Dr. John Vervaeke

Dr. John Vervaeke and Joe Alto explore the intersections of philosophy, psychology, virtue, and spirituality. Dr. Vervaeke, a cognitive psychologist, and Joe Alto, a campus minister, and aspiring clinical mental health counselor, dissect the modern meaning crisis and offer refreshing perspectives on living a virtuous life. This discussion is a nourishing blend of philosophical insights and therapeutic practices, creating a unique roadmap for anyone grappling with questions of meaning, goodness, and beauty. The episode brings forth debates on the diminishing efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and underscores the essentialness of integrating philosophical ideas back into modern psychology. Joe Alto also shares compelling thoughts on his role as a spiritual guide in today's complex world, especially for those navigating existential challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to cultivate virtues, tackle a meaning crisis, or simply broaden their understanding of spirituality and mental health. Joe Alto is a burgeoning intellectual force in the realms of psychology, philosophy, and theology. Currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student and the Campus Minister at Woodstock University in Cleveland, Ohio, Joe effortlessly melds academia with spirituality as a devoted Catholic. He's the charismatic host of "The Gist with Joe," a YouTube channel where he engages in enlightening conversations with great minds to distill the essence—the "gist"—of their intellectual and spiritual quests. His explorations focus on unearthing the good, the true, and the beautiful, making each dialogue not just a discussion, but a journey towards deeper understanding. Resources: Joe Alto: YouTube | Podcast Dr. John Vervaeke: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook The Vervaeke Foundation Voices with Vervaeke - YouTube: Discovering the Four Leaps: Reason, Love, Faith, and Body | DC Schindler and Ken Lowry The Quest for a Spiritual Home: Conference Warmup | John Vervaeke, Jonathan Pageau & Paul VanderKlay AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist More Christ - YouTube: Paul Vander Klay, Spencer Klavan, and Michael Martin: Presence and Community in the Internet Age Rafe Kelley - YouTube John Vervaeke & Lex Friedman on Return to the Source Alone with Others: An Existential Approach to Buddhism - Stephen Batchelor How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises - Spencer Klavan The Primacy of Beauty, the Centrality of Goodness, and the Ultimacy of Truth - D.C. Schindler Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) People: Rick Repetti Henri de Lubac Clay Rutledge Nancy Snow Ryan Barton Eric Foster (Upfire Digital) Timecodes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the episode and sets the stage for a dual interview with Joe Alto, who runs a YouTube channel called The Gist with Joe. 00:02:07 — Dr. John Vervaeke casts light on the fascinating intersection of his work with Joe's Catholic beliefs. The discussion pivots around truth, goodness, and beauty as unifying themes. 00:04:01 — The hosts discuss the intertwining of spirituality and counseling. Joe Alto reveals how various religious beliefs manifest in the world of mental health care. 00:07:57 — Dr. Vervaeke introduces philosophical counseling. He frames it as a solution to existential confusion rather than treating pathology, lending a fresh perspective to the mental health discourse. 00:11:00 — Joe Alto maps out his plans for catering to high-insight individuals. 00:15:00 — Joe Alto dives deep into the relationship between virtue and beauty, painting a vivid tapestry that includes insights from a college-read book, "Alone With Others" by Steven Batchelor. 00:17:00 — Dr. Vervaeke poses an intriguing question: How do beauty and virtue play out in psychotherapeutic practice? Especially pertinent for those grappling with existential confusion or a crisis of meaning. 00:19:20 — With a personal touch, Joe Alto discusses the complex interplay of guilt in the lives of highly insightful individuals. It's a delicate dance between self-awareness and the burden of consciousness. 00:23:20 — John Vervaeke unveils the universal triad of truth, good, and beauty. These "transcendentals," as he calls them, open up avenues for a deeper understanding across domains. 00:27:40 — Dr. Vervaeke advises on the intricate balance between truth, goodness, and beauty. Each, he suggests, has its unique form of "ultimacy." 00:38:33 — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) comes under scrutiny. Dr. Vervaeke critiques its current use, specifically, its detachment from the original Stoic context. 00:41:20 — An amalgamation of cognitive and existentialist techniques in therapy is put on the table. Vervaeke brings in Stoicism and Buddhism, proposing a rich blend of therapeutic methods. 00:46:20 — Academic rigor meets practice as Joe Alto discusses Nancy Snow's empirical work on virtue cultivation. The focus shar

In episode 10 of the Transcendent Naturalism series, Dr. John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and guest Brett Andersen delve into the intricate relationship between science, spirituality, and modern mythology. The episode is a tour de force of intellectual exploration, covering topics from self-organizing criticality to the philosophy of order and chaos. Andersen offers a compelling presentation on the role of modern myths like the Matrix trilogy in understanding our complex world. Dr. Vervaeke and Henriques provide counterpoints and extensions to Andersen's arguments, enriching the discussion with their own expertise in philosophy and psychology. The episode also explores the role of consciousness in collective intelligence and the tension between individual experience and societal norms. Brett Andersen, a Ph.D. student in Evolutionary Psychology at the University of New Mexico, is a compelling voice at the intersection of cognitive science, complexity science, and the philosophical underpinnings of morality and religion. With a penchant for delving into controversial topics, Brett crafts thought-provoking essays on Substack and produces insightful YouTube videos. He's also in the process of writing a book, slated for a free PDF release, that encapsulates seven years of rigorous research across scientific and philosophical literature. Resources: Brett Andersen: Substack | YouTube | X Gregg Henriques: Website | Facebook | X Books: Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief - Dr. Jordan Peterson Is There Anything Good About Men?: How Cultures Flourish by Exploiting Men - Roy Baumeister Warriors and Worriers: The Survival of the Sexes - Joyce Benenson Dynamics in Action: Intentional Behavior as a Complex System - Alicia Juarrero Finitude and Transcendence in the Platonic Dialogues - Drew A. Hyland The Self-Overcoming of Nihilism - Keiji Nishitani History of Religious Ideas (3 book series) - Mircea Eliade Publications: Predictive processing and relevance realization: exploring convergent solutions to the frame problem - Brett P. Andersen, Mark Miller & John Vervaeke Nihilism: a philosophical essay - Stanley Rosen Voices with Vervaeke: Relevance realization, personality, attachment and therapy w/ Garri Hovhannisyan UTOK | Unified Theory of Knowledge: Untangling the World Knot of Consciousness Series Brett Andersen: Intimations of a New Worldview, 5.3: The God of the Left Hemisphere Intimations of a New Worldview, 5.4: The God of the Left Hemisphere Movies: The Matrix (1999) - IMDb The Lion King (1994) - IMDb Pinocchio (1940) - IMDb Moneyball (2011) - IMDb People: Carl Jung Joseph Campbell Nietzsche Hilary Putnam Catherine Pickstock Paul Tillich Keith E. Stanovich Michael Tomasello Joseph Henrich Timothy Morton Paul Gilbert Timecodes: 00:00:20 — Dr. John Vervaeke introduces his ongoing partner Gregg Henriques and guest Brett Anderson. He praises Brett's work, which incorporates some of his own, and the work of Jordan Peterson and others. 00:01:17 — Gregg Henriques provides an overview of the episode's topic. He introduces the concept of a worldview that bridges science and spirituality, setting the stage for the deep dive that follows. 00:02:37 — Brett Andersen begins his presentation on self-organizing criticality. He connects it to ontology, phenomenology, epistemology, and cosmology, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the world. 00:07:00 — The distinction between modern and postmodern academic philosophy. 00:12:41 — Discussion of the Matrix trilogy as a modern mythology. 00:16:35 — Reasons why order is represented as masculine. Andersen cites the work of evolutionary psychologists, bringing a scientific perspective to the philosophical discussion. 00:22:00 — The dual nature of entropy and the importance of having the right relationship with chaos or novelty. 00:34:10 — Brett Andersen explores the hero myth. 00:44:20 — Gregg Henriques brings up trait theory, and how it relates to the discussion of fascism and decadence. He discusses the dimensions of extroversion, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. 00:47:00 — Dr. John Vervaeke talks about the universal processes of relevance realization and predictive processing. 00:55:54 — The story of Osiris and Seth is discussed. 01:03:00 — Andersen discusses the denial of the contradictory experience. He delves deeper into the psychological aspects of dealing with anomalies. 01:15:35 — Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the function of consciousness in dealing with problems. He talks about the limitations of individual consciousness. 01:23:00 — Gregg Henriques asks Brett about the transformational processes that consciousness needs to undergo to awaken collective intelligence. 01:26:00 — The conversation wraps up with the trio expressing their belief in the importance of their corner of the internet.

Dr. John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey explore the intricacies of meaning, spirituality, and the human experience. The episode commences with a succinct recap of their previous discussion, touching on Neoplatonism and Zen, before diving into Brendan's recent work on the concept of meaning. The conversation spans a wide array of topics, from the epistemic aspects of meaning to the philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and meditation. The duo also delves into the influence of historical figures like Plotinus, Dante, and Proclus, examining how their ideas can be integrated into a modern understanding of spirituality. With a focus on the potential for a synthesis between cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom, this episode offers a fresh perspective on some of the most pressing questions of our time. Brendan Graham Dempsey is a respected voice in the realm of metamodern spirituality. With a BA from the University of Vermont and a master's degree in religion from Yale, he brings a strong academic background to his work. Authoring the influential 7-volume "Metamodern Spirituality Series" and host of its companion podcast, Dempsey is a thought leader who navigates the intricate corridors of post-postmodern culture. Resources: Brendan Graham Dempsey: Website | YouTube | Facebook Books: Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics - Catherine Pickstock Bonaventure: The Soul's Journey into God, The Tree of Life, The Life of St. Francis Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti (Editor) God Without Being - Jean-Luc Marion Plato's Critique of Impure Reason: On Goodness and Truth in the Republic - D.C. Schindler Publications: The phenomenological given and the hermeneutic exchange: which holds priority? - Catherine Pickstock Videos: Metamodern Spirituality | Updating Neoplatonic Spirituality (w/ John Vervaeke) Part 1 Neoplatonism and the Path of Transformation | Dr. John Vervaeke The Cognitive Science Show | Transcendent Naturalism Series Misc: PLOTINUS, Ennead, Volume IV Auguries of Innocence by William Blake | Poetry Foundation People: Gregg Henriques Martin Heidegger John Hick Benedict De Spinoza Immanuel Kant Dante Alighieri Alicia Juarrero Emmanuel Levinas Martin Buber Ludwig Wittgenstein Timecodes: 00:00:20 — Dr. John Vervaeke introduces Brendan Graham Dempsey and revisits the topics of Neoplatonism and Zen from the previous conversation, which can be found on Dempsey's YouTube channel. 00:02:30 — Dempsey outlines his work in metamodern spirituality and post-postmodernism. 00:06:35 — Dr. Vervaeke discusses the model of meaning, focusing on its epistemic aspects. 00:08:20 — Adding a layer of depth to the conversation, especially regarding a cosmological view, Brendan shares his fascination with historical figures like Plotinus, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Dante. 00:10:00 — A constructivist Piagetian developmental framework is introduced by Dempsey, shifting the conversation towards understanding the developmental aspects of meaning. 00:14:00 — The topic shifts to conformity as Vervaeke discusses its role in drawing something out of the subject. He also calls for more discourse around the Neoplatonic framework. 00:15:20 — Brendan expresses excitement about the potential of Neoplatonism in contemporary times. 00:21:00 — A mystical experience from the Ennead, IV by Plotinus, is brought up, opening the door to a discussion on the nature of mystical experiences. Dr. Vervaeke responds with an analogy about complexification, adding scientific rigor to the spiritual discussion. 00:28:11 — Dempsey introduces the concept of a principle of differentiation, suggesting that experiencing this principle could lead to a mystical experience. 00:30:44 — Referencing his work on mindfulness and the philosophy of meditation, Vervaeke introduces the idea of two movements in mindfulness practice. 00:37:36 — Dr. Vervaeke expands on Brendan's point about the contextual relationship of an individual's experience, discussing the idea of complexification. 00:44:10 — Dante's work is discussed and the concept of agape, a form of love that alters the direction of relevance realization. 00:51:28 — Brendan Graham Dempsey discusses the face as a representation of meaning, suggesting that it acts as a portal to increasing meaning. 00:58:30 — Dr. Vervaeke discusses the limitations of science when it comes to probing into its own presuppositions, introducing the concept of truths that are only disclosed through significant transformation. 01:01:03 — Brendan introduces the topic of the narrative that science provides about the origins of the universe, including the Big Bang, adding a cosmological layer to the discussion. 01:09:25 — The conversation shifts to exclusivity claims and how they can mislead us into believing something is more than just indispensable, but rather metaphysically necessary.

In Episode 9 of the Transcendent Naturalism series, Dr. John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and guest Brett Andersen delve into the intricate relationship between complexity, criticality, and consciousness. The episode explores the concept of self-organized criticality and its role as a linchpin in understanding a variety of scientific topics. Andersen introduces his work on the diametric model of autism and psychosis, and the trio discusses the growing consensus around criticality as a framework for understanding brain function. The episode also touches on the psychology of meaning, the nature of sacredness, and the transformative power of psychedelics. This intellectual journey culminates in a discussion about the role of individual and collective consciousness in shaping society. Whether you're interested in the cutting-edge theories of cognitive science or the philosophical implications of modern neuroscience, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how these ideas are shaping our understanding of the world. Brett Andersen, a Ph.D. student in Evolutionary Psychology at the University of New Mexico, is a compelling voice at the intersection of cognitive science, complexity science, and the philosophical underpinnings of morality and religion. With a penchant for delving into controversial topics, Brett crafts thought-provoking essays on Substack and produces insightful YouTube videos. He's also in the process of writing a book, slated for a free PDF release, that encapsulates seven years of rigorous research across scientific and philosophical literature. Resources: Brett Andersen: Substack | YouTube | X Gregg Henriques: Website | Facebook | X Books: Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief - Dr. Jordan Peterson How Nature Works: the science of self-organized criticality - Per Bak The Life of the Cosmos - Lee Smolin The Cortex and the Critical Point: Understanding the Power of Emergence - John M. Beggs The Structure of Scientific Revolutions - Thomas S. Kuhn The Romance of Reality: How the Universe Organizes Itself to Create Life, Consciousness, and Cosmic Complexity - Bobby Azarian The Voyage of the Beagle - Charles Darwin Publications: Predictive processing and relevance realization: exploring convergent solutions to the frame problem - Brett P. Andersen, Mark Miller & John Vervaeke Relevance, Meaning and the Cognitive Science of Wisdom - John Vervaeke and Leonardo Ferraro Flow as spontaneous thought: Insight and implicit learning - John Vervaeke, Leonardo Ferraro, and Arianne Herrera-Bennett The self-organization of cognitive structure. - Stephen and Dixon The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs - Robin L. Carhart-Harris et al. Gaining Insight Into the ''Aha'' Experience - Sascha Topolinski and Rolf Reber The Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission - Dan Chiappe, John Vervaeke Distributed Cognition and the Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission - Dan Chiappe, John Vervaeke The Enactment of Shared Agency in Teams Exploring Mars Through Rovers - Dan Chiappe, John Vervaeke Perception and self-organized instability - Karl J Friston, Michael Breakspear, and Gustavo Deco Psychological Entropy: A Framework for Understanding Uncertainty-Related Anxiety - Jacob B Hirsh, Raymond A Mar, and Jordan B Peterson Video: Intimations of a New Worldview, Part 7.1: The Evolutionary Psychology of Meaning - Brett Andersen MIsc. The REBUS Model People: Per Bak Brendan Graham Dempsey Bobby Azarian Jean Piaget Ann Taves Elkhonon Goldberg Terence McKenna Jonathan Pageau Émile Durkheim Ludwig Wittgenstein J. A. Scott Kelso David Wolpert and William Macready ("no free lunch" theorem) Samantha Heintzelman Time Codes: 00:00:20 — Dr. John Vervaeke opens the discussion, welcoming co-host Gregg Henriques and guest Brett Andersen. 00:00:48 — Gregg Henriques provides a recap of previous episodes. He highlights Brendan Graham Dempsey's vision on the emergence and meaning of meaning. 00:02:09 — Brett Andersen introduces himself and his work. He discusses his YouTube series 'Intimations of a New Worldview' and the diametric model of autism and psychosis. 00:03:46 — Andersen introduces the concept of self-organized criticality. He explains its significance in understanding scientific topics and their relationship to transcendent naturalism. 00:05:40 — Per Bak's work is discussed. Andersen elaborates on the phenomena of complexity in nature and the concept of self-organized criticality. 00:07:40 — The conversation turns to how complexity emerges at the border between order and chaos. Andersen explains why this concept is pivotal in various scientific disciplines. 00:09:20 — Dr. Vervaeke introduces the concept of relevance realization and maps it onto self-organizing criticality. 00:13:00 — The growing consensus around criticality as a framework for understanding brain function is discussed. Dr. Vervaeke highlights its increasing a

Dr. John Vervaeke reunites with guest Damien Walter in an engaging second episode to unpack the fascinating theory of Star Trek as a potent contemporary mythos. They dissect storytelling as a "psycho-technology" that mirrors human cognition and immerses us in collective human experiences. The episode focuses on how Star Trek bridges the gap between traditional, modern, and postmodern narratives, with discussions on metamodernism and its relevance in narrative reconstruction. Vervaeke and Walter delve into Plato's influence on narrative crafting, modern myth-making, and the cultivation of new ways to access the sacred. Walter elucidates the unique structure of Star Trek, explaining its appeal to society's conservative aspects and its subversion of the military-industrial complex. Vervaeke aligns Star Trek's philosophy with the Enlightenment's mythos, further establishing its significance in our modern narrative. Timecodes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces Damien Walter, setting the stage for an exploration of Star Trek as a contemporary mythos. [00:01:03] Damien Walter shares his video essay, inspiring the conversation around the postmodern deconstruction of Star Trek. [00:03:16] Walter discusses how storytelling enables persona creation, marking a critical moment in understanding narrative impact. [00:07:00] Vervaeke probes the authority of metanarratives, challenging postmodernism's stance, and introduces metamodernism, hinting at a new stage of societal narratives. [00:11:07] Walter addresses our need to integrate different stages of civilization and personas into our narratives. [00:13:06] Emphasis on the need to appreciate past narratives while fostering narrative evolution. [00:18:15] Highlighting societal desire for dismissed narratives, using "Top Gun Maverick" and "Lord of the Rings" as examples. [00:20:35] Vervaeke discusses liminal spaces, focusing on the reinvention of narratives. [00:25:24] Walter delves into Plato's influence on myth-making and his innovative approach to philosophy through dialogues. [00:30:38] Vervaeke explores the philosophical ideas of Heraclitus and Parmenides and their interplay in Plato's thinking, then the conversation shifts towards the cultivation of myths, discussing the organic growth of narratives. [00:35:44] Walter presents Gene Roddenberry as a modern myth-maker, transitioning to Star Trek's narrative analysis. [00:39:05] Comparing the idealized order in Star Trek's Enterprise to Plato's Republic. [00:43:01] Vervaeke commends Damien Walter's thesis, aligning Star Trek's philosophy with the Enlightenment's mythos, dissecting Star Trek's ability to cater to conservative aspects of society while still providing a platform for progress. [00:47:14] Walter discusses Star Trek's critique and subversion of the military-industrial complex, demonstrating its dual appeal. [00:50:15] Vervaeke builds upon Walter's point, illuminating the series' progressive elements rooted in the Enlightenment's mythos. [00:52:47] Walter and Vervaeke delve into the idea of Star Trek's Federation as a utopian vision, a 'sacred' space for exploring societal issues. [00:57:00] The episode concludes with reflections on how Star Trek, as a modern mythos, offers a new perspective for understanding our society and its future. Resources: Voices with Vervaeke: Part 1: Science Fiction & Philosophy: Star Trek's Deep Commentary with Damien Walter | The Transformational Impact of Story Telling with Shawn Coyne Why Do Movies Feel So Different Now? Culture Series by Iain M. Banks

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques once again welcome Brendan Graham Dempsey to engage in profound explorations of transcendent naturalism, wisdom traditions, and the crucial significance of adaptive insight within our current existential landscape. Through discussions on religious reconstruction, animism, hyper-agents, and the role of wisdom in technology, the episode explores the connections between the sacred and the modern world. Dr. Vervaeke emphasizes collective intelligence and agency, while Brendan Graham Dempsey passionately speaks on the unfolding process of the sacred. Gregg Henriques proposes concepts like "wise NAGI" and reflects on collective awakening. Together, they inspire listeners to rethink the integration of religion, science, and reality, emphasizing the need for understanding and harmony. Resources: Brendan Graham Dempsey Unified Theory of Knowledge Publications: Relevance, Meaning and the Cognitive Science of Wisdom - John Vervaeke and Leonardo Ferraro Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. - Dacher Keltner, Jonathan Haidt Videos: Ep 67 | UTOKing with Howard Bloom | The Blooming Universe Neuroenlightenment: John Vervaeke at TEDxUofT John Vervaeke: Artificial Intelligence, The Meaning Crisis, & The Future of Humanity. John Vervaeke and Paul Vanderklay Dialogue about the Quest for a Spiritual Home Books: Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne The Romance of Reality: How the Universe Organizes Itself to Create Life, Consciousness, and Cosmic Complexity - Bobby Azarian Quotes: "I think the key here is to appreciate the roles that individuals can play when culture has reached its limits, and that is something that we have to take up the task of individually, of saying, alright, how do I explore this domain of the sacred, what are my intuitions, what are my sensitivities to the transcendent, and begin to give voice to those, to write them down, to externalize them, to objectify them, to put them back into culture so that we can collectively bring these new symbolizations together, ideally in a new networked way that allows for new collective representations of the sacred of the God concept of the divine." - Brendan Graham Dempsey "There's a reconceptualization of the sacred, not as the perfect or complete, but as an inexhaustible fount of intelligibility that simultaneously always shines in and always withdraws from our grasp because relevance realization is incompletable and the world contains radical uncertainty, not just unfound or uncalculated risk." - Dr. John Vervaeke Timecodes: [00:00:20] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces Brendan Graham Dempsey's work on merging Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques's work related to transcendent naturalism. [00:06:38] Dempsey discusses the Religious Reconstruction Project and the learning process, confronting the limits of world models. ​​[00:11:40] Gregg Henriques reflects on the idea of finding meaning at the edge of what we know. [00:13:55] Dr. Vervaeke introduces the concept of the sacred as an always-beyond intelligibility, challenging traditional views. [00:21:03] Delving into schemas, animism, and the risk of misunderstanding reality. [00:28:03] Brendan Graham Dempsey introduces the concept of a new God, an iconic representation of the infinitely receding and illuminating element of reality, suggesting this could help us better understand our world. [00:32:00] Gregg Henriques introduces the concept of the "fifth joint point" and the need for collective awakening and understanding of the underlying structure. [00:35:00] Vervaeke mentions his upcoming book, suggesting that the proposals that prepare us for the future should have authority, and mentions the internet as a potential common ground for dealing with the advent of AGI. [00:38:37] Speaking on the transformative power of encountering the "really real" and how it's woven into everything else suggests that this profound understanding of reality has a sense of authority. [00:45:20] Dr. Vervaeke and Dempsey discuss logos and multi-layered symbolic articulation underscoring the importance of language in expressing this multi-layered form. [00:49:18] Emphasizing intermediary models in learning complex concepts. [00:52:19] Brendan Graham Dempsey discusses the idea of humans as a way for the cosmos to know itself, and how this perspective gives meaning to his life. He emphasizes the need for these truths to work at an embodied, lived reality. [00:59:15] Stressing the need for alignment between religious conceptions and reality. [01:02:02] Gregg Henriques shares his perspective on the enlightenment gap and the inadequacy of science in grounding our fundamental relevance realization across all modes of being. [01:04:22] Proposing a trans-subjective epistemology, recognizing interplay over time. [01:05:44] Discussing naturalism's role in framing the context for science.

In this third episode of a riveting series, Dr. John Vervaeke and Greg Thomas dive into the intersection of music, culture, democracy, and race. Through the philosophical lens of blues, jazz, and cultural intelligence, they explore the profound implications and existential impulses within our society. The discussion shifts to the complexities of race, stereotypes, and the pitfalls of categorization, showcasing nuanced perspectives on racialization. Thomas's insights into leadership and improvisation, balanced with Vervaeke's academic insights, bring a multi-dimensional exploration of identity, culture, and human nature. Finally, both experts call for a mindful approach, emphasizing listening, understanding, and moving away from harmful ideologies. This episode transcends political boundaries and offers fresh perspectives on complex issues. Resources: Jazz Leadership Project Jazz Leadership Project Blog Culture vs Race: American Identity Hangs in the Balance | Political Extremists vs. The Middle Path: Why I Remain a Radical Moderate | Deracialization Now - Part One | Deracialization Now - Part Two | From Race to Culture to Cosmos - Greg Thomas Talking to Strangers: Anxieties of Citizenship since Brown v. Board of Education - Danielle Allen Reconstructing Individualism: A Pragmatic Tradition from Emerson to Ellison - James M. Albrecht Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis - John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Filip Miscevic The Interpretation of Cultures - Clifford Geertz The Quest for a Spiritual Home: Conference Warmup | John Vervaeke, Jonathan Pageau & Paul VanderKlay The Collected Essays of Ralph Ellison - Ralph Ellison Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism) - Sheena Michele Mason The Arc of a Bad Idea: Understanding and Transcending Race - Carlos Hoyt Cultural Intelligence: Transcending Race, Embracing Cosmos course How Culture Works - Paul Bohannan Virtue of doubt | William Cunningham | TEDxUTSC Bright Future Network Race in North America: Origin and Evolution of a Worldview - Audrey Smedley JRS EP143 John Vervaeke Part 1: Awakening from the Meaning Crisis JRS EP 161 Greg Thomas on Untangling the Gordian Knot of Race Time Codes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the episode and the guest, Greg Thomas. They discuss the intersection of music, culture, democracy, and race. [00:02:40] Greg Thomas discusses the emphasis of session one on music, specifically blues and jazz, and their profound philosophical implications. [00:05:00] Discussion of the existentialist impulse of the blues, influenced by famous thinkers, bridging music with philosophy. [00:09:14] Greg Thomas introduces the Jazz Leadership Project's four principles: individual excellence, antagonistic cooperation, shared leadership, and ensemble mindset. This brings practical application into the conversation and demonstrates the fusion of art and leadership. [00:13:15] The importance of pragmatist pluralism in the American tradition and its relevance to democracy. [00:17:25] Vervaeke describes what he means by the "agent arena relationship" and connects it to his use of the term "cultural intelligence". [00:20:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the concept of niche construction, relating both biological and cultural evolution. [00:26:47] Greg Thomas introduces the topic of culture and race. He shares Ralph Ellison's perspective on culture as a different cultural complex, not a deprivation. [00:30:55] Dr. Vervaeke shares a story from a documentary, highlighting the impact of historical events on present generations and their collective memory. [00:38:46] The concept of colorblindness and its implications in societal interactions. [00:41:40] Thomas references anthropologist Paul Bohannon's work on culture and nature, outlining a concept of recontexting. This adds another layer of academic substance and further connects culture to innovation. [00:47:40] Suggestion that music is a form of psychotechnology, creating a collective identity and interaction. This intriguing idea brings technology into the cultural discourse. [00:53:00] Thomas elaborates on the five steps of racialization, providing specific examples for each step. He provides a clear framework for understanding complex social constructs. [00:58:12] The conversation delves into the problematic nature of stereotypes and essentialization. This moment is pivotal in addressing common misconceptions in society about race. [01:01:01] Greg Thomas discusses the necessity of slow thinking in understanding human nature. This encourages reflection and resonates with the need for deeper understanding in complex discussions. [01:07:40] Vervaeke and Thomas discuss the importance of understanding identity in cultural terms, not racial terms. A strong statement on how both left and right perspectives on race can be problematic. [01:09:57] Thomas emphasizes the need to move from understanding race to action. A call to action that pushes the conversation towards prac

In Episode 7 of TN, John and Gregg welcome Brendan Graham Dempsey. Brendan is a writer, theologian, and theorist whose work focuses on the meaning crisis and the nature of spirituality in metamodernity. He is also the host of the Metamodern Spirituality podcast, and he runs the Skymeadow Retreat, which has hosted several metamodern spirituality events. In this episode, Brendan shares about his recent work, which he wrote about in Emergentism, and from his in-progress work on the meaning of meaning. He shows how his work, UTOK, and Bobby Azarian's unified theory of reality can provide a framework to delineate the history and development of cultural meaning-making systems (i.e., large-scale systems of justification). This episode is full of powerful convergences between Brendan's vision and the worldview for bridging science and spirituality that is emerging in TN. Resources: Brendan Graham Dempsey Oika Claude E. Shannon: Founder of Information Theory - Graham P. Collins The Levin Lab UTOK Publications: A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel's Phenomenology - Robert B. Brandom The information theory of individuality - David Krakauer Semantic information, autonomous agency and non-equilibrium statistical physics - Artemy Kolchinsky and David H. Wolpert Videos: The Reality of Meaning: Knowledge, Value, and Complexity | Consilience Conference '23 Books: The Romance of Reality: How the Universe Organizes Itself to Create Life, Consciousness, and Cosmic Complexity - Bobby Azarian Context Changes Everything: How Constraints Create Coherence - Alicia Juarrero Cosmic Evolution: The Rise of Complexity in Nature - Eric J. Chaisson Quotes: "Transcendent naturalism is trying to articulate a new worldview that holds science and spirituality, [and] orients us towards a frame of understanding for the 21st century that can enable a collective orientation toward wisdom." - Gregg Henriques "Meaning equals information relevant to enhancing viability of an entity in context, and meaning is inherently transjective. It's not in the subject, it's not in the object, it's in the relationship between the two." - Brendan Graham Dempsey "Earth burns like a quasar of complexification in the night sky. So if our measure is mass, then yes, but if our measure is complexification, especially an ontic epistemic conformity that affords awareness, experience, potentiality, growth, oriented towards a potential future, et cetera, that is an area in which we find ourselves quite uniquely situated in the universe in terms of the everyday knowledge that we have of things in the world. " - Gregg Henriques Timecodes: [00:00:00] Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the episode and the guests, Gregg Henriques and Brendan Graham Dempsey. The episode focuses on Transcendent Naturalism within the Cognitive Science Show. [00:02:34] Gregg Henriques introduces transjective epistemology, detailing its relation to pragmatism. [00:03:13] Collective awakening towards wisdom is discussed, focusing on its societal implications. [00:07:55] Brendan Graham Dempsey explains the principle of a naturalistic universe and the energy-information relationship. [00:10:40] Dempsey reveals the concept of figure-ground distinction in information theory. [00:16:28] The discussion revolves around the learning process in cosmic evolution and complexification. [00:20:10] The concept of symbolic learning and its relevance to the spiritual and sacred is discussed with emphasis on the need for a focus on this area in the conversation. [00:27:52] Dr. Vervaeke explores the idea that humans are symbols, connecting to collective intelligence. [00:30:14] Dempsey discusses the role of symbolic information in forming justification systems and the enculturation of individuals. [00:35:00] The conversation shifts to penetrating the unknown and restructuring it for higher complexity. [00:39:16] Henriques connects to justification systems theory, revealing the alignment with Habermas's structure. [00:45:23] Dempsey delves into the progression from modernity to post-modernity and new integrations. [00:53:41] Dr. Vervaeke criticizes postmodernism and its impact on the understanding of reason and wisdom. [00:56:26] Dempsey responds to Dr. Vervaeke, discussing faith in the emergence of new understanding. [01:00:39] Henriques shares his agnostic stance, addressing the expansion of knowledge within ambiguity. [01:04:09] Discussion of trust and cosmic history in response to Dr. Vervaeke's post-Hegelian, Neoplatonic faith. [01:07:12] The importance of pattern recognition in navigating a chaotic world. [01:07:39] Henriques describes his role in carrying a "baton of energy information" within the greater story, and discusses the importance of being a good ancestor and considering the ripple effects of our actions across time, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of our human natures and our relationships.

Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Greg Thomas delve into the nuanced realm of 'Democracy as Antagonistic Cooperation' in the second installment of a captivating three-part series. Drawing parallels with jazz, Greg Thomas showcases how arts can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of democratic values. Dr. Vervaeke emphasizes the criticality of a shared cultural repertoire that trains cognition and shapes how democracy is internalized. They touch upon the often-overlooked interdependencies in politics, suggesting that opposing sides often complete each other, creating a holistic understanding. Greg Thomas brings forth the influence of Black Americans on democracy, given their unique sociocultural positioning. Topics span from the importance of humor in a democratic setup to the transformative virtues necessary for its functioning, marrying the worlds of art, music, and politics and offering a fresh perspective on the mechanics of democracy. Resources: Videos John Vervaeke: Democracy and the Relevance Realization of Distributed Cognition Books Developmental Politics: How America Can Grow Into a Better Version of Itself - Steve McIntosh Civic Jazz: American Music and Kenneth Burke on the Art of Getting Along - Gregory Clark Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis - John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Filip Miscevic The Courage to Be - Paul Tillich How Culture Works - Paul Bohannan Justice by Means of Democracy | Talking to Strangers: Anxieties of Citizenship since Brown v. Board of Education - Danielle Allen The Omni-Americans: Black Experience And American Culture | The Hero And the Blues - Albert Murray Invisible Man | Shadow and Act | Going to the Territory - Ralph Ellison Publications Can Civic Jazz Resolve Our American Dilemma? | Democracy and a Post-Tragic Blues Sensibility | Charlie Parker's Higher Octave | Democracy 3.0: Chaos Before Order | Democracy 3.0: The Consilience Project | Democracy 3.0: The Wise Democracy Project - Greg Thomas On Ritual Knowledge - Theodore W. Jennings The Little Man at Chehaw Station - Ralph Ellison Ensemble Interplay: Owning Change and Transformation - Jewel Kinch-Thomas Music Cherokee - 1942, Charlie Parker, Parker was 22 years old when this was recorded. Three years later he transformed jazz improvisation with his variation on "Cherokee" entitled "Koko." Passion Dance - McCoy Tyner Movies Get Out (2017) The Wicker Man (1973) Misc Danielle Allen, Harvard Michael Winkelman An Omni-American Future The Wise Democracy Pattern Language Timecodes: [00:01:02] Greg Thomas introduces the theme "Democracy as Antagonistic Cooperation." Dr. Vervaeke explains opponent processing. [00:08:10] Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the concept of polarity in politics, where each side demonizes the other, leading to a breakdown of collective intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. Greg Thomas points out the interdependent polarities in American politics, where the gaps and biases of one side are filled by the other. [00:10:40] A significant question arises: How can we bridge political divides? [00:16:52] Greg Thomas introduces the book, Civic Jazz, which integrates the work of Kenneth Burke, discusses the importance of rhetoric in art and communication, and explains how art, particularly jazz, can move people toward a realization of American civic and democratic ideals. [00:26:05] Dr. John Vervaeke discusses the importance of cultural forms, such as music, in training cognition and proposes the transformation of dialectic into dialogos as a means to provide people with alternatives to the courtroom of debate, emphasizing the need for a broadly shared cultural repertoire that affords the cultural cognitive grammar of appropriating and appreciating democracy. [00:30:00] Black Americans' unique democratic perspective is discussed, seen through the lens of Jazz. Dr. Vervaeke discusses the adjacent innovation thesis, highlighting peripheral perspectives. [00:38:18] Greg Thomas showcases the educational prowess of his band, blending theory with musical practice, and describes a moment of antagonistic cooperation where the band was challenged to demonstrate their process of integrating new members and resolving conflicts. [00:46:48] Discussion of the concept of scapegoats, particularly in a democratic society. Thomas emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by others for social cohesion and the significance of peaceful transitions of power. [00:55:12] The visceral nature of fear and the feeling of impending doom are discussed, likening this feeling to the suspense and terror in a well-crafted horror movie. The movie "Get Out" is discussed as a reflection of identity manipulation. [01:00:01] The symbolic "sunken place" is unpacked, discussing enslavement and manipulation in democratic societies. Greg Thomas discusses the importance of respecting and honoring those who sacrifice and lose in a democracy. [01:07:00] The role of humor in preventing confl

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 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 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.