Dr. John Vervaeke

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques lead an insightful discussion with guests Dr. Rich Blundell and Rita Leduc, diving into the heart of creativity, art, and cognitive science. The conversation explores the profound concepts of cognitive approaches, creativity, the importance of intimacy in art, and the link between ecological health and economic wealth. As the guests share their unique perspectives on life, creativity, and science, they lay out a path for deeper understanding, and encourage exploration beyond the surface. The episode also features a thought-provoking discussion on niche construction, ecological intelligence, and the interconnectivity of nature and culture. Resources: Oika Oika Spain - Fred Adam Incomprehensible Certainty: Metaphysics and Hermeneutics of the Image - Thomas Pfau Quotes: "Extended naturalism is committed to all of that. There's a difference between knowledge and grasping the significance of the knowledge, especially the significance for personal transformation. When one grasps that significance so that one overcomes ways in which one is self-deceptive, disconnected from reality so that one understands reality in a way that transforms one. That's a good account of what wisdom is." - Dr. John Vervaeke "I call it the process of acquaintance. I aspectualize my understanding of that place. I use so many different media and techniques—different muscle memories, different colors, sensory things, let as much in as possible, but also let myself in. This is, in fact, me trying to understand myself at a particular time and place." - Rite LeDuc "The garden provides a place for the two cultures of the academy—science and humanity—to come together in a mutually inspiring dialectical dance." - Gregg Henriques Timecodes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the episode and highlights the interconnectivity of the Cognitive Science series and guests. He presents the ongoing Oika framework discussion. [00:02:24] Dr. Blundell starts his summary of the previous discussion by addressing the difference in approaches to using propositional knowledge and creating theoretical frameworks. [00:09:52] Gregg Henriques emphasizes the need to clarify worldviews and values. He speaks about embodying and living these values in social practices. [00:12:20] Rita Leduc talks about stepping out of comfort zones, embracing vulnerability, and building trust. She emphasizes the experiential mode for creatives. [00:19:00] Rita explains her artistic process, describing it as a process of acquaintance where she attempts to understand a place, using different media and techniques to aspectualize her understanding. [00:24:16] Dr. Vervaeke discusses the coherency of different aspects, likening them to melody notes rather than cacophony. [00:28:14] The discussion turns towards the aspectualization of dialogically enhancing understanding of a place. Dr. Rich Blundell shares an anecdote about filming a documentary, highlighting the immersive and transformative nature of the creative process. [00:32:52] Dr. Vervaeke explores mental framing, linking it to art creation. He draws parallels to the Eastern Orthodox tradition of icon carving. [00:34:53] Rita Leduc explains the idea of niche construction in her practice, showcasing her unique artistic philosophy. [00:41:30] Dr. Vervaeke seeks further explanation of niche construction in Rita's art. Dr. Rich Blundell explains how Rita's process of creating art involves letting the world shape her and creating an artifact that becomes part of the world. [00:47:06] Dr. John Vervaeke draws a connection to wisdom and the process of internalizing the world and its spiritual intelligence. Leduc connects her feelings and experiences in the woods to a cosmic story. She describes how this connection affirms her creativity. [00:49:23] Dr. Rich Blundell discusses the concept of Eidos and how it relates to the process of life emerging from non-life. [00:51:55] Gregg Henriques talks about the reawakening of intimacy across various aspects of life. Dr. Vervaeke prompts Henriques to elaborate on the concept of intimacy, emphasizing its recovery in modern society. ​​[00:53:00] Henriques explores the idea of embodiment of intimacy across ontological continuity and how it has been lost in modern socialization. [00:57:00] Dr. Rich Blundell introduces the idea of radical affection and falling back in love with life. [01:00:36] Rita criticizes superficiality in work and encourages deep intimacy. [01:06:02] Dr. Blundell shares various projects, including European collaborations and economic models. He discusses the importance of recoupling economic wealth and ecological health, highlighting how artists can contribute to this through their unique practices. [01:10:44] Discussion about how art is now back in service of the sacred, overturning the modern and postmodern thrust in art, and how the art around the sacred predates agriculture and is probably the precursor to civilization, challenging certain

Dr. John Vervaeke sits down with Greg Thomas, a renowned jazz musician, and musicologist, to delve into the first of a multi-part series. They embark on a journey, exploring the intersections of jazz, blues, leadership, and life. Greg integrates his deep understanding of music into a leadership program, shedding light on how jazz serves as a potent metaphor for leadership and team cohesion in contemporary workspaces. Beyond its rhythmic allure, jazz becomes a powerful tool for understanding democracy, cultural intelligence, and the intricacies of human interactions. They also touch upon the profound philosophical dimensions of blues and its reflection on life's challenges, struggles, and ultimate triumphs. The conversation gracefully traverses through personal anecdotes, profound quotes, and philosophical insights, positioning jazz not just as a musical genre but as a deep existential commentary on life and leadership. Resources: Jazz Leadership Project Jazz Leadership Project Blog A Brief Intro Into the Blues Idiom Wisdom Tradition Primary Principles of Jazz "Billy Boy" from Miles Davis' Milestones album (full version) Esoteric Jazz: Pat Martino in Dialogue John Vervaeke: Democracy and the Relevance Realization of Distributed Cognition After Socrates: Episode 22 - Exploring The I-Thou Wynton Marsalis Albert Murray: Stomping the Blues | From the Briarpatch File: On Context, Procedure, and American Identity The Consolation of Boethius as Poetic Liturgy - Stephen Blackwood Finite and Infinite Games - James Carse Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray Group Genius: The Creative Power of Collaboration - Keith Sawyer The Three Trumpeteers - Nicholas Payton Take My Hand, Precious Lord - Thomas Dorsey Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the episode and announces a collaboration with Greg Thomas, integrating music into a leadership program. 00:01:00 Jazz as Metaphor for Leadership - Greg Thomas speaks about his role at the Jazz Leadership Project and how he uses jazz as a metaphor for workplace leadership. He highlights musical principles guiding effective teamwork and leadership. 00:02:40 Three Key Discussion Topics - Greg outlines three key discussion topics, including jazz as an embodied art and democracy's relationship with E pluribus unum, emphasizing jazz's multi-faceted relevance. 00:06:13 Jazz and Tai Chi Chuan - Dr. Vervaeke shares his experiences with jazz and its parallels to Tai Chi Chuan, bridging Eastern practices and jazz, underscoring their shared themes of flow and embodiment. 00:10:00 Blues Music and Its Relation to Jazz - The topic of blues music and its relation to jazz is introduced. As jazz's precursor, the blues provides historical and emotional context to their conversation. 00:17:05 MLK's View of Jazz - Greg discusses Dr. Martin Luther King's view of jazz as a medium for meaning, love, happiness, and faith. 00:22:00 Role of Blues in Articulating Life Experiences - Dr. Vervaeke delves into the role of blues in articulating life experiences and nurturing wisdom. 00:23:51 Experiencing vs. Playing the Blues - The difference between experiencing the blues and playing them, with emphasis on musical expression as a coping mechanism, sheds light on how art allows individuals to confront life's challenges. 00:28:20 Mythic Foundation of Blues - References to Albert Murray's work and discussion on the mythic foundation of blues music. Tying the blues to myths underscores its timeless, universal appeal. 00:34:40 Philosophical Aspects of Blues - Philosophical aspects of blues music are discussed, comparing them to existentialism, unraveling the blues' ability to reflect on life's questions. 00:39:40 Universal Themes in Music - Dr. Vervaeke draws parallels between the Jewish exile and broader themes of exile, emphasizing the universality of themes within music and human history. 00:43:22 Jazz as Homegrown Wisdom Tradition - The discussion shifts to the four Ps (propositional, procedural, participatory, and perspectival) in the context of jazz. Dr. Vervaeke and Greg Thomas discuss jazz and blues as a homegrown wisdom tradition in the United States. 00:48:46 Global Influence of Black American Music - Greg Thomas highlights the global influence of black American music and his commitment to sharing its lineage with the world. 00:54:26 Jazz Apprenticeship Tradition - Greg Thomas explains the apprentice tradition in jazz and how it transitioned into an educational program. 00:57:15 Jazz's Adaptability - Greg touches on the adaptability of jazz, relating it to Aristotle's lasting wisdom. 01:00:00 Disposition Towards Elegance - Greg quotes from Murray's book, discussing the descendants of American slaves' disposition towards elegance, providing context for understanding the roots of jazz and blues. 01:03:20 Shared Leadership - Introduction of the concept of "Shared leadership," emphasizing mutual accountability and using jazz ensemble dynamics as a me

Dr. John Vervaeke hosts an enlightening discussion with Gregg Henriques, Dr. Rich Blundell, and Rita Leduc. The conversation journeys through the realms of transcendent naturalism, embedded cognitive science, and the profound connection between individuals and the cosmos. Henriques dives deep into the concept of the Enlightenment Gap, offering fresh perspectives on how we relate to the world around us. Dr. Blundell's insights range from the interconnectedness of various scientific and philosophical theories to the transformative "earthling theory." Meanwhile, Rita Leduc shares her unique approach to understanding the world, promoting an open and curious view that leads to a journey through deep time. The discussion takes a critical turn as it addresses the challenges posed by social media algorithms on perception. Through a tapestry of profound insights and shared wisdom, this podcast episode bridges the gap between science and spirituality, urging listeners to seek joy, connectedness, and a more profound understanding of reality. Resources: Oika Unified Theory Of Knowledge (UTOK) Bearing Witness to Epiphany - John Russon Timecodes: [00:00:35] Gregg Henriques introduces transcendent naturalism, laying the foundation for the episode's central topic. [00:07:08] Rita Leduc speaks on her enduring collaboration with Dr. Blundell, highlighting their synergistic relationship. [00:14:40] Dr. Blundell addresses the necessity for revolutionary metaphors for reality. [00:23:38] Dr. Vervaeke delves into the psyche-reality connection and revitalizing the sense of the sacred. [00:30:23] Dr. Blundell introduces "brachiation" as a metaphorical tool for understanding nature. [00:39:01] Dr. Blundell elucidates the profound cosmic connection akin to love and joy. [00:47:35] Interconnectedness of varied scientific and philosophical theories is explored. [00:55:51] Dr. Vervaeke addresses the influence of social media algorithms on worldview. [01:00:24] Henriques presents the Enlightenment Gap, contrasting outside-in and inside-out perspectives. [01:07:36] Leduc's take on Oika's philosophy, fostering an open worldview. [01:15:01] Dr. Vervaeke champions a life enriched by joy over mere self-denial. [01:22:53] Commitment to learning and open discussion is emphasized by Dr. Vervaeke. [01:24:02] Henriques shares insights on nature's resonant frequency and our position within. [01:25:08] Leduc weighs in on understanding and resonating with nature. [01:16:00] The difference between pleasure and profound joy is explored.

Dr. John Vervaeke and Bishop Maximus (Marretta) embark on a profound journey to challenge conventional notions of mind and consciousness. They critique representational theory, advocating for a conformist perspective. Dr. Vervaeke introduces integrating independent processes to determine relevance and illustrates how we can be aware through objects. The transformative power of attention is revealed, urging listeners to unlock hidden potential. Mesmerizing discussions connect martial arts, tai chi, and music, showcasing the art of "serious play." Wisdom from the inverted triangle in martial arts emphasizes self-improvement and strategic advantage. Bishop Maximus highlights the importance of accessible language bridging cognitive science with religious backgrounds. Timecodes: [00:00:00] Bishop Maximus introduces the problem with representational theory of mind and the need for a conformist view. [00:01:07] Bishop Maximus proposes an alternative orthodox conception of an iconographical, symbolic understanding of the mind. [00:03:48] Exploration of the concept of attention and the limitations of representational theories [00:05:00] Discussion of symbols in the Orthodox Church as means of representation with broader patterns and emphasis that Orthodox understanding of symbols complements the conformity theory of knowledge. [00:08:00] Dr. John Vervaeke delves into attention, debunking the spotlight analogy, explaining cognitive unison, and discusses integrating independent processes to determine relevance in situations. He presents an experiment showcasing awareness through tactile perception. [00:11:52] Explanation of the concept of looking through something, expanding our understanding of attention. [00:18:29] Dr. Vervaeke explains the concept of the inverted triangle in martial arts and its strategic advantages, and draws parallels between tai chi and music, exploring the idea of 'serious play.' [00:20:20] Dr. Vervaeke delves into the language of mastery and self-improvement. [00:27:33] Bishop Maximus discusses using accessible language to explain cognitive science to those from a religious background highlighting the value of conversations across beliefs and practices. He discusses the relevance of the discussion beyond religious backgrounds.

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques unpack the intricate relationship between ritual, rationality, and transcendent experiences. Vervaeke elucidates theoretical concepts surrounding the significance of sacredness in real-world encounters, particularly in rituals and spiritual engagements. The conversation further traverses the landscape of non-propositional knowing, where Vervaeke introduces groundbreaking ideas like "serious play," a space for transformative exploration. Drawing from personal anecdotes, Vervaeke delves deep into the healing potential of rituals and their integral role in shaping our worldview. Henriques punctuates these discussions by emphasizing the urgency of addressing the current global meaning crisis. Together, they present the idea of transcendent naturalism as a way forward, highlighting its potential in reconciling diverse perspectives. Resources: This Little Corner's Major Impact on the Future | Dr. John Vervaeke and Paul VanderKlay Quotes: "We have to understand that there is an aspirational dimension to rationality... Whenever I go through a transformative experience, a genuine transformative experience, until I undergo the transformation, I don't have the perspectival and the participatory knowing; I only get it once I go through it." - Dr. John Vervaeke "Let's think of ourselves as a stacked phylogenetic, ontogenetic organism, animal, mammal, primate, person. We build a niche, create ecological feedback loops, and co-opt space-time structures. We seek a spiritual home and aspire within it. Transcendent naturalism is a viable option in this chirotic moment, calling for a meaningful, spiritual orientation." - Gregg Henriques Timecodes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the fourth episode of the Cognitive Science Show of Transcendent Naturalism. Together with Gregg Henriques, they set the stage by discussing previous episodes and exploring the role of ritual in transcendent experiences. [00:01:26] The conversation pivots toward how abstract concepts of sacredness and transcendence become tangible in real life. They delve into the intricacies of ritual, worldview attunement, and spirituality. [00:03:25] Gregg Henriques accentuates the need to bridge scientific understanding with time-honored wisdom traditions and collective practices. This alignment, he suggests, can pave the way for more holistic knowledge. [00:04:00] Dr. Vervaeke navigates the historical reluctance towards rituals, attributing its origins to pivotal events like the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment's secularization project. This exploration offers a backdrop for understanding modern perspectives on rituals. [00:06:44] Dr. Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques underscore the ubiquitous presence of rituals in daily life, emphasizing that many of our routines, though not explicitly religious, have ritualistic elements. [00:07:36] Dr. Vervaeke introduces a foundational concept: different types of knowing with varied normative standards. He emphasizes the paramount role non-propositional knowing plays in cognitive agencies. [00:09:40] The idea of "serious play," an exploratory state allowing individuals to experience the shifts related to transformative moments without fully immersing themselves. [00:12:00] Touching upon the aspirational aspect of rationality, Dr. Vervaeke elucidates that the journey to becoming more rational isn't just about inference but encompasses non-inferential, transformative experiences. [00:15:19] Dr. Vervaeke delves into the cognitive anthropology of rituals, underscoring how language can position one within a context, thereby reinforcing the ritual's significance. The discussion evolves to introduce the concept of "transfer," which links personal insights to a broader system of problems, paving the way for self-transcendence. [00:19:31] Dr. Vervaeke clarifies that rituals aren't inherently superstitious or neurotic. Instead, they serve a logical and adaptive purpose in human cognition and society. [00:23:03] Reflection on the therapeutic impact of immersing in a tradition abundant with ritual and symbolism, and firsthand account of the power of rituals. [00:26:12] Dr. Vervaeke provides a summary of intelligence, rationality, and wisdom, explaining how these concepts relate to each other and their roles in problem-solving, self-deception, and self-transcendence. [00:30:36] Gregg Henriques steers the discussion toward the importance of rituals in connecting rationality with wisdom. Dr. Vervaeke then elaborates on the continuum of intelligence, rationality, and wisdom. [00:37:25] Dr. Vervaeke elucidates the concept of relevance realization machinery and its potential to lead individuals toward the ultimate reality or ground of being, emphasizing the profound state of letting go. [00:45:14] Dr. Vervaeke sheds light on the innate human desire to progress and find belonging in their existential surroundings, reinforcing that this isn't in conflict with the principles of transcendent na

Dr. John Vervaeke and Bishop Maximus (Marretta) explore a vast terrain of topics, from the rapid advancements in AI and their implications on privacy to the inherent biases ingrained in human cognition. Dr. Vervaeke shares intriguing insights on the potential threats and advantages of AI, particularly deepfake technology while highlighting the interrelation between human and machine. The discourse dives deep into cognitive biases and the practical techniques to overcome them, such as active open-mindedness. Moreover, the integration of stoic practices in Orthodox monastic traditions offers an intriguing perspective on the balance between modernity and spirituality. As AI continues to raise questions about consciousness, theology emerges as a key tool to provide answers, fostering a stronger sense of spirituality. The episode concludes with Dr. Vervaeke's profound understanding of memory, emphasizing its reconstructive nature, and offering actionable strategies for memory improvement. Time Codes: 00:00:00 - Dr. Vervaeke compares studying strategies to taking a canoe to Europe. 00:01:40 - Debate on governments' potential to read minds with the advent of AGI. 00:03:00 - The imminent threat posed by deepfake technology is discussed. 00:07:00 - Dr. Vervaeke's revelation that humans are essentially cyborgs in today's age. 00:13:20 - Introduction of the nine-dot problem, representing the complexities of human cognition. 00:15:20 - Experiment on increasing solution rates using transcranial direct current stimulation. 00:24:20 - Using automobiles as an example of biases affecting our decision-making. 00:27:40 - Delving into stoic practices for combating biases. 00:33:20 - Exploring the transformative power of rituals in problem-solving. 00:35:00 - Introduction of the meta-crisis comprising ecological, energy, and political issues. 00:38:00 - Discussing the relationship between wealth, well-being, and life's meaning. 00:45:00 - Emphasizing the sacrifices made by those in monastic life for greater meaning. 00:49:20 - The potential return of theology due to the rise of AI. 00:53:20 - Tackling profound questions about consciousness posed by AI. 01:04:00 - Introducing the "chunking" concept for effective memory.

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques continue their thought-provoking exploration of Transcendent Naturalism by examining extended naturalism, neoplatonism, and the dimensions of sacredness. They challenge conventional notions of sacredness by examining its connection with strong transcendence and discussing Spinoza's insights into nature, God's ultimate reality, and the universe's deterministic nature, aligning with the Neoplatonic framework. They discuss religious perspectives, comparing classical and common theism and their evolution, while addressing the interplay between energy, consciousness, and reality, highlighting the philosophical underpinnings of theism. They also intriguingly differentiate spirituality from religion, both rooted in the concept of the sacred, and discuss symbolic ideals, spiritual richness, consequential history, and the profound significance of consequential decisions in our lives. Resources: The Case for God - Karen Armstrong Religion and Nothingness - Keiji Nishitani Thinking Being: Introduction to Metaphysics in the Classical Tradition - Eric Pearl Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge - Edward Osborne Wilson Time-codes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke outlines the episode's structure: extended naturalism, the meaning of sacredness within extended naturalism, the concept of strong transcendence, and three phenomena where people traditionally express a sense of transcendence: rituals, altered states of consciousness, and belonging to a worldview. [00:04:53] Dr. Vervaeke dives into the first topic, extended naturalism. He discusses the consilience between structural and content arguments in the context of neoplatonism. [00:07:36] Discussion of Spinoza's distinction between nature nurturing and nature being nurtured, a concept that explores the relationship between top-down and bottom-up processes in nature, bringing forward the idea of God not as a physical entity but as the source of all existence and understanding. [00:15:14] Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the features of common theism and its basis in classical theology, shares his perspective on the debates between theists and atheists, and the conception of God as a supreme being [00:18:00] The concept of God as the ground that supports continual self-transcendence, and a contemplative discussion on theism's classical and common forms, pushing the boundaries of philosophical exploration. [00:25:19] A deep dive into how truth can exist outside our understanding, challenging conventional beliefs. [00:30:20] Dr. Vervaeke delves into the concept of sacredness, describing it as an inexhaustible and paradoxical fountain of intelligibility. He also highlights the limitations of traditional propositional knowing in fully comprehending this concept. [00:37:23] The concepts of soul and spirit as ineffable aspects of human experience, with the soul, referring to the groundedness of our experiences and spirit pointing to our capacity for self-transcendence, and discussion on the connection between the symbolic ideal and the transcendent, [00:38:09] Symbolic Ideals & Transcendence: Gregg Henriques links symbolic ideals to deeper philosophical perspectives, enriching discourse. [00:41:20] Dr. John Vervaeke explains the concept of sacredness as a transjective experience, providing a new perspective on the understanding of sacredness. [00:44:53] Gregg Henriques introduces a proposes a new concept of inconsequential versus consequential history; viewing historical events based on their long-term impact. [00:55:00] Dr. John Vervaeke outlines his plan to explore the deep interconnections between an extended notion of rationality and ritual and their power, including an explanation of how and why we experience strong transcendence within ritual experiences, within the framework of extended naturalism. Qoutes: "Strong transcendence has epistemological and ontological import. The idea is that there are truths about reality that are disclosed only when one goes through a transcendence, which also gives you access to different levels of knowing." - Dr. John Vervaeke "Generalizability in and of itself it's not really intelligibility. It's generalizability in relationship to the capacity for differentiation held in appropriate dialectic. There's a generalizable differentiation polarity where the poles between the two is going to afford intelligibility, and it's the right relationship of that t that is fundamentally key." - Gregg Henriques

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques delve into the fascinating concept of Transcendent Naturalism and its implications for navigating the meaning crisis. They explore the connections laid out in the worldview of Transcendent Naturalism, highlighting the Enlightenment gap and the urgent need for a new worldview. Henriques critiques the current state of education, knowledge systems, and the negative impact of capitalism and consumerism on our society. The discussion also delves into the epidemic of loneliness, disconnection from nature, and the importance of transforming knowledge into wisdom systems. They propose coherent integrated pluralism as a plausible solution, emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive theory encompassing matter and physicists' understanding. Additionally, the conversation shifts to exploring emergence, the digital network's role in the current world, and the potential for a complex adaptive plane. This thought-provoking episode invites listeners to delve into topics like ontology, intelligence, and the importance of collective action in shaping a sustainable metaculture. Time-Codes: [00:00:00] - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the topic of Transcendent Naturalism and sets the stage for the discussion about the concept of transcending the physical and material world through natural phenomena. [00:01:48] - Gregg Henriques discusses the Enlightenment gap and the need for a new worldview. He emphasizes that the Enlightenment's traditional approach to understanding the world is no longer sufficient for today's complex realities. [00:03:35] - Discussion on the negative impact of capitalism and consumerism on our society calling into question the values and priorities of modern society. [00:07:05] - Emphasis on the importance of a comprehensive theory of both matter and physicists' understanding of matter, reflecting on the essential connection between scientific understanding and the physical world. [00:09:22] - The conversation shifts to how our technologies are now engaging us in a complex adaptive dynamic interface; how digital technologies are shaping our world and the way we interact with it. [00:13:30] - Henriques introduces the idea of a new digital space as a bridge between energy, matter, life, and mind, shedding light on the potential of digital technologies to forge new connections and understandings between different aspects of our world. [00:15:18] - Henriques explains his agnostic position, rejecting fundamentalism and acknowledging the concept of God as having real-world consequences. [00:22:33] Gregg shares a visual of the first meta-argument and levels of emergence and emanation. He discusses the concept of combogenesis, a process identified by Tyler Volk as a specific kind of leveling process that results in part-whole relations, illuminating the process by which simple elements combine to form complex wholes. [00:30:05] - Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the concept of irreducible complexity and interdependence in life. He emphasizes that the parts of a living thing cannot exist independently from the whole. He appreciates the Aristotelian systematicity of the classification, which aligns with the topics and fields in science. [00:35:16] - Henriques introduces the second meta-argument and the concept of axiological commitments. He discusses how our epistemology and ontology can be connected, highlighting the deep links between our values and our understanding of the world. [00:42:33] - Presentation of the third meta-argument and description of the transjective as an iterative process between agent and arena, a dynamic and changing process. This presents a dynamic view of human interaction with the world. [00:54:59] - Dr. Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques discuss the importance of the idea of strong transcendence within naturalism for the reconciliation of science and spirituality, marking an important contribution to the ongoing debate about the relationship between science and spirituality. [01:03:40] - The conversation about 'strong transcendence' continues; they argue that movement between ontological levels discloses truths that are only accessible after significant transformation. This presents a new way of understanding the process of gaining knowledge and insight. [01:07:20] - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the concept of the transformation of what we most identify with, encouraging listeners to consider their own identities and connections.

Dr. John Vervaeke introduces his colleagues from the Vervaeke Foundation and dives deep into the concept of "Awaken to Meaning," an online platform for wisdom cultivation and self-improvement. Guests Ryan Barton, Christopher Mastropietro, and Taylor Barrett share their personal journeys toward wisdom and their roles in the foundation. The team delves into the purpose and offerings of their online dojo, detailing its role as a hub for bridging theory and practice. They discuss the importance of wisdom cultivation, practical application of teachings in daily life, the transformative impact of various practices, and the nuances of maintaining accessibility and financial sustainability. Throughout the conversation, they invite listeners to explore their practices and contribute to the ongoing journey of self-improvement. Finally, the team acknowledges the contributions of their patrons and encourages listeners to trust in their efforts to enrich lives. Resources: The Vervaeke Foundation - Wisdom is not optional Awaken to Meaning Circling & Dialogos: the After Socrates Wisdom Intensive Time-Coded Moments: [00:00:26] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the team from the Vervaeke Foundation, discusses the purpose of their gathering, and explains the concept of "Awaken to Meaning," which he describes as a dojo for wisdom cultivation and self-improvement. [00:02:43] Ryan Barton shares his personal journey to wisdom cultivation and his excitement for the launch of the online dojo. [00:08:41] Taylor Barrett introduces a low-barrier entry for people new to intentional practice. [00:11:20] Taylor discusses the more intermediate and advanced offerings available on the site such as Circling & Dialogos weekends and Dialectic Logos training. [00:14:03] Christopher Mastropietro discusses the playful and experimental nature of the learning process, emphasizing the importance of testing different practices and ideas. [00:17:50] Vervaeke describes the platform as a developmental dojo and introduces the concept of the three dimensions of wisdom: view, care, and action. [00:22:10] Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the need to recover the term 'wisdom' in a way that is accessible and challenging to individuals in their current life situations. [00:24:18] Christopher Mastropietro emphasizes the importance of starting with small, manageable goals and slowly integrating new practices into one's routine. [00:27:11] Dr. John Vervaeke talks about the longing for a space where individuals can genuinely aspire and grow, not just for themselves but for the betterment of the world. [00:29:20] Ryan Barton emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom and living out of the being mode. [00:31:20] Mastropietro shares how exposure to dialogos and dialectic over a few years can create changes in perception and understanding of the world. [00:33:00] Mastropietro talks about how these practices can help in personal relationships, allowing for opportunities for disclosure where there were none before. [00:36:00] Vervaeke shares his personal experience of how these practices have helped him avoid paths of self-deception. [00:41:00] Ryan Barton shares his personal journey with meditation and mindfulness practices, discussing the transformative impact they have on his life. [00:46:03] Taylor Barrett discusses the catalyzing moment that made him realize its significance and how it has shaped his life and relationships. [00:48:17] Ryan Barton discusses the financial sustainability of their projects and the opportunities available at multiple tiers. [00:56:30] Dr. John Vervaeke asks the audience to extend their trust in the team, acknowledging the prevalent suspicion in the marketplace. He assures them that his team has continuously earned his trust and encourages listeners to maintain rational hope for an alternative to deceit and false appearances. [01:01:18] Discussion on the framework presentation, pointing out they are not pushing or expecting a religious outcome or religious conversion, but instead are offering a courtyard where the religious and the nonreligious can deeply commune with each other. Quotes: "Each person will have a different point of entry, and those points won't be the same. You don't have to take everything on at once. It's not possible or desirable because if you overwhelm yourself quickly, it's a good way to discourage yourself from doing anything." - Christopher Mastropietro "I had no idea what was possible in relationship until I started doing the practice of authentic relating and circling, and now it's so much richer." - Taylor Barrett "Behind all the hermeneutics of suspicion, there is a hermeneutics of beauty. There are people out there still pursuing and practicing the good. I strongly believe that I've found good people doing good work and creating a great place. I just wanted to address that concern you might have and ask you to rationally hope that there's an alternative to all of that bullshit and that's on offer here." - Dr. Joh

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques challenge prevailing notions about science, spirituality, and their intricate relationship in this first episode of the new series entitled: Transcendent Naturalism. They embark on a journey through modern worldviews, diving into concepts such as reductionism, the Cartesian divide, and the tension between objective and subjective understanding. This dialogue brings out the complexity of reconciling quantum mechanics and relativity, the prevalent models that rob human beings of meaning and wisdom, and the importance of transcendence. Furthermore, the discourse touches on extended naturalism, the critique of reductionism, and the groundbreaking concept of energy information singularity. Dr. Vervaeke and Henriques shed light on meta-arguments, the relevance of convergence in argumentation, the depth of transjectivity, and the vast expanse of collective intelligence. They also explore the concepts of abstraction, self-organization, and the interplay of causality and constraints. Top 15 Moments: 00:00:00: Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the new series "Transcendent Naturalism," a bridge between science and spirituality. 00:01:36: Gregg Henriques underscores the significance of understanding meaning-making and its relevance today. 00:04:56: Dr. Vervaeke highlights the tension between science and spirituality in contemporary culture. 00:07:34: Dr. Vervaeke explores the idea of reductionism within the hard sciences. 00:10:33: The discussion dives into the implications of the subjective-objective divide. 00:15:30: Dr. Vervaeke speaks on the prevalent models depriving human beings of meaning and wisdom. 00:18:40: The purpose of the series is presented, aiming to help listeners transcend their intellectual straitjackets. 00:22:41: Dr. Vervaeke emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of the psyche's grip on reality. 00:23:30 Introduction of the concept of extended naturalism, suggesting that our understanding of reality isn't limited to what's derivable from hard sciences but also includes what these sciences presuppose. 00:30:24: The discourse moves to a conformity theory of knowing, the idea of reality not being flat land, and the need for a leveled ontology. 00:45:16: Gregg Henriques discusses the role of abstraction in communication. 00:59:53: Dr. Vervaeke introduces the concept of reality being layered in a bottom-up emergence and top-down emanation. 01:06:40: Conformity theory: how the principles governing the mind and the world mutually participate in the same governing principles. 01:09:20: Transjectivity: a deeper relationship than subjectivity and objectivity, which is necessary for knowledge and truth. 01:15:39: The power of collective intelligence in problem-solving and understanding complex concepts is explored. 01:18:27: Dr. Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques discuss their converging ideas and the importance of ongoing dialogue. 01:23:40: Gregg Henriques discusses the concept of transjectivity and its application to his key concepts. Resources Mentioned: Books A New Synthesis for Solving the Problem of Psychology: Addressing the Enlightenment Gap - Gregg Henriques Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics - Catherine Pickstock Fifth Business - Robertson Davies Essential Difference: Toward a Metaphysics of Emergence - James Blachowicz Dynamics in Action: Intentional Behavior as a Complex System | Context Changes Everything: How Constraints Create Coherence - Alicia Juarrero Mind in Life: Biology, Phenomenology, and the Sciences of Mind - Evan Thompson Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions - Arthur Versluis Videos Dr. John Vervaeke Awakening from the Meaning Crisis Neoplatonism and the Path of Transformation Artificial Intelligence Circling into Dialogos The Meaning Code Wolfgang Smith & John Vervaeke: a Dialogos on Turning Toward a Science Grounded in Platonism People Ned Block Erik Hoel Michael Levin D. C. Schindler Wolfgang Smith Sir Karl Friston Heidegger Roy Bhaskar Miscellaneous UTOK Archdisciplinary Research Center (ARC) Gödel's incompleteness theorems Russell's Paradox Dan Chiappe, John Vervaeke: The Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission Distributed Cognition and the Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission The Enactment of Shared Agency in Teams Exploring Mars Through Rovers J.J. Gibson – Affordances

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices with Vervaeke, host John Vervaeke is joined by Johannes Niederhauser, a philosopher with a focus on Heidegger's philosophy of technology, and Sean McFadden, a physicist and neuroengineer with interests in the philosophy of mathematics, science, and technology. Together, they discuss the possibilities and limitations of artificial intelligence, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of AI development, and the potential impact of AI on society. The conversation delves into the challenges of implementing consciousness in machines, the importance of relevance realization, autopoiesis, and the role of AI in human rationality and wisdom. Sean is teaching a course on the Philosophy of the Machine seminars for which begin May 14th. You can enrol here https://halkyonacademy.teachable.com/p/philosophy-of-the-machine If you found this content engaging, please consider joining our Patreon to continue supporting our work - www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- Time-Codes: 00:00 Introduction and Guests' Backgrounds 02:34 Heidegger's Philosophy of Technology 03:43 Hopes and Fears in AI Development 09:03 Implementing Consciousness in Machines 15:15 Relevance Realization and Autopoiesis 30:06 Self-deception in AI 37:14 Trade-offs in AI Development 44:09 Rationality and Spiritual Dimensions of AI 59:11 Real Moral Agency and Cultural Matrix 1:07:00 The Morality of Building Silicon Sages 1:14:00 The Potential of Machines to Exceed Human Intelligence 1:18:00 The Virtue of Machines 1:21:00 AI Trajectory and Ethics 1:29:00 Understanding Animal Intelligence

In today's Voices with Vervaeke episode, Dr. Vervaeke is joined by the Executive Director of the Vervaeke Foundation, Ryan Barton. Ryan offers a rigorous and intentional response to John's AI Video Essay (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4) coming from a Christian perspective. Ryan proposes that rather than Christian theology being "unprepared" for the coming kairos, it is possible that the Christian way may in fact be one of the greatest frameworks of guidelines as we tackle humanity's newest threat. If you enjoy this video, please consider joining our Patreon, the most direct way to support the continuation of our efforts towards creating solutions to the meaning crisis - www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

Dr. John Vervaeke lays out a multifaceted argument discussing the potential uses, thresholds, and calamities that may occur due to the increase in artificial intelligence systems. While there is a lot of mention of GPT and other chatbots, this argument is meant to be seen as confronting the principles of AI, AGI, and any other forms of Artificial Intelligence. First, Dr. Vervaeke lays out an overview of his argument while also contextualizing the conversation. Dr. Vervaeke then explores the scientific ramifications and potentialities. Lastly, Dr. Vervaeke concludes in the philosophical realm and ends the argument with a strong and stern message that we face a kairos, potentially the greatest that the world has ever seen. Dr. Vervaeke is also joined in this video essay by Ryan Barton, the Executive Director of the Vervaeke Foundation, as well as Eric Foster, the Media Director at the Vervaeke Foundation.

In this episode of the After Socrates podcast, Dr. John Vervaeke, Guy Sengstock, Christopher Mastropietro, and Taylor Barrett delve into the complexities of human relationships, communication, and the transformative power of dialogue. The conversation begins with an exploration of the importance of relationships in human development and the emergence of practices like dialectic, dialogos, and authentic relating. Sengstock highlights the impact of modern communication technologies on relationships, making them optional and less necessary for functioning. The discussion then shifts to the epidemic of loneliness and the transactional nature of modern relationships, exacerbated by technology and social media. The participants also discuss the loss of wisdom, knowledge, and the maturation process in modern society, and how this has led to a diminished sense of personhood and a decline in religious belief. They explore the role of memory in the aftermath of a relationship fallout and the importance of shifting focus from minute details to a more impressionistic understanding of the experience. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the transformative nature of Dialogos and the profound insights gained from engaging in these discussions. The participants express gratitude for the journey and the connections made through the process, highlighting the potential of these practices to address the issues they have discussed. Time-Codes: [00:00] Guy Sengstock discusses the inherent messiness and discomfort of relationships and how they are essential to becoming people. [00:02:18] Dr. Vervaeke proposes the question of why practices like dialectic, dialogos, and authentic relating are emerging now. [00:09:54] Guy Sengstock discusses the epidemic of loneliness and how it drives people further into isolation rather than seeking relationships. [00:15:33] Taylor Barrett highlights the impact of technology and social media on the younger generations, leading to a forgetting or never knowing of what's possible in relationships. [00:18:51] Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the loss of wisdom, knowledge, and the maturation process in modern society. [00:22:30] Guy Sengstock talks about the importance of participating in the sacred and how it is linked to the decline of religious belief. [00:27:16] Christopher Mastropietro discusses the process of coming to grips with the fallout of a close relationship and how memory plays a role in that experience. [00:30:00] Christopher Mastropietro discusses the truth of a relationship and how it lies in the creative act of revisioning that relationship, not in the recorded details. [00:39:25] Taylor Barrett talks about moving towards wisdom in terms of social media, technology, and practices. [00:45:36] Guy Sengstock discusses the loss of organized religion and the opportunity it presents for a new kind of collective intelligence. [00:53:51] Dr. John Vervaeke discusses Christopher Mastropietro's articulation of a non-Cartesian, non-postmodern sense of doubt, which is needed in the current conversation. [01:02:17] Christopher Mastropietro explains the importance of a Socratic self-doubt, recognizing our finite understanding of ourselves and our ever-changing nature. [01:14:27] Guy Sengstock explores the structure of grief and how it relates to losing qualities of life and the future of having them. [01:18:21] Christopher Mastropietro talks about participating in the rebirth of what is lost and how it becomes part of the new person that one becomes. [01:23:26] Taylor Barrett talks about the transformative nature of the Dialogos experience and how it has changed his perspective.

This episode of After Socrates explores the transformative experience of examining ideas and beliefs through the practice of dialectic, which is seen as the virtue of tracking the logos, a concept not present in everyday dialogue. The dialogue involves mindfulness and Neoplatonic contemplation, fostering feelings of brotherhood, comfort, expectancy and playful curiosity. Key roles of the scribe and herald in tracking the proposal and managing the interaction are explored, along with the role of virtues like vulnerability, courage, humility and openness. Trust in following the logos is seen as paramount. The conversation sometimes pushes the limits of language, illuminating the mystery of the logos, but deepens understanding nonetheless. Time-codes: 00:00:00 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the transformative experience of burning through ideas and beliefs. This concept sets the stage for the discussion, introducing the primary theme of transformation through dialectic practice. 00:01:07 - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the topic of dialectic and the virtue of dialectic itself. His explanation offers a profound understanding of dialectic, setting a philosophical foundation for the conversation. 00:16:25 - Taylor Barratt shares his feelings of curiosity, excitement, and nervousness. This moment brings an emotional and human dimension to the conversation, reminding participants of the personal aspect of philosophical dialogue. 00:19:14 - Dr. John Vervaeke expresses his amazement with the depth and playfulness of his experiences with Chris. This reflection deepens the sense of camaraderie and shared exploration within the group. 00:21:07 - Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the excitement and security he feels when interacting with Taylor. This moment underscores the value of trust and safety in fostering deep and meaningful conversations. 00:22:10 - Christopher Mastropietro shares his feelings of brotherhood and comfort with Guy. His words illustrate the close bonds formed through dialogos, underscoring the relational aspect of dialectic practice. 00:24:30 - Dr. John Vervaeke asks for an overview of the steps, stages, and roles in the dialectic process. This moment frames the rest of the discussion, providing context and structure to the exploration of dialectic. 00:33:20 - Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the defining feature of dialectic as tracking the logos. This key insight offers a new way of understanding the purpose and function of dialectic, distinguishing it from ordinary conversation. 00:43:24 - Taylor Barratt and Guy Sengstock discuss the role of vulnerability and other virtues in dialectic. This moment highlights the personal qualities needed to engage meaningfully in the practice of dialectic. 00:50:45 - Taylor reflects on the limits of language to describe the state they're in. This moment of introspection highlights the complex and ineffable nature of the dialectic experience. 01:00:16 - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the idea that dialectic is the virtue of following what the proposal does not say. This intriguing idea invites a deeper exploration of the nature of dialectic and how it fosters understanding. 01:07:16 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the geometry and shape of a proposal. This unique perspective brings a new layer of complexity to the understanding of proposals within the context of dialogos. 01:15:38 - Dr. John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro discuss the practice of dialectic and the I-thou relationship with a proposal. This moment further refines the understanding of dialectic, emphasizing the relational aspect of the process. 01:20:54 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the emergence of the Geist, or the persona of the Logos. This idea expands on the concept of the logos, introducing an animate aspect that guides the process of dialectic. 01:22:01 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses offering our beliefs and ideas to the transformative process of the Logos. This concept encapsulates the spirit of the discussion, emphasizing the transformational potential of dialectic practice.

Join Dr. John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Guy Sengstock as they delve into the intricacies of the dialectic process in the context of virtue in this episode of After Socrates. Christopher Mastropietro, a cultural theorist and writer, and Guy Sengstock, founder of Circling Europe, both contribute their unique perspectives to the discussion. Together, they explore the work of philosopher Martin Buber and how his ideas could transform current practices. The episode also covers the concept of the I-Thou relationship and its relevance to virtues, discussing how a commitment to this perspective renews the commitment to treat virtues as sincere vows. Furthermore, the conversation delves into the role of errors in shaping our perception of virtues, generating profound insights about humility, openness, and the path towards understanding. Time-codes: 00:00 - Christopher Mastropietro & Guy Sengstock discuss the role of interest and commitment in the dialectic process, suggesting that it's more than just imagination at play. 01:20 - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the focus of the episode - how Martin Buber's work could influence our practices. 02:00 - Christopher Mastropietro shares insights on how the dialectic process evolves with each repetition, reflecting on the commitment to virtues. 07:00 - Guy Sengstock sheds light on the importance of relevance to virtue and the ecstatic nature of universal participation. 16:00 - Christopher Mastropietro explores the role of interest and creative errors in opening up relationships and self-perception. 19:00 - The systemic nature of errors and their role in self-accountability and personal growth. 22:00 - Dr. Vervaeke presents the 'notice and variance heuristic,' promoting a humility-centered approach to understanding systematic errors. 24:21 - Implicit learning in recognizing patterns and the essential role of the 'WeSpace' for the Geist. 25:58 - Christopher and Dr. Vervaeke explore the relationship between the emergence of the Geist and the I-Thou. 27:00 - Dr. Vervaeke suggests an increased rate of guidance from the Geist as a reward for vulnerability. 29:13 - Christopher and Dr. Vervaeke discuss the role of error in dialogue and its alignment with Socrates' demonium. 30:00 - The concept of negative theology and its relation to the Geist is introduced. 35:00 - The group explores the relationship between speech and silence in Dialogos. 37:00 - Christ and Socrates are discussed as examples of reframing dialogue. 52:00 - Error as evidence of our finitude, promoting a deeper understanding of self.

In this episode of After Socrates, host Dr. John Vervaeke invites his guests, Christopher Mastropietro and Guy Sengstock, to explore the intricacies of Martin Buber's 'I-Thou' concept. Mastropietro, an academic scholar, and Sengstock, an experienced dialogue facilitator, provide their insights on this complex philosophical framework, delving into its impact on personal relationships and human existence. The discussion illuminates the transformative potential of 'I-Thou' encounters, the primacy of dialogical relationships in constituting personhood, and the profound connection between vulnerability and relationality. Furthermore, it examines the significance of 'I-Thou' relationships in our interactions with inanimate objects and the environment, introducing an enthralling perspective on person-environment co-extension. This episode offers a treasure trove of philosophical insights for those seeking a deeper understanding of human existence and personal growth. If you liked this content, please consider joining our Patreon to support future series! Visit https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke to sign up today Time-codes: 00:00:20 - Introduction of guests and the topic by Dr. John Vervaeke 00:01:18 - Christopher Mastropietro's reading from Buber's 'I and Thou' 00:02:06 - Discussion on the 'I-Thou' relationship 00:04:00 - Guy Sengstock's insights on vulnerability and transformative encounters 00:08:48 - Importance of openness in dialogical relationships 00:09:20 - Dr. Vervaeke challenges the Cartesian model of development 00:11:00 - Amplifying the significance of dialogical relationships in personhood 00:13:23 - Exploration of dialogical relationships beyond interpersonal interactions 00:23:29 - Discussion on the value of environment and art in 'I-Thou' relationships 00:24:40 - Contrast between 'I-it' and 'I-I' relationships 00:27:06 - Concept of 'I-thou' relationships in relation to an end in themselves 00:29:20 - Dr. Vervaeke's insights on the arrow of relevance realization 00:31:00 - Exploring person constituting and Dialogos participation 00:38:40 - Dr. Vervaeke's question on Socrates as a sage and Buber as a prophet 00:42:00 - The intentional difficulty in philosophical styles to foster dialogue 00:44:00 - Effect of intentional difficulty in promoting understanding 00:45:58 - Difference between texts and tests 00:53:25 - The virtue of discerning voices and Socratic daimonion 00:57:06 - The metaxu relationship in 'I-thou' context 01:00:04 - The virtue of discernment and virtuous relationship with the 'thou' 01:01:06 - Importance of risk in unfolding relationships

In episode 20 of After Socrates, join Dr. John Vervaeke and his eloquent interlocutor, Christopher Mastropietro, as they delve into an intriguing exploration of love, beauty, faith, and the mysteries of existence. From the interplay of virtues to the hermeneutics of beauty, the dialectic of part and whole, and the unveiling of the concealed 'sculpture' within us, this episode is sure to incite curiosity, inspire insights, and deepen your understanding of life's profound questions. I recently had a discussion with DC Schindler and Ken Lowry that further explores this topic, if you would like to view that conversation, please do so here: Discovering the Four Leaps: Reason, Love, Faith, and Body | DC Schindler and Ken Lowry - https://youtu.be/V8UFpsVOl7A Time-Codes: 00:00 - John Vervaeke introduces the Vervaeke Foundation Patreon - www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke 01:00 - John and Christopher delve into the intriguing relationship between love, beauty, and the leap into the unknown. 03:00 - The concept of the three leaps: faith, reason, and love, is introduced and explored. 06:00 - John poses the question of how to articulate the intricate relationship between the three leaps. 08:10 - A deep discussion on the interdependence of virtues in the dialectic takes place. 09:49 - John distinguishes between the hermeneutics of suspicion and the hermeneutics of beauty. 12:08 - Christopher enlightens us with the Kierkegaardian idea of being a part in order to participate in the whole. 21:20 - Dr. Vervaeke explains the relationship between the absolute and the relative. 22:13 - The concept of Ratio is introduced as a means of moving towards the absolute. 24:00 - The interpenetration of insight and inference in philosophy is discussed. 27:24 - John illuminates the lack of distinction between inferences and insights. 28:00 - The Platonian metaphor of uncovering the sculpture within the stone is explored. 29:50 - John explains how two perspectives can induce an aporia in inferential reasoning. 32:21 - The role of a beautiful tree in orienting us towards reality is discussed. 35:07 - A deep dive into how beauty, love, and faith are interrelated occurs. 36:50 - Christopher proposes a terminological change in Kierkegaard's concept of faith. 39:00 - John elucidates how the fullness of being orients us towards a fuller life. 41:10 - The connection between goodness and faith is brought to light. 43:35 - An enlightening discussion on forgiveness, guilt, and sin takes place. 01:03:40 - John concludes the discussion by emphasizing the importance of transcendence.

In this episode of After Socrates, Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Christopher Mastropietro explore the overlap and interweaving of the works of Socrates and Kierkegaard, and their relation to the revolutionary characteristics of Jesus. There is a certain reverence that we hold naturally for counter-culture figures, even though we often don't celebrate them until long after their expiration. The speakers also discuss the challenge of grasping Kierkegaard's thoughts due to his pseudonymous writings and poetic style, which often leaves the reader lost and searching for meaning, the significance of intersubjectivity in philosophical conversations and the influence of Hegel on Kierkegaard's thinking. The discussion highlights the importance of going beyond objective philosophical reflections and the role of philosophical fellowship in encouraging self-reflection and personal growth and the tension of discussing private matters in a public setting and how it relates to the ethical dimensions of both Socrates and Kierkegaard's teachings.

In this episode of After Socrates, Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Christopher Mastropietro explore the importance of humor in the context of philosophy and spirituality. They examine how humor can be used to approach the absurdity of life, reveal performative contradictions, and challenge societal norms. The conversation also touches on the interconnection between humor and tragedy, the role of good humorists in society, and the loss of the religious category of thought in modern times. The episode ultimately emphasizes the importance of cultivating a balanced perspective and recognizing the limitations of our ethical frameworks in the pursuit of greater understanding. Time-codes: 00:00: Discussion on the importance of humor in the context of philosophy, specifically when looking at Socrates and Kierkegaard. 02:53: Introduction of "The Humor of Kierkegaard" book, an anthology that highlights Kierkegaard's humorous side. 07:36 - Discussion of the importance of incorporating humor into the Logos as a spiritual orientation, as it enables human transcendence with respect to the absurd. 09:23 - The humorous phone call example used to illustrate perspectival clash, highlighting the relationship between humor and absurdity. 13:25 - Christopher Mastropietro and Dr. John Vervaeke discuss the relationship between irony and humor, and how humor can help us approach the absurdity of life. 17:58 - Discussing humor in the context of the story of the geese, highlighting how the humor is in the absurdity and juxtaposition of perspectives. 22:13 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the story of David and Bathsheba, showing how humor and tragedy can make people see the consequences of their actions. 27:26 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the concept of being at variance with oneself and how humor can expose the performative contradiction in a situation. 32:48 - Dr. John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro discuss how looking at one's ethical frame unironically can result in absurdity and expose the contradictions within it. 38:21 - Discussion on how humor can act as a birth canal towards the serious and religious. 43:34 - John Vervaeke discusses laughter and comedy as a reminder not to get entrapped in an idolatry of the literal and how the comic can be part of the numinous. 48:22 - Discussion on the transmutation from the lowly and sexual to the anagogic in Socratic Eros. 53:25 - The discussion delves into the primary orientation and the meta-optimal grip needed for practicing dialectic in the Dialogos. 57:06 - John and Christopher discuss the loss of the religious category of thought, resulting in the idolatry of the ethical and the dangerous consequences of this situation.

In this thought-provoking episode of After Socrates, host John Vervaeke is joined by scholar Christopher Mastropietro to explore the connections between Socrates and Kierkegaard, as well as the relationship between reason, faith, existentialism, and spirituality. Through a deep dive into irony, self-transcendence, and relevance realization, Vervaeke and Mastropietro reveal the shared project between these two influential thinkers, while discussing the role of humor and absurdity in understanding the human condition. Christopher Mastropietro is a scholar and author who has collaborated extensively with John Vervaeke on various projects. Time-Codes: 00:00 - Kierkegaard's humorous example of a busy man dying 01:07 - Introduction to After Socrates, Episode 17 03:24 - Faith, logos, and character cultivation 05:50 - Kierkegaard's paradoxical argument on autonomy 06:47 - The paradox of self-transcendence 09:53 - Irony in developing a relationship with truth 10:35 - Differentiating irony from cynicism and sarcasm 14:08 - Irony as participatory and perspectival truth 16:24 - Kierkegaard's example illustrating ironic tension 20:04 - Irony's grounding and autonomy 22:13 - Irony, epistemic humility, and aporia 24:00 - An ironist's passionate participation in paradox 25:58 - Clarifying irony, cynicism, sarcasm, and intellectual laziness 30:26 - Relevance realization and irony 32:28 - Communicating ultimate truth indirectly 33:02 - Relevance realization and ultimate concern 34:00 - Ultimate concern vs. regular concern 34:51 - Socrates and Kierkegaard's shared project 36:19 - Kierkegaard's use of the eye of Socrates 37:16 - Agency and freedom in philosophy

In this episode, John and Christopher explore the philosophical connections between Socrates and Kierkegaard, discussing the role of paradox, irony, and the self. They delve into Kierkegaard's stages of life - aesthetic, ethical, and religious - and his critiques of Christendom and societal expectations. The conversation also covers Kierkegaard's complex relationships with love and society, his I-Thou relationship with God, and the resolution of paradox in human existence. Throughout the discussion, Chris and John emphasize the profound nature of dialogos, the ontological claim about Christ as the Logos, and the challenges of discussing sin and its associations. 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - Section 1: Socratic Paradox and Kierkegaard's Stages of Life 10:12 - Section 2: Kierkegaard's Critique of Christendom 20:03 - Section 3: Kierkegaard's Suffering 30:00 - Section 4: Kierkegaard's Struggle with Society and Love 40:15 - Section 5: Lingering Connection and the Teleological Suspension of the Ethical 50:00 - Section 6: Kierkegaard's I-Thou Relationship with God and the Resolution of Paradox 01:00:08 - Section 7: Dialogos, Shifting Modes of Identification, and the Concept of Sin

In episode 15 of After Socrates, Dr. John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the relationship between Socrates and Søren Kierkegaard, exploring their philosophical approaches and examining the complexities of Kierkegaard's works. Dr. Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist and philosopher at the University of Toronto, well-known for his expertise in the cognitive science of wisdom and mindfulness practices. Christopher Mastropietro is a scholar, author, and editor specializing in philosophy, religion, and culture. The conversation covers Kierkegaard's literary and philosophical context, his use of pseudonyms, and the connections to Socrates in his methods. The hosts delve into Kierkegaard's concepts of the dialogical and aspirational self, highlighting the paradox of being and not yet being oneself. They also discuss "life views," the importance of understanding subjective states from within, and the concept of pathologos, or "sick belief." The complexity of Kierkegaard's works is examined, focusing on layers of meaning created by dialogues between characters, as well as his portrayal of a world filled with unnecessary desires and unsatisfying pursuits. The hosts also discuss the dilemma of marriage in Kierkegaard's life and works and his willingness to expose himself in writing while maintaining anonymity through pseudonyms. They also explore the ironic nature of self-pursuit in Kierkegaard's works and delve into his views on self, responsibility, and the role of Socrates in disillusioning individuals from modes of self-relations that are less than ultimate. Books Referenced: Kierkegaard and Socrates: A Study in Philosophy and Faith | Jacob Howland Kierkegaard and Spirituality | C. Stephen Evans Kierkegaard: A Collection of Critical Essays | Josiah Thompson The Humour of Kierkegaard: An Anthology | Thomas C. Oden

Discover the profound wisdom of the Neo-Platonic Christian Tradition in this episode of After Socrates. Dive into the works of thinkers like St. Bonaventure, John Scotus Eriugena, and Nicholas of Cusa, and explore the concepts of dialectical contemplation, solipsistic skepticism, and ontological depth perception. Guests featured: St. Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Jonathan Pageau, and more. 📚 Books & Works Discussed: The Journey of the Mind to God by St. Bonaventure Nicholas of Cusa on Learned Ignorance: A Translation and an Appraisal of De Docta Ignorantia by Nicholas of Cusa Periphyseon on the Division of Nature by John the Scot Explorations in Metaphysics: Being-God-Person by W. Norris Clarke S.J. The Unknown God: Negative Theology in the Platonic Tradition: Plato to Eriugena by Deirdre Carabine John Scottus Eriugena by Deirdre Carabine Being and Creation in the Theology of John Scottus Eriugena: An Approach to a New Way of Thinking by Sergei N. Sushkov Nicholas of Cusa by H. Lawrence Bond The Vision of God by Nicholas of Cusa The Voyage of Unknowing: Nicholas of Cusa On Learned Ignorance by David Christopher Lane & Andrea Diem-Lane The Analogical Turn: Rethinking Modernity with Nicholas of Cusa by Johannes Hoff Masters of Learned Ignorance: Eriugena, Eckhart, Cusanus (Variorum Collected Studies) by Donald F. Duclow Beyond Formal Operations: Late Adolescent and Adult Cognitive Development by Cheryl Armon, Michael L. Commons, & Francis Richards [0:00] Introduction [1:40] Neo-Platonic Christian Tradition [12:45] Distorted Thoughts [15:22] Logic Broadly Construed [20:43] Solipsistic Skepticism [23:37] As Real As Myself [27:02] Dialectical Contemplation [33:51] Tagging, Tracking, Tracing [37:40] Conceptual Understanding [42:15] Demonstrative Reference [47:10] The Cardinal Contradiction [51:25] The Omnivoyant Image [54:43] Being in Question [58:30] End of Episode

Welcome back to After Socrates! Episode 14 releases next Friday, March 24th, 2023. Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Uncover the profound insights of ritual as a form of metaphysical inquiry. Dr. Vervaeke discusses the role of rituals in our lives, how they help us access deeper levels of self-consciousness, and their unique ability to reveal hidden aspects of reality. Our good friend @JonathanPageau is also discussed in this episode, please visit his channel if you have not yet done so! In this episode, you'll discover: *The powerful concept of "facing reality" and how it impacts our understanding of the world *The works of influential philosophers and theologians like Proclus, Iamblichus, John Scotus Eriugena, Nicholas of Cusa, and Ambrose of Milan, as well as insights from Jonathan Pageau, a French Canadian icon carver and public speaker *The role of synthemata in theurgy and how it can lead to higher levels of self-consciousness and reality disclosure *The unique way of knowing in rituals that cannot be accessed through other means *Join Dr. John Vervaeke as he explores the non-reductive noetic function of ritual and its importance in understanding ourselves and the world. If you feel like your life is empty of ritual, this episode might change the way you see things and help you reconnect with this essential aspect of human experience. -- You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

In Episode 12 of Dr. John Vervaeke's "After Socrates," titled "The Way of the Logos," we delve deep into the world of Plotinus and his concept of dialectic, exploring how the intelligible world can be understood through a study of the nature and interconnection of real being. This episode examines the evolution of cognition and its relation to the grammar of reality, providing insights into Aristotle's conformity theory, transcendental argument, and solipsism. We also discuss the notion of epiphenomenalism, where we learn that some things can be real without being actual or causally interactive. This episode further explores the concept of Dia-Logos, which focuses on improving the generative grammar of cognition to better track the through line generated by the grammar of being. Throughout the episode, various philosophers and their works are referenced, including Proclus, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, and St. Augustine of Hippo. The episode concludes by touching upon the topic of Theurgia, setting the stage for a more in-depth exploration in future episodes. Join Dr. Vervaeke in this fascinating exploration of the intellectual journey we must pursue to understand the intelligible world and its relation to our cognitive evolution. Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Proper Proportions & The Right Mode. In this episode, John Vervaeke delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Stoicism and its connections with both ancient and modern practices, while also emphasizing the importance of serious play and aspiration in rationality. Vervaeke begins by discussing the Stoic philosophy, which was founded by Zeno of Citium and focuses on achieving goodness and peace of mind through living a virtuous life in accordance with nature. The episode then addresses the modern disjunction between value and fact, leading to the misunderstanding of the roles of meaning and event in our lives. The concept of cognitive behavioral therapy is introduced, highlighting the influential ideas of Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher who believed in the importance of rigorous self-discipline. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the topic of modal confusion, which occurs when individuals use the wrong mode for their needs. This can result in problems such as spiritual bypassing, where individuals avoid addressing their issues by seeking a false sense of enlightenment. Vervaeke introduces Michael J. Apter's reversal theory, which explores the difference between the telic mode (goal-oriented) and the paratelic mode (activity-oriented) in human behavior. The concept of serious play is then discussed, emphasizing its importance in engaging with perspectival and participatory knowing without committing fully to an activity or experience. The episode also covers aspirational practices, as discussed by Agnes Callard, which are central to rationality and enable transformative experiences in our lives. These practices involve a combination of proleptic rationality and the imaginal, allowing individuals to envision and strive for their goals. Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Have you been doing your practices? If so, you should REALLY love today's episodes. We decided to release these two episodes back to back because the overall experience is quite unique! In these episodes, Dr. Vervaeke was joined by Christopher Mastropietro, Guy Sengstock, and Taylor Barratt in discussion, practice, and friendship. Welcome back to After Socrates! Episode 11 releases next FRIDAY, February 24th, 2023. Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Have you been doing your practices? If so, you should REALLY love today's episodes. We decided to release these two episodes back to back because the overall experience is quite unique! In these episodes, Dr. Vervaeke was joined by Christopher Mastropietro, Guy Sengstock, and Taylor Barratt in discussion, practice, and friendship. Welcome back to After Socrates! Episode 11 releases next FRIDAY, February 24th, 2023. Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

In this episode, John explores the concept of metanoia, a transformative change of heart, through the lens of Antisthenes and the Cynic tradition. He begins by discussing the processes of differentiation and integration, referencing J.A. Scot Kelso's work on understanding dynamic coordination in the brain. The conversation then turns to Antisthenes' teachings and his emphasis on conversation as a means to redirect and reorient attention. John delves into the Cynic philosophy, which seeks to challenge conventions and societal norms, and he explains the distinction between purity codes and moral codes. He then discusses the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis) as opposed to theoretical wisdom (sophia), highlighting the role of improvisation in honing this practical wisdom. As the conversation comes to a close, John introduces the idea of metanoia and its relevance to communication, pointing to the works of George J. Thompson, Luke A. Archer, and Marshall Rosenberg as resources for further exploration. Throughout the episode, John also references the work of several other thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Heraclitus, Cratylus, and Ludwig Wittgenstein, shedding light on the historical context and development of the ideas discussed. Please consider joining our Patreon to support our work - www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

In Episode 8 of John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis series, he continues his exploration of the dialogical self and the various theories and practices surrounding it. He dives into the works of philosophers and psychologists, such as Norbert Wiley, George Herbert Mead, Charles Sanders Peirce, Agnes Callard, Hubert Hermans, and many others, who have made significant contributions to understanding the "I" positions and the dialogical self. This episode also covers the concept of "Parts Work" in relation to the self, as well as the integration of intuition and rationality, and the importance of non-propositional knowing. Vervaeke touches on various theories and practices, such as internal family systems therapy, focusing, and ally work, which are aimed at healing and integrating the different aspects of the self. Throughout the episode, Vervaeke emphasizes the value of understanding the self and its various facets to lead a more meaningful life. He shares insights and practices to help individuals navigate their inner experiences and cultivate a richer understanding of themselves. Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome back to episode 7 of After Socrates! Episode 8 releases next FRIDAY, February 3rd, 2023. Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... -- Thinkers Referenced: Plato John Bussanich Michael McGhee Gregory Vlastos James Blachowicz Norbert Wiley Read Montague Michael Anderson Dan Sperber Deirdre Wilson Susan Goldin-Meadow Iain McGilchrist Damian G. Kelty-Stephen James Dixon Per Bak Robert Breedlove St. Paul Augustine of Hippo Anderson Todd Emmanuel Levinas M. Basil Pennington Michael Casey Guigo II the Carthusian Mary Keator Nicholas of Cusa --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome back to episode 6 of After Socrates! Episode 7 releases next Monday, January 30th, 2023. Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin... -- Thinkers Referenced: Christopher Mastropietro Guy Sengstock Dan Chiappe Johannes Niederhauser Daniel Zaruba Aristotle Ludwig Wittgenstein John Russon Sean D. Kirkland Edmund Husserl Don Ihde Maurice Merleau-Ponty Evan Thompson Shaun Gallagher D.C. Schindler Robert Breedlove St. Paul Augustine of Hippo Anderson Todd Emmanuel Levinas M. Basil Pennington Michael Casey Guigo II the Carthusian Mary Keator Nicholas of Cusa --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome back to episode 5 of After Socrates! Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circling-dialogos/ -- Thinkers Referenced: Christopher Cherniak Jerry Fodor John Searle Ludwig Wittgenstein Aristotle Werner Stegmaier Kevin Corrigan David Yaden Ezequiel Di Paolo Christopher Honey Garri Hovhannisyan Edwin Hutchins Brett Andersen Jordan B. Peterson Gregg Henriques -- Time Codes: [0:00] Welcome back to After Socrates [3:24] Awakening from the Meaning Crisis episodes for review: 27 - 33 [3:30] John's article in The Journal Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences -https://link.springer.com/article/10.... [12:50] Adaptive [18:30] The Phenomena of Insight [26:00] Emerging Framework [34:30] Salience Landscaping [44:22] Second Meta [50:00] Flow State [58:30] Logos [1:03:00] The Self [1:11:00] Consciousness [1:25:30] Logos of Being [1:30:00] Opposite Lived Strategies [1:34:00] Beginning of practice: Walking Theosis --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome back to episode 4 of After Socrates! Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circling-dialogos/ -- Thinkers Referenced: Phillip S. Cary Taylor Barratt Peter Limberg Guy Sengstock Pierre Hadot L. A. Paul Agnes Callard Christopher Moore Lev Vygotsky Michael Polanyi Maurice Merleau-Ponty Sara Ahbel-Rappe William James -- Time Codes: 9:54 The Horizontal Dimension of Dialectic 10:46 The Vertical Dimension of Dialectic 13:08 Philia 15:14 Sophia 21:20 Aspiration 22:20 Relational Self 24:39 Internalization and Indweilling 29:21 Self as aspirational 33:45 Socratic ignorance, Platonic knowledge 38:59 Back to Aporia - Self Knowing 44:01 No-thingness 48:04 Socrates and Suhrawardi 49:00 Illumination 52:59 Indwell to internalize, internalize to indwell 55:34 Anagogic Loop 57:24 God, Logos, light 58:26 Three books that are networked together 1:00:55 Kirkland, Alethea, Socratic Questioning 1:16:26 Practices --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome back to episode 3 of After Socrates! Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circling-dialogos/ -- Books Referenced: Dialectic and Dialogue: Plato's Practice of Philosophical Inquiry - https://amzn.to/3QzeW7i New Perspectives on Platonic Dialectic A Philosophy of Inquiry - https://amzn.to/3ird3wJ Thinkers Referenced: Pierre Hadot Plotinus Francisco J. Gonzalez Aristotle Ludwig Wittgenstein Gilbert Ryle James J. Gibson Stanley Rosen Wallace Matson Vasilis Politis Augustine of Hippo Graham Priest Werner Stegmaier Eric Sanday James H. Austin Show Notes: [0:00] Intro [9:24] Pierre Hadot was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy specializing in ancient philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism. [14:56] Plotinus c. 204/5 – 270 CE. A philosopher of the Hellenistic tradition, born and raised in Roman Egypt. Plotinus is regarded by modern scholarship as the founder of Neoplatonism. [16:25] "In the end, I'm not concerned ultimately about historical accuracy. I'm concerned about affording people the ability to practice a way of life." [23:25] Semantic Memory - General knowledge about the world: e.g., facts, ideas, and other concept-based knowledge unrelated to specific experiences. [24:41] Procedural memory - a type of implicit memory involved in the performance of different actions and skills: the memory of how to do certain things. [26:07] Perspectival Knowing - Refers to knowing via embodied perception. It consists of seeing and experiencing the world from within a certain state or place of consciousness. [28:29] Episodic memory - The memory of everyday events that can be explicitly stated. It is the collection of past personal experiences that occurred at particular times and places. [30:28] ver·i·si·mil·i·tude - the appearance or semblance of truth; genuineness; authenticity. [31:02] Propositional knowing has to do with our reasoning capacity (language and inference). Procedural knowing relates to our basic skills and cognition (sensory-motor interaction). Perspectival knowing is about embodied consciousness (salience landscaping). [32:45] The Fourth Kind of Knowing: Participatory Knowing. Finding agency within an agent-arena relationship; by being fitted to the arena, the agent is able to determine the consequences of behavior and alter that behavior to bring about the desired consequences. [38:39] James Jerome Gibson (1904 – 1979). An American psychologist considered to be one of the most important contributors to the field of visual perception. [45:04] Stanley Rosen (1929-2014). One of the central themes of his work is the claim that the extraordinary discourses of philosophy have no other basis than the intelligent understanding of the features of ordinary life or human existence. [49.37] Wallace Matson (1921-2012). An American professor of philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. He is known for his works on the existence of God. [52:17] Ep. 17 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Gnosis and Existential Inertia: [1:06:46] Vasilis Politis (1963-) is a Greek philosopher and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin. He is known for his expertise on Plato and Aristotle. (Dialectic and the Ability to Orientate Ourselves) [1:12:55] Graham Priest (born 1948) Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is known for his defense of dialetheism, his in-depth analyses of the logical paradoxes and his many writings related to paraconsistent and other non-classical logics. [1:27:13] The Forms: The forms are something like fundamental principles of intelligibility and of being. The forms are the principles by which things "Are" and by which they are known or knowable by us. [1:32:33] Beginning of the practice. --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome back to episode 2 of After Socrates. In this installment, Dr. Vervaeke continues to add insight into the Socratic Way as we go deep into dialogue and the practices of "Finding Your Root" and "The Humble Wonder Practice." Please consider joining my patreon to support our work: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circling-dialogos/ -- Thinkers Referenced: Drew Hyland Erich Fromm Robert C. Fuller Harold North Fowler Christopher Mastropietro Aristophanes Iris Murdoch John R. Wright Francisco J. Gonzalez Sara Ahbel-Rappe Sean D. Kirkland Show Notes: [0:00] Introduction to episode [0:23] "Socrates the Monstrous" [1:06] Socrates described himself as atopos, which means "strange" or "out of place," not belonging to any known category. It resembles the modern word "atypical" but is deeper and more powerful. [1:48] Metaxy: as fundamentally in between the human and the divine [2:17] Finitude and Transcendence [2:35] Eros [3:26] The monster distorts the normal categories in a way that is startling, challenging and disruptive. [4:57] Questioning [7:12] By practicing this kind of dialogue, Socrates has come to know that he does not know. [7:48] "One has been pretending - deeply, unconsciously, automatically, reactively - to know." [8:25] Learned Ignorance [12:03] Horizon of Wonder [12:17] The psychoanalyst and social psychologist Erich Fromm successfully combined psychological and sociological thinking in a social psychological theory and method. World-wide known are his books Escape from Freedom, The Art of Loving and To Have Or to Be? and his humanistic concept of man. [12:25] Professor Fuller's research concerns the relationship between psychology and religion as well as the study of contemporary religion in the United States [13:00] Wisdom begins in Wonder [13:30] Educe: to bring out, or draw forth. Closely related to the word "education." [13:59] To be on the Horizon of Wonder is to be in a place in which you are calling yourself and your world into question. So a new self in a new world can deeply be born. [18:48] The process of dialogos is not something we do. It is something we participate in, the way we participate in love and friendship. It is between us, and between us and the world. [19:13] Harold North Fowler was the original translator of a number of Plato's works for the Loeb Classical Library collection. [21:07] we seek to bind ourselves to things [21:30] We seem by nature to be looking for things other than ourselves, to complete us. Self-transcendence; I'm looking for something that's other than me to become me so that I am more than me, but completed as me. [30:15] The unexamined life is not worth living. [34:49] 1) The best life is the life of virtue. [35:33] 2) Virtue depends on knowledge. [35:44] 3) He does not have the knowledge needed for virtue. [36:06] Aristophanes was a famous comic playwright of ancient Athens. His play The Clouds gives a critical portrayal of Socrates as a man of nonsense and deception. Socrates addresses the slander in Plato's Apology. [41:50] Iris Murdoch was a prominent British philosopher of the second half of the 20th century, best known for her moral philosophy. She combined her grounding in Wittgensteinian and linguistic/analytic philosophy with a strong influence of 19th and 20th century Continental philosophy, Christian religion and thought, and Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. [45:47] Is Socrates just Plato's mouthpiece? [59:11] Practice Intro. [59:44] Finding Your Root. [1:11:16] The humble wonder practice [1:12:08] There is so much I do not know about myself because of all of the facts. [1:12:49] There is so much I shall never know about myself because of all of the fate. [1:13:45] There is so much I refuse to see about myself because of all of my foolishness. [1:16:32] There is so much I am unable to see about myself because of all of my faults. --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Welcome to After Socrates, a new series by Dr. John Vervaeke; Professor and award-winning lecturer at the University of Toronto in the departments of psychology, cognitive science and Buddhist psychology. In this introduction of the series, Dr. Vervaeke explains the differences between Imaginary and Imaginal, as well as the concepts of Predictive Processing, Reciprocal Interpretation, Dialogical Reflection, and the Salience Landscape. Join Dr. Vervaeke as he attempts to follow "After" Socrates in a quest towards true and applicable wisdom. Please join our patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke -- You are invited to join me live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos. You can find more information, and register, here: https://circlinginstitute.com/circling-dialogos/ -- Books mentioned: The Art of Spiritual Midwifery | Stephen Faller - https://amzn.to/3WZBujZ Philosophising the Dialogos Way Towards Wisdom in Education | Guro Hansen Helskog - https://amzn.to/3VYhQ6B Socrates: Quotes and Facts | Blago Kirov - https://amzn.to/3GkXLS8 Plato Quotes: 365 Quotes by Plato | B. Ashiedu - https://amzn.to/3VYi4ut The Allegory of the Cave | Plato - https://amzn.to/3W66oGc -- Thinkers Referenced: Guy Sengstock Rafe Kelly Dan Chiappe Henry Corbin Karl J. Friston Mark Miller Brett Andersen John Russon Peter Limberg Tanya Luhrmann Jack Kornfield Søren Kierkegaard -- Show Notes: [0:00] Introduction to episode [0:57] Circling: Is a multi-stage relational practice and unique transformational modality. It is a dynamic group process that is part-art-form, part-skillful facilitation and part-relational yoga. It is also a unique modality that can be practiced one-on-one. Although it is based on complex ideas, participating in it can be easy and fun for people at all levels of experience. [6:20] "Imaginary" - Imagination as fantasizing. We often use it in reference to something unreal or illusory. [6:20] "Imaginal" - Imagination to enhance perception and insight. The realm of imagination where we encounter the deeper patterns of being. [8:51] Predictive Processing - In neuroscience, predictive processing (or predictive coding) is a paradigm of brain function that links perception to mental modelling: the brain generates a model of the environment and uses it to predict sensory input. These predictions are compared to the actual input received, and the errors are used to update the mental model. There is increasing integration between predictive processing and 4E cognitive science. [17:25] Taoism - Tao is a Chinese word that is often translated as "way" or "path." It is a fundamental concept in Taoism, a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in China. In Taoism, the Tao is the fundamental source and ultimate reality of all things, and is seen as the natural order and flow of the universe. It is not a deity or a personal God, but rather an impersonal force or principle that underlies and permeates all things. [35:22] In Latin, the word "inventio" means "discovery" or "finding." It is related to the verb "invenire," which means "to come upon, find out, invent, discover, or devise." "Inventio" is a powerful term because it can refer to an act of invention as both creation and recollection. This makes it very apt for describing Socratic midwifery. [48:58] Sapiential is often used in reference to religious or philosophical texts that are considered to contain profound wisdom or insight. For example, the writings of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, or the Hindu Vedas, could be described as sapiential. [1:09:47] A salience landscape is the way a cognitive agent determines relevance through decisions about how to commit its attentional, and behaviour resources in a complex, dynamic, and self-organizing manner. These decisions and commitments result in certain information from the environment standing out more than other information such that the cognitive agent will only orient to certain aspects of objects and situations. [1:10:00] The monkey mind is a Buddhist term that refers to various states of restlessness or distraction, i.e., "unsettled; capricious; whimsical; fanciful; inconstant; confused; indecisive; uncontrollable." [1:24:33] Meditation is not a vacation. It is an education. --- After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.

Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john Fiftieth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john Forty-Ninth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john Forty-eighth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john Forty-seventh episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john Forty-sixth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john Forty-fifth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.