scripts, and the Tension between Faith and Intellect 47:45 Expanding Our Understanding of Intelligence, Reality, and the Role of Attention 1:00:40 The Challenge of Authentic Love, Reverence, and Awe in a Trivialized World  1:13:10 Reverence, Awe, and the Cultivation of Virtue on the Path to Wisdom 1:22:50 Concluding Reflections on Love, Wisdom, and the Pursuit of Fully Aliveness   —   Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. https://awakentomeaning.com/   —   Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode   Plato  Freud  Pascal  Dialogos  Kenosis  Thumos  Homo Inconvartis in Se  Plato's Dialogues   —   Follow John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: https://www.elizabetholdfield.com/ https://www.instagram.com/elizabethsaraholdfield https://twitter.com/esoldfield   — Thank you for watching!  

Kyle Koch is a facilitator at Evolve Move Play, where he integrates dialogical practices into natural settings to foster deep personal connections and psychological growth.    Have you ever wondered about the impact of our environment on our cognition and ability to connect with others? In this episode of Voice with Vervaeke, John and Kyle explore the integration of dialogical practices within natural settings, the psychological and communal impacts of such practices, and the potential for deep listening to forge powerful, transformative experiences.   Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   We invite you to sign up for Evolve Move Play's "Embedded Experience" weekend workshops with Kyle Koch. Register at https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/weekend-workshops   -   "Memory is about the future. It's not about the past. Memories reconstruct and reconfigure in powerful, often unconscious ways to improve your ability to foresee in a relevant, realizing manner, the future." - John Vervaeke [25:13]    "Rituals only matter to the degree to which they transfer broadly and deeply into many domains in your life and transfer broadly and deeply into many layers of your psyche." - John Vervaeke [57:27]   -    0:00 Rekindling Connections: Dialogue and Nature 4:50 Environmental Impact on Cognition: Embodied Practices and Deep Listening 13:10 Evolutionary Impact of Campfires: Hypnosis, Shared Attention, and Ritual for Cognition and Connectedness 11:00 The Role of Deep Listening in Dialogical Practices 22:50 Ritual and Long-Term Change: Reconstructive Memory and Internalizing Wise Spirit 29:30 The Role of Place and Virtual Reality in Storytelling and Evolutionary Constraints 32:40 Navigating Virtual Technology: Maladaptations and the Importance of Wisdom in Epistemic Vulnerability   41:00 The Evolution of Evolvability 50:00 The Power of Pilgrimage and Serious Play 59:30 Language and Expression of Transformation: Connectivity, Aliveness, and the We Space 1:06:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Opportunities for Embodied Experiences   -   Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Discover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. https://awakentomeaning.com/   -   Follow John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Follow Kyle Koch: https://www.instagram.com/trottingsparrow/ https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/   -   Thank you for watching!  

In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke, alongside Terri Dentry and Aspasia Karageorge, delves into the complex interplay between emotions, chronic pain, and the mechanisms of healing within the framework of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). Through a rich dialogue, the discussion unfolds to explore the intricate ways in which pain serves not only as a physical experience but as a profound emotional and psychological defense mechanism, obscuring underlying emotional disturbances and traumas. The conversation navigates through the socialization of pain, the pivotal role of emotional awareness in healing, and the transformative potential of ISTDP in restoring agency and empowerment to individuals. By bridging emotional and physical healing, this episode illuminates the holistic approach necessary for comprehensive therapy, emphasizing the integration of diverse therapeutic practices. The engaging discourse provides compelling insights into therapy's transformative power, underscoring the importance of understanding and integrating our emotional landscapes. Bios and Links: Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience. If you'd like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.   Aspasia Karageorge, Psy.D., is a registered clinical psychologist with a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and Master of Science from the University of Sydney, as well as a Master's degree in forensic psychology from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Discover more about Aspasia through her website, and stay updated on her work by following her on YouTube and on Instagram. Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group: John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation. Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X  Resources:   The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   VOICECRAFT Quotes:  "ISTDP stands for Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a therapy developed by Dr. Davanloo in the 60s. Essentially, it views chronic pain as a defense against emotional experience." - Aspasia Karageorge [00:06:00] "Socialization of pain and how our narrative bias is driving a lot of this... the narrative bias coming from the early childhood experiences, and that providing the bias to what we are thinking, giving us a filter of how we are then relating to these things as we go forward in life." - Terri Dentry [00:38:04] “Modeling goes deeper in the brain than propositions.” - John Vervaeke [00:59:20] Glossary of Terms: ISTDP: Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a form of therapy focusing on emotional experience. Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction: Unpacking Emotions, Chronic Pain, and Rationality in Therapy 00:10:00 - Exploring the Socialization of Pain and Emotion's Role  00:15:00 - ISTDP and the Emotional Landscape: Understanding Pain as Emotional Distraction 00:24:20 - Restoring Agency and Emotional Insight: Pathways to Healing in Psychotherapy 00:43:00 - Integrating Therapies: Towards a Holistic Approach to Emotional and Physical Healing 01:07:20 - Conclusion: Embracing Complexity: Transformative Insights from ISTDP Therapy  

This episode, first released on the “Into the Impossible” channel with Dr. Brian Keating, brings together the brilliant minds of John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne to discuss the advent of artificial general intelligence and its potential consequences. The conversation starts with the motivations behind major tech figures' drive towards AI development and touches upon the issues of trust, adaptation, and the inherent human susceptibility to self-deception. Vervaeke and Coyne, through their book  "Mentoring the Machines: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow," advocate for a nuanced understanding of AI, urging for a mentorship approach to machine development that could ensure AI's alignment with human flourishing. Their dialogue also ventures into the realms of psychology, cognitive science, and the philosophical underpinnings of AI, making a compelling case for the transformative power of AI, not only technologically but also existentially for humanity. Bios and Links: Dr. Brian Keating is the Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego, specializing in cosmic microwave background research to explore the universe's origins. An acclaimed writer, his book "Losing the Nobel Prize" is an Amazon Editors' favorite. He excels as a public speaker, inventor, and podcaster. Explore more at his website, follow him on Twitter, or watch his insights on YouTube.    Shawn Coyne, creator of Story Grid, brings over three decades of publishing expertise, notably with the Big Five publishers, as an independent publisher, literary agent, and head of Genre Management Inc. Dive into his editing method and explore more at Story Grid.   Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group: John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation. Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X  Resources:   The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne    Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow -  John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne    John Vervaeke Video Essay: AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist Quotes:  "We should really be framing artificial intelligence as a mentoring of intelligent beings who have the capability and potentialities of becoming even perhaps better than we are." - Shawn Coyne [00:05:52] "It's only when you have genuine intelligence for the actual system or entity itself—an autopoietic system—a system that cares about information because it's taking care of itself in a moment by moment basis. Only then could you have something that would actually care about what's going on—the true, the good, or the beautiful." - John Vervaeke [00:15:05]   Glossary of Terms: AGI (Artificial General Intelligence): A level of artificial intelligence that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level of competence comparable to or surpassing that of a human. Relevance Realization: The process by which cognitive beings determine what information is relevant to their goals and what is not. Autopoiesis: The property of a living system (such as a bacterial cell or a multicellular organism) that allows it to maintain and renew itself.   Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:45 - The Genesis of "Mentoring the Machines"  00:08:50 - AI, Psychology, and the Alignment Problem  00:16:40 - The Evolution of Editing and Publishing in the AI Era 00:21:00 - Bridging Knowledge and Wisdom 00:29:00 - Einstein, Imagination, and AI's Emotional Depth 00:37:30 - Deciphering Consciousness: AI and the Hard Problem 00:44:40 - Educational Evolution: AI, Pedagogy, and the Future of Teaching 00:53:50 - AI's Impact on Personalized Storytelling  00:58:30 - AI, Psychology, and the Future of Psychotherapy 01:04:20 - Conclusion  

In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke is joined by Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin to discuss their unique perspectives on the intricate journey from chronic pain to insightful healing. The conversation delves into the psychological and existential dimensions that underpin true transformation, emphasizing the importance of dialogical practices and synoptic integration in achieving profound personal growth and understanding. Through a rich dialogue that navigates the nexus between philosophy, psychology, and therapeutic practice, this conversation offers deep insights into the art of healing, the cultivation of wisdom, and the transformative power of human connectivity. It stands as an essential discussion for those seeking to understand the holistic nature of healing and the potential for personal and collective evolution in the face of adversity. Guest Bio and Links: Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience. If you'd like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.   Tim Adalin, founder of Voicecraft, explores the intricate dynamics between participation and transformation. His philosophical inquiry spans metaphysics, consciousness, and identity, underpinning Voicecraft's mission to enrich dialogue on complex modern challenges. You can learn more about Tim Adalin at his website, follow him on YouTube, and on his Substack.  Resources: Join our new Patreon:  John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation    The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   VOICECRAFT   Redefining Healing: The Synergy of Psychedelic Integration and Interprofessional Practice Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch  Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis    Quotes:  "This is not something about this immediate moment of chronic pain requiring a healing process. This is a worldview issue that is happening to all of us from the very start." - Terri Dentry [00:14:22] "We're trying to get away from some of the fundamental ways in which agency is being implicitly understood or misunderstood in regular medical practice, and restore a proper appreciation of agency." - John Vervaeke [00:09:57] "Partly what this conversation is pointing to is that there's going to be a different kind of tension essentially immediately experienced when entering into a different relational context." - Tim Adalin [01:11:20] Glossary of Terms: Synoptic Integration: The integration of diverse perspectives and modalities to achieve a comprehensive understanding and healing approach.   Interprofessional Practice: Collaboration between practitioners from different disciplines for holistic patient care. Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction, Research Background, and the "Seeing More" Project 00:03:50 - Transformational Journeys and the Power of Shared Pain, Vulnerability, and Relationality 00:11:36 - Agency and Relationality in Medical Practice 00:17:09 - Embodying the Meaning Crisis: Trauma, Narratives, and the Healing Process 00:28:43 - The Pivot Problem: Balancing Finitude and Transcendence in the Healing Journey 00:34:03 - Criticisms of Therapy and the Need for a Shared Worldview 00:44:12 - Dialogos and the Philosophical Silk Road Project 00:54:05 - The Significance of Dialogical Reasoning in Daily Life and Medical Interactions 01:03:34 - Building Structures for Belonging and Support: Challenges and Solutions 01:12:36 - Conclusion: Interprofessional Clinics and the Complexity of Shared Decision-Making Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook  

In this episode, John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, Michael Levin, and Justin McSweeny come together to discuss the complexities of consciousness, intelligence, and the human condition. The conversation balances between imagination and empirical evidence, introducing cognitive light cones to frame goal-directed behavior. They explore recursive relevance realization, predictive processing, and mutual modeling to show how our sense of self and our interaction with the world are connected. Addressing the meaning crisis, the discussion acknowledges various forms of intelligence and emphasizes the transformative nature of human experiences. This episode highlights the importance of rethinking how we see ourselves, the ongoing process of self-reconstruction, and the value of interdisciplinary dialogue in deepening our understanding of human existence and consciousness. Bios and Links: Gregg Henriques, Ph.D., is a professor of graduate psychology at James Madison University and founder of the Unified Theory of Knowledge. Discover more about Henriques through his website, and follow his insights on Twitter at @henriqgx.   Michael Levin, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor and director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, specializing in developmental biology and biophysics. His pioneering research explores the bioelectric patterns that guide growth and form. Explore Levin's groundbreaking work on his lab's website, and follow his latest discoveries on Twitter at @drmichaellevin.   Justin McSweeny is the visionary host of the Idea Cast Interview Series, where he facilitates thought-provoking discussions on a wide array of intellectual topics. Access episodes on his YouTube channel, and connect with him for updates on LinkedIn.   Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group: John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation. Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X  Resources:   The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   Transcendent Naturalism Ep. 1 | Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques   The Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show   Levin, M. (2019). The Computational Boundary of a “Self”: Developmental Bioelectricity Drives Multicellularity and Scale-Free Cognition. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02688   Vervaeke, J., Lillicrap, T. P., & Richards, B. A. (2009, October 26). Relevance Realization and the Emerging Framework in Cognitive Science. Journal of Logic and Computation. https://doi.org/10.1093/logcom/exp067   Transformative Experience - L. A. Paul    Quotes:  "What biology does is assumes that you can't just learn the structure of the past. You have to make problem-solving agents." - Michael Levin [00:39:10] "When you're modeling the world, you're always, to some degree, modeling yourself, and as you're modeling yourself, you're always, to some degree, modeling the world. The two are interpenetrating." - John Vervaeke [00:16:30] Glossary of Terms: Cognitive Light Cone: A conceptual framework used to describe the spatial and temporal limits of an entity's cognition, determining what it can perceive and influence. Relational Frame Theory (RFT): A theory of human language and cognition that focuses on how humans learn and how language interacts with cognition. Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction and the Balance Between Imaginal and Empirical 00:02:00 - Understanding Complexification through Layered Ontology 00:04:30 - The Evolution of Goal-Directed Behavior and Cognitive Light Cones  00:12:30 - Recursive Relevance, Predictive Processing, and Mutual Modeling 00:30:00 - Addressing the Crisis of Meaning through Diverse Intelligence  00:38:00 - Transformative Experiences: Reconstructing Self and Reality  00:52:00 - Rationality, Dialogical Self, and Evolutionary Perspectives 01:16:00 - Conclusion: Interdisciplinary Dialogue and Final Reflections  

In this episode of ”Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke continues his ongoing exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory with psychotherapist, clinician, and researcher Kasra Mirzaie. Kasra shares his insights into the cognitive, existential, and spiritual aspects of IFS, highlighting its potential to help individuals make sense of their inner conflicts, regulate emotions, and resolve developmental psychopathology. With a focus on dialectic, mythos, and serious play, Kasra explains how IFS can help individuals forge and come into contact with different aspects of their being and identity, promoting healing and transformation. Throughout the conversation, John and Kasra explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of IFS and how it can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches to promote participatory knowing, self-transcendence, and a deeper understanding of the self. Delving into poignant examples and transformative insights, the conversation illuminates the profound impact of embracing our multiplicity through IFS, offering listeners a pathway to understanding and healing that transcends traditional therapeutic boundaries. Guest Bio and Links: Kasra Mirzaie is a psychotherapist, researcher, and educator with a focus on emotion regulation and developmental psychopathology. Kasra brings a unique perspective to the discussion, combining clinical experience with a deep interest in philosophical psychology and meaning-making processes. Join our new Patreon:  John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation    The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   Voices with Vervaeke: Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch   Many Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz     Phenomenological Bioethics: Medical Technologies, Human Suffering, and the Meaning of Being Alive - Fredrik Svenaeus    Thomas Fuchs: In Defence of the Human Being: Foundational Questions of an Embodied Anthropology    Ecology of the Brain: The phenomenology and biology of the embodied mind (International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry)    Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement, and Touch in Practice--Endorsed by top experts in therapeutic healing modalities - Susan McConnell   Simurgh: A Journey in Search of the Truth - Azar Aryanpour    Quotes:  “My take on IFS is that it's actually a model of the living, in self-organizing psyche that is composed of living things. Those interact with each other in a certain qualitative space and relationship that we would call the self.” - Kasra Mirzaie [00:05:09]   “The body is really fundamental to keeping us anchored to the world... if we train the mind to properly listen, it can act as a significant counterbalance to spiritual bypassing and hubristic self-deception." - John Vervaeke, paraphrasing Merleau-Ponty [01:13:45]   Glossary of Terms: Internal Family Systems (IFS): A therapeutic approach that recognizes and addresses multiple sub-personalities or parts within each individual.   The Imaginal: A concept referring to a creative and transformative space that goes beyond mere imagination, facilitating deep healing and self-discovery.   Chapters:  [00:00:00] - Introduction to Kasra Mirzaie: Insights into Psychotherapy, Research, and IFS   [00:08:18] - Enhancing Self-Awareness: Salience, Perspective-Taking, and the Journey Within   [00:17:38] - Bridging Kant and Vervaeke: Participatory Knowing and the Self in IFS   [00:30:29] - Mythos and Identity: Cultural Echoes and the Role of the Imaginal in Healing   [00:42:43] - IFS and Modern Psychotherapy: Addressing Mental Health and Meaning   [00:53:29] - Socratic Integration in IFS: Bridging Reflection and Healing Within a Pedagogical Framework   [01:07:13] - Addressing Self-Deception in IFS: Integrating Embodiment and Community Feedback   [01:14:42] - Conclusion: Reflecting on IFS, Philosophy, and the Journey Ahead Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook  

Dive deeper into the transformative journey with John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall as they continue their exploration into faith, meaning, and the power of Dialogos. This second part of their conversation delves into the evolution of Christianity, the limitations of the scientific worldview, and the urgent meta-crisis that beckons a collective awakening. Through a blend of philosophical depth and actionable insight, John and Jordan navigate the realms of relationality, the potential of imaginal engagement, and the intricate pathways toward spiritual and intellectual enrichment. This episode is a testament to the transformative potential of deep, respectful dialogue in uncovering nuanced understandings and fostering growth on both personal and collective levels. Guest Bio and Links: Jordan Hall is a technology entrepreneur with several years of experience building disruptive companies. He is interested in philosophy, artificial intelligence, and complex systems and has a background in law. Hall has worked for several technology companies and was the founder and CEO of DivX. He is currently involved in various think tanks and institutes and is focused on upgrading humanity's capacity for thought and action. Listeners can learn more about Jordan on his YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMzT-mdCqoyEv_-YZVtE7MQ his Medium, https://medium.com/deep-code, and on Twitter, @greenhall Resources: Join our new Patreon:  John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation    The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   Mentioned Conversations:   Faith in Dialogue: Exploring Christian Virtues in a Diverse World with Jordan Hall Part 1    The Religion of Tomorrow | Transcendent Naturalism #11 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall    Practical Eschatology | Transcendent Naturalism #12 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall    Embodiment and the Metacrisis with Rafe Kelley    Books, Articles, and Publications:   The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - Adam Frank, Marcelo Gleiser, Evan Thompson   The Mind of Whitehead: Adventure in Ideas - Roland Faber    Depths As Yet Unspoken - Roland Faber, Andrew M Davis    Hall, J. (2018, November 8). An inquiry concerning science and religion. Medium.    Quotes:  "The scientific worldview requires that you step away from the experiment, observe as an objective fact, and then coordinate with other potential subjects on an increasing precision of your ability to articulate facts about objective reality."  - Jordan Hall [00:17:40]    “Understanding faith as belief is inadequate. Trying to understand what science does as just the propositional manipulation of belief is wrong for all kinds of reasons.” - John Vervaeke [00:46:48]   Glossary of Terms: Meta-Crisis: The complex, interwoven crises threatening global civilization and human flourishing.   Scientific Worldview: The perspective that emphasizes empirical evidence and rational analysis, often overshadowing subjective and experiential knowledge. Chapters:  [00:00:00] - Introduction and Recap of Dialogos [00:03:15] - Navigating the Meta-Crisis: Beyond the Scientific Worldview [00:10:40] - Meta-Crisis, Scientific Worldview, and Christianity's Transformation [00:19:11] - Dissecting First-Person Experience in a Third-Person Dominated Culture [00:22:38] - The Influence of Simulated Perception and Cartesian Dualism   [00:32:20] - Bridging Intelligibility, Science, and Spirituality [00:44:58] - Overcoming Conflicts: Science, Religion, and Propositional Tyranny [00:59:00] - The Virtue of Humility and the Balance of Finitude and Transcendence  [01:06:00] - Parental Love: Divine Relations and Agency [01:22:25] - Humility and Embodiment: Towards Communal Being [01:32:02] - Conclusion: Friendship and Future Conversations Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook  

In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch join host John Vervaeke to explore the intersection of chronic pain, dialog, reasoning, and socio-technology ethics. Drawing from Nate's personal experience with chronic pain and his background in organizational design, the conversation delves into the challenges corporations face in exhibiting benevolence and integrity, the biopsychosocial nature of trust, and the importance of understanding one's perspective in navigating chronic pain journeys. The discussion also highlights the need for a shift in language and models to better understand and address chronic pain, as well as the potential of the 4E model in changing the conversation. With a focus on empowering individuals and fostering equal partnerships in dialogue, this episode encourages listeners to share their lived experiences and contribute to a transformative understanding of chronic pain. Guest Bio and Links: Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience.   Nathan Kinch, a sociotechnology ethicist, combines personal passion with a decade of experience in leading global transformations, focusing on ethics and trustworthiness within organizations. His work emphasizes aligning practices with core values and fostering environments of trust.  Listeners can learn more about: Terri Dentry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terridentry/.  Nate Kinch at his website, http://www.trustworthyby.design/ on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathankinch/ and on his Substack, https://trustworthy.substack.com/ Resources: Join our new Patreon:  John Vervaeke | Responding to The Meaning Crisis with The Vervaeke Foundation    The Vervaeke Foundation   Awaken to Meaning   VOICECRAFT   Kinch, N. (2023, December). What's trust got to do with it? The RSA.   Kinch, N. (2023, October). Three reasons why AI ethics is struggling The RSA.   Sull, D., Sull, C., & Chamberlain, A. (2020). When It Comes to Culture, Does Your Company Walk the Talk? ResearchGate.    A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel's Phenomenology - Robert B. Brandom Quotes:  "My work is defined as sociotechnology ethics. I examine the relationship between our values, various aspects of the civilizational stack, and how we design different technologies. This covers a wide range of areas, including machine learning, AI, synthetic biology, and medical and clinical contexts." - Nate Kinch [00:02:58] "Part of that journey is very personal, as people must look at how they view their own experiences. We want to help them see how others go through it and learn from their journeys." - Terri Dentry, [00:01:23]   "Thinking of trust primarily as a psychological trait is to fundamentally misunderstand it. " - John Vervaeke [00:16:57] Glossary of Terms: Biopsychosocial Model: An approach to healthcare that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. Chapters:  [00:00:00] - Overview and Introduction to Guests Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch   [00:04:20] - Navigating the Complex Terrain of Trust, Transformation, and Ethical Re-architecture in Modern Organizations   [00:34:40]  - Bridging Dialogues: Empowerment and Understanding in Healthcare and Beyond   [00:48:41] - Nate's Personal Journey of Healing and Discovery   [01:07:13] - Beyond Healing: Integrating Spirituality and Meaning   [01:18:00] - Concluding Thoughts: Wisdom, Healing, and Collective Insight   Connect with John: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook  

In this episode, first released on the “Transfigured” YouTube channel, John Vervaeke and Sam Tideman explore the future of AI, grappling with ethical, philosophical, and spiritual questions surrounding the creation of 'AI sages.' Delving into the nature of wisdom, they consider whether machines can truly comprehend truth, goodness, and beauty. As they examine embodiment, purpose, and socio-cultural context, Vervaeke and Tideman ponder if AI can become wise and understand vastly different minds. From historical sage archetypes to AI cults, they tackle complex technology and morality intersections, even venturing into AI's role in spiritual realms. Join us for a profound reflection on imbuing AI with wisdom and the existential risks and opportunities ahead.   Sam Tideman, an accomplished healthcare data scientist with an MS in Biostatistics, blends his analytical acumen with a passion for theology in his podcast, "Transfigured." The podcast features long-form discussions exploring the identity of Jesus, reflecting Sam's unique intersection of scientific expertise and spiritual inquiry. Glossary of Terms   Silicon Sages: Hypothetical AI entities that have achieved a state of enlightenment   Molokian Forces: Forces that manipulate and control AI development for their own purposes   Resources   John Vervaeke Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Sam Tideman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7Ed0lecvko58ibuX1XHng Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/ Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/   John Vervaeke YouTube Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ   Delving into the Frontiers of Artificial General Intelligence with Sam Tideman https://youtu.be/TxZdwrjM96I?si=jCiREippX66rM-Lx   Wisdom in the Age of AI: A Philosophical Quest with Vervaeke, Pageau, and Schindler https://youtu.be/r3VXcPK7fG8?si=7hLit5JWo_cnFJ9j   AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui2YOOfrxbeRwJk5jZPmAth   History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps https://www.historyofphilosophy.net/   Personification: Using the Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy and Counselling - John Rowan  https://www.amazon.com/Personification-Using-Dialogical-Psychotherapy-Counselling/dp/0415433460   Many Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz  https://www.amazon.com/Many-Minds-One-Self-Evidence/dp/0692957340   The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession - Robert Falconer https://www.amazon.com/Others-Within-Us-Internal-Possession/dp/B0C12JXVBJ   Quotes   "I want to convey that I am of the firm conviction that my proposal has risks in it. I don't want to pretend that there's some sort of dewy-eyed optimism here. I'm making a proposal that I think is sort of the best that can be made within otherwise hellacious alternatives." - John Vervaeke [00:02:39]   “If you don't put the ability to care about self-deception and motivated self-correction into these machines, they will fall prey to the fact that intelligence is only weakly predictive of rationality.” - John Vervaeke [00:17:47]   Chapters    [00:00:00] - Introduction   [00:01:20] - The Possibility of AI Sages and Conjuring AI Demons   [00:04:40] - Thresholds and Decision Points in AI Development   [00:09:20] - Enlightened AI and the True, Good, and Beautiful   [00:13:37] - Preconditions for Helping AI Become More Wise   [00:19:40] - The Importance of Embodiment and Purpose in AI   [00:28:00] - Autopoiesis and Normative Orientation in AI   [00:33:20] - Wisdom as a Niche-independent or Context-dependent Concept   [00:38:20] - Communicating with an Artificial Intelligence   [00:46:20] - Silicon Sages as Great Teachers   [00:50:00] - Trusting the Silicon Sages   [00:56:31] - Preventing Malicious Use of AI and Cult Leaders   [01:05:20] - AI Interaction with Higher Spiritual Beings   [01:14:20] - The Increasing Importance of Theology in the Future  

In this episode, first released on Seth Dellinger's Move with Seth YouTube channel, John Vervaeke, Ken Manheimer, and Seth Dellinger explore the concept of "ecology of practices" through the lens of contact improvisation. They discuss the modern "meaning crisis" caused by societal disconnect and fragmentation, advocating for shared agency and transjective participation to address these issues. Manheimer's experience in contact improvisation reveals its potential for co-creation and mutual discovery, emphasizing the need to extend rationality beyond traditional bounds. This conversation showcases contact improvisation as a vital practice for fostering sacred participation and confronting the meaning crisis.   Seth Dellinger is a movement practitioner, embodied dialogue facilitator, and the host of the Move with Seth podcast. He is passionate about cultivating presence, empathy, and meaningful connections through mindful movement and conversation.   Ken Manheimer is a long-time practitioner and coordinator of contact improvisation in Washington, D.C. He is also a computer programmer with a deep interest in the intersection of movement, dialogue, and personal growth. Ken is dedicated to fostering community and exploring the transformative potential of shared experiences.   Glossary of Terms   Ecology of Practices: A framework for understanding the coordinated use of diverse practices to enhance cognitive flexibility and combat self-deception. Contact Improvisation: A dance practice emphasizing physical interaction and mutual responsiveness without predetermined steps or movements.   John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Seth Dellinger: Website: https://sethdellinger.com/   Ken Manheimer: Website: https://myriadicity.net/   Resources   Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/ Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/   John Vervaeke YouTube Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ   Vervaeke, J., & Mastropietro, C. (2021). Dialectic into Dialogos and the Pragmatics of No-thingness in a Time of Crisis. Eidos. A Journal for Philosophy of Culture, 5(2), 58-77. https://eidos.uw.edu.pl/dialectic-into-dialogos-and-the-pragmatics-of-no-thingness-in-a-time-of-crisis/   Chiappe, D., & Vervaeke, J. (2018). The Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 27(4), 400-409. https://doi.org/10.1162/pres_a_00337   Chiappe, D., & Vervaeke, J. (2020). The enactment of shared agency in teams exploring Mars through rovers. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 1-25. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11097-021-09791-6   Chiappe, D., & Vervaeke, J. (2021). Distributed cognition and the experience of presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.689932   East Coast Contact Improv Jam - https://eastcoastjam.com/   Contact Quarterly. (2022, November 5). Magnesium (1972): Official Trailer [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gEfVJBhwrQ   Homsher, S., & Humphrey, J. (n.d.). Steve Homsher and Jess Humphrey in a playful contact improvisation [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuOmuDF1C5g&t=0s Quotes   "The basic idea behind the Ecology of Practice is...a way of trying to deal with...our cognition, which isn't just our knowing, it's our entire sense-making apparatus." - John Vervaeke [00:03:20]   "Contact improvisation...it's an experiential thing that you do in a deep way with someone else where neither person is leading." - Ken Manheimer [00:09:14]   "Participatory knowing is the deepest grounding kind of knowing that makes all the other kinds of knowing possible." - John Vervaeke [00:15:00]   Chapters    [00:00:00] - Introduction  [00:03:00] - Exploring the Ecology of Practices  [00:09:14] - Contact Improvisation and Participation [00:23:00] - Merging Verbal and Non-verbal Communication: Integrating Communication Modes [00:33:00] - Shared Agency and Practice Intimacy  [00:43:00] - The Meaning Crisis and Falling in Love with Being [00:55:00] - Exploring Rationality Beyond Logic: Insights from Cognitive Science and Buddhism   

In this episode, John Vervaeke, Robert Gray, and Eric Orwell explore the intricacies of Plotinus, Neo-Platonism, and pure relationality. They meticulously analyze James Filler's thought-provoking paper, viewing its ideas through Heidegger's philosophy and the essence of language. The concept of pure relationality and its impact on our understanding of reality is thoroughly examined, highlighting key themes such as the One, sacredness, and ethical dimensions. Diverse perspectives are brought into dialogue, and traditional views are critically assessed, as the guests reconstruct philosophical concepts for the contemporary world. The episode offers both grounding exercises and detailed analysis, taking listeners on a journey through ancient wisdom to discover its relevance in addressing today's challenges.   Eric Orwoll is a Christian Platonist philosopher and the creator of the Understanding Platonism and Aarvoll YouTube channels.   Robert Gray is the creator of The Meditating Philosopher YouTube channel.   Glossary of Terms   Relational Ontology: The philosophical study that posits relations rather than substances as the fundamental constituents of reality. Neoplatonism: A philosophical system that emphasizes the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of reality, drawing on Plato's ideas. John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Eric Orwoll YouTube: Understanding Plato: https://www.youtube.com/@understandingplato1134/ Aarvoll: https://www.youtube.com/@ericorwoll/ X: https://twitter.com/aarvoll_   Robert Gray Email: meditatingphilosopher@gmail.com YouTUbe: www.youtube.com/@TheMeditatingPhilosopher Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/   John Vervaeke YouTube Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ Books, Articles, and Publications The One as Pure Relation in Plotinus - Filler, James (2019). International Journal of the Platonic Tradition https://brill.com/view/journals/jpt/13/1/article-p1_1.xml Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground - James Filler  https://www.amazon.com/dp/3031309065 The Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe: A New Kind of Reality Theory - Christopher Langan https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Theoretic-Model-Universe-Reality-Theory/dp/0971916225 Essential Difference: Toward a Metaphysics of Emergence - James Blachowicz https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Difference-Toward-Metaphysics-Emergence/dp/1438443323 Quotes    "It reminded me of the attitude towards language in the Platonic dialogues, where Socrates moves into something more poetic, almost verse. There's that shift between prosaic, dialectical investigation and mytho-poetic, dreamlike exposition. That's interesting; I've identified those mythic sections often contain the deepest insights about the nature of reality." - Eric Orwoll [00:07:06]   "It helped to explain how and why those two are non logically one. That gave me a profound aha. Then, the critique of substance in the Aristotelian sense, where the subject predicate nature of logic and language is the same fundamental structure of reality, reality is made up of independently existing things that contain properties or enter into action." - John Vervaeke [00:16:00] Chapters    [00:00:00] - Introduction and Grounding Exercise [00:03:20] - Overview of James Filler's Work [00:08:20] - Theological Poetic Language and Plato's Ontology [00:12:40] - Hemispheric Approaches to Reasoning [00:14:07] - John's Personal and Philosophical Reflections on Filler's Work [00:20:08] - Dissecting Filler's Arguments: Exegesis and Ontological Inquiry [00:30:20] - Revisiting Relationality and Unity: Ethical and Ontological Nuances [00:46:00] - Navigating Reality: From Illusion to Sacredness [00:52:56] - Tradition and Global Spirituality [01:04:56] - Bridging Metaphysical Necessity and Cognitive Pluralism [01:15:08] - A Philosophical Inquiry into Forms and Instantiations [01:23:18] - Final Thoughts and Future Conversations  

In their second dialogue on "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar explore transrational thought, emotions, and transformative practices, embarking on a profound journey into human experience. Vivian introduces a map of five distinct sensations, illuminating the practice of conscious release for personal growth, emotional maturity, and integrating higher consciousness with shadow aspects. Their discussion delves into pre-rational, rational, and transrational modes of thought, emphasizing the importance of integrating various forms of thinking to navigate modern cognitive landscapes effectively. This intellectual and experiential exploration offers valuable perspectives on human consciousness, emotional work, and the potential of transrational thought to enrich our self-understanding and worldview.   Vivian Dittmar, a globally influenced author, speaker, and wisdom teacher, has dedicated two decades to enhancing holistic development. Her diverse upbringing inspired her to explore beyond conventional education, delving into various cultures' wisdom. Through her books and the Be the Change Foundation, Dittmar seeks to redefine prosperity, focusing on emotional intelligence, ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment, aiming to address the crises facing modern society.   Glossary of Terms Transrational: Going beyond or surpassing human reason or the rational; nonverbal; nonlinear; abstract. Pre-rational: Preceding the development of intelligence. Rational: A state of consciousness characterized by logical, linear, and verbal thinking. Conscious Release: A practice developed by Vivian Dittmar that fosters the integration of higher states of consciousness with shadow aspects. John Vervaeke Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Vivian Dittmar Website: https://viviandittmar.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@viviandittmareng Resources:   Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/   Voices with Veraeke: Exploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQWLfOFe0lo   The Emotional Backpack: How to release unhealthy feelings - Vivian Dittmar https://viviandittmar.net/en/the-emotional-backpack-book/   Your Inner GPS: Find Clarity with the Five Ways of Thinking -  Vivian Dittmar https://viviandittmar.net/en/your-inner-gps-book/   Workshop: “How Big Is Your Emotional Backpack?” https://signup.lebensweise.net/free-backpack-workshop   Online Course: “The Emotional Backpack” ► https://campus.lebensweise.net/o/the-emotional-backpack-online-course/   Rational Intuition: Philosophical Roots, Scientific Investigations - Lisa Osbeck, Barbara Held https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Intuition-Philosophical-Scientific-Investigations/dp/1316621219 Quotes    "One of the things that became really clear to me is that the transrational by nature has a very difficult stance in today's world because it speaks to us in a way that is nonverbal, nonlinear, abstract." - Vivian Dittmar [00:16:00]   “The ancient world had a whole faculty and term for nous and noesis, and that was all lost with the loss of our Neoplatonic heritage." - John Vervaeke [00:16:18]   "We have a transrational faculty that is also proactive, that is not receptive, and that's intention. It's really challenging for people to understand in our cultural framework because we very quickly confuse intention with a goal." - Vivian Dittmar [00:57:43] Chapters  [00:00:00] - Introduction and Overview of the Poly Crisis and Emotional Intelligence  [00:04:00] - Differentiating Sensations, Emotions, and Consciousness  [00:11:13] - Pre-rational, Rational, and Transrational Distinctions [00:25:00] - Intuition, Inspiration, and Transrational Wisdom [00:38:45] - Heart Intelligence  [00:47:50] - Reevaluating Rationality and Embracing Intuitive Integration for Decision-Making  [00:56:17] - Intention and Shaping Agency in Transrational Knowing [01:03:40] - Bridging Phenomenology, Transrational, and Transpersonal Dialogues  

John Vervaeke and Seth Allison revisit the transformative realm of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, building on their enriching dialogues from previous sessions. They unpack the intricate dynamics between the "self" and its various "parts," shedding light on how these elements can be harmonized for deep self-reflection and healing. The dialogue includes valuable insights and clarifications from Richard Schwartz, the creator of IFS, reinforcing the framework's compatibility with traditional psychological methods and its efficacy for safely navigating the inner self. The conversation evolves to explore the role of IFS in addressing the existential questions posed by the modern meaning crisis, highlighting its significance in cultivating wisdom and integrating the psychological with the spiritual. This episode stands as a testament to the synergy between cognitive science and philosophical inquiry, inviting listeners on a journey toward enlightenment, emotional resilience, and a richer engagement with their internal landscape.   Seth Allison is a renowned psychotherapist specializing in internal family systems (IFS) and its integration with traditional psychotherapy. With years of clinical practice, Seth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the therapeutic journey.  Glossary of Terms   IFS (Internal Family Systems): A psychotherapeutic model that identifies and interacts with various sub-personalities or parts within each person's mental system. Sapiential - relating to wisdom John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Seth Allison: Website: Grow Collective - https://www.growcollective.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-allison-13abb811b/   Related Resources Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/   The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession - Robert Falconer  https://www.amazon.com/Others-Within-Us-Internal-Possession/dp/B0C12JXVBJ/ John Vervaeke on Mystical Experience and the Pursuit of Wisdom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5_YRWrX3mw Quotes    "We have a moral obligation to ask what is a proper framework to bring to bear upon these experiences so that people can metabolize them and realize them as the cultivation of virtue and wisdom, and not spin them off into narcissism or inflation and go down rabbit holes of their own personal magical metaphysics." - Seth Allison (Quoting John Vervaeke) [00:37:16]   "It is more important, and the integration is in both of those dimensions. How well does it integrate with many domains broadly and deeply in your life? How well does it transform many levels, broadly and deeply, of the psyche? That's the integration. Our culture gives us precious little on both of those, and even more importantly, not only both of them, but how they are properly coordinated and speak to each other in a self-correcting fashion." - John Vervaeke [00:32:06] Chapters    [00:00:00] - Introduction and Background on IFS  [00:01:00] - Corrections and Insights from Richard Schwartz [00:06:00] - Deep Dive into IFS Concepts [00:14:45] - Addressing the Modern Meaning Crisis  [00:18:00] - Spiritual Rediscovery and Transformation [00:40:00] - IFS Practice Session [01:14:00] - Reflecting on the Session's Impact [01:33:10] - Closing Reflections and Workshop Announcement  

Join John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall on a thought-provoking journey into faith and meaning. Beyond mere intellectual debate, they delve into the heart of Christian virtues, the transformative potential of the imaginal, and the profound depths of dialogue. Through their respectful and insightful exchange, they navigate complex themes such as love, relationality, and the richness of the imaginal realm, illuminating how engagement with diverse spiritual traditions can deepen understanding and faith. John and Jordan provide actionable insights for personal and collective growth, presenting an open invitation for introspection of beliefs, fostering an environment for meaningful engagement, and unlocking the potential for true transformation. This conversation offers a unique opportunity to discover the complexities of faith and meaning, along with pathways to enrich spiritual and intellectual lives.   Jordan Hall, a pioneering figure at the forefront of societal transformation, co-founded MP3.com and DivX, catalyzing revolutions in music and online video. His ventures, such as Neurohacker Collective and Civium Project, harness cutting-edge technology and deep philosophical insights to address the metacrisis facing humanity. Currently, as Executive Chairman of Qualia Lifesciences, he leads efforts in human optimization, embodying the ethos of the fellowship of the spirit and inspiring profound dialogues on reimagining the future. Glossary of Terms   Dialogos: A form of dialogue aimed at transcending mere conversation to reach deeper understanding and connection. Imaginal: Pertaining to a mode of perception that transcends the purely sensory, engaging with symbols and the deeper aspects of reality. Christian Virtues: Fundamental qualities valued in Christianity, such as faith, hope, and love.   John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Jordan Hall YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMzT-mdCqoyEv_-YZVtE7MQ  Medium: https://medium.com/deep-code  X: https://twitter.com/jgreenhall?lang=en Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/ Books, Articles, Videos, and Publications Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926 The Courage to Be - Paul Tillich https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Paul-Tillich/dp/0300084714 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Darkness-Joseph-Conrad/dp/1936594145 Boden, Margaret. (2009). Creativity in a nutshell. Think. 5. 83-96. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/209436199_Creativity_in_a_nutshell The Psychological Drivers of the Metacrisis John Vervaeke, Iain McGilchrist, Daniel Schmachtenberger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7i1ughRGcQ Embodiment and the Metacrisis with Rafe Kelley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVJztMRSeek&t=307s Quotes    "Make ourselves vehicles and instruments, both. That's something that's capable both of holding and expressing. So, I am the life and the light, and I am the way. Not the destination, not the end of the journey, but the way."​​ - Jordan Hall [00:44:11]   "The invitation to take up your cross and bear it, to step through the crucifixion of the human nature, must, in fact, be voluntarily self-crucified, and human will must surrender itself into a sort of a divine coupling. That's the stepping through of the win-lose into the win-win."​​ - Jordan Hall [01:20:00]   Chapters    00:03:00 - Christian Virtues and the Imaginal: A Journey into Spiritual Depth 00:20:00 - The Power of Transformative Dialogue: Unity and Deepening Faith 00:28:00 - Bridging Divides: The Quest for Global Unity and Transcendent Communication 00:52:00 - Faith's Duality: Wholesomeness Versus Completeness 01:05:00 - Encountering Sacredness: Reflections on Faith and Community 01:24:20 - Upcoming Dialogue: Non-Rivalrous Christianity, Religio, and the Fellowship of the Spirit  

John Vervaeke and Rafe Kelley join forces to explore the profound connection between movement, nature, and personal growth. Kelley, a movement educator, reveals his "Ecology of Practices," a unique blend of parkour, martial arts, and nature-based movement designed to cultivate a holistic wisdom practice. Discover the transformative power of movement as it pushes physical boundaries, fosters environmental connection, and opens doors to personal evolution. Learn how Kelley integrates philosophy to build a wisdom practice that resonates not just in the mind, but deep within the body itself. Explore the challenges and rewards of connecting with nature through movement, and gain valuable insights into the future of movement culture and its potential to impact individuals and communities alike. This episode offers a thought-provoking journey for athletes, beginners, and anyone seeking deeper meaning, leaving you eager to explore the transformative power of movement in your own life.   Rafe Kelley, founder of Evolve Move Play, pioneers a unique movement philosophy, merging parkour with martial arts and a deep connection to nature, fostering a holistic wisdom practice. With over two decades of teaching experience, he offers transformative retreats, workshops, and online courses worldwide. His work emphasizes the synergy between body, psyche, and environment, inviting exploration of personal potential and the sacred in movement. Glossary of Terms   Ecology of Practices: A set of activities or habits that a group of people commit to doing together. Parkour: A discipline focused on navigating obstacles efficiently and creatively. Movement Culture: A broad approach to physical training that incorporates elements from various disciplines for holistic development.   John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/   Rafe Kelley Website: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/rafekelley X: https://twitter.com/rafekelley   Join our new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/   Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/   John Vervaeke YouTube Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ   Quotes    "Discipline ultimately means to follow, and you don't discipline punitively; you discipline something by getting it oriented to something that it wants to follow. That's an important idea." - [01:26:20] John Vervaeke   "Parkour invites you to fall in love with your experience of being by opening up new affordances in how you perceive and experience the world, bringing joy and the potential for the flow state." - [01:41:00] Rafe Kelley   "If we want to solve the meaning crisis and the meta crisis, we have to fall more in love with being. And that's not something we can do just through dialogue. It's something we have to embody." - [01:43:20] Rafe Kelley    Chapters    [00:00:00] - Introduction and Background of Rafe Kelley [00:02:20] - Return to the Source Retreat Experience [07:50:00] -  The Essence of Movement Practice [00:21:00] - Challenges and Transformations Through Movement [00:53:10] - The Role of Community and Teaching in Movement [01:07:05] - Integrating Philosophy and Movement [01:25:28] - Future Directions for Movement Culture