John Vervaeke and Chad the Alcoholic: The Failure of Institutions and Unintended Consequences The Meaning Code 2024-10-20 | John Vervaeke and Chad the Alcoholic: The Failure of Institutions and Unintended Consequences
Price as the Cognitive Glue of Collective Intelligence: Benjamin Lyons and Marcus Shera The Meaning Code 2024-10-17 | Ben Lyons recently gave a talk on Michael Levin's Academic Channel with his theory that price in economics relates to Levin's theory of bio electricity as the cognitive glue of collective intelligence. Marcus Shera, expert in Austrian Economics, joins us to discuss this theory and how it might apply to the wider view.Timestamps:0:00 Introductions04:28 Exploring the Concept of Value in Economics and Biology19:47 Discussion on Cellular Level Decision Making24:02 Brain Function and Finance Analogy29:15 Economic Perspectives and Transaction Costs39:05 Computational Irreducibility and Reducibility41:30 Contracts and Social Institutions52:32 Discussion on the Role of DNA in Biological Systems58:20 Discussion on Subjective Theory of Value and Scarcity1:02:48 Discussion on Entropy and its Relationship to Choice and Economics1:19:00 Exploring the Relationship Between Opportunity Cost and Entropy1:26:04 Discussion on the Role of Price System in Coordinating SystemBen Lyons presentation to Michael Levin: youtu.be/0Oo4ng6dWrQ?si=vzfUAjNG6pSqOXmgBen Lyons website and an article on Memory in Mathematics: benjaminflyons.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/memories-in-math-3.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Better than a Commune, A New Community, Affordable, Meaningful and Based on Fractal Localism The Meaning Code 2024-10-10 | Nate Fischer, the CEO of New Founding, shares his diverse background in business, technology, and global travel, and how it led to the establishment of his company which emphasizes the importance of a positive vision in addressing profound technological and societal changes.Links and applications follow the timestamps.He started New Founding as a response to the absence of conservative presence in shaping discussions about governance and societal institutions.Karen expressed concerns about the negative perception of his past business of buying distressed apartments, prompting Nathaniel to provide a detailed explanation of the real estate crisis and the approach to distressed investments. He highlighted the value created by returning order to chaotic situations and the long-term profitability of these investments, while also addressing the stereotype of distressed investors as vultures. Nathaniel also discussed his definition of the right, leading to an exploration of the challenges posed by globalization. He elaborated on the concept of "fractal localism" as a response to the instability caused by mass globalization, emphasizing the importance of self-determination at local, communal, and regional levels.New Founding is creating a new community in Appalachia, highlighting the affordability of land and the potential for amenities that could attract residents. Nate discussed the need to solve the collective action problem to make the area more desirable and affordable, emphasizing the importance of sufficient jobs and a compelling vision for the community, also elaborating on how their project attracts high agency individuals who are seeking a community where they can actively shape their environment and culture.He emphasized that the project appeals to people from various income levels, offering them the opportunity to have a positive impact. The conversation also touched on the decline of Silicon Valley optimism and the hunger for alternatives, highlighting the importance of producing excellent cultural output and developing a community that works together to promote a conservative, faith-filled culture.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Setting the StageNathaniel Fischer's Background and Vision for New Founding06:40 Discussion on Real Estate Crisis and Distressed Investments14:22 Defining the Right and Addressing Globalization17:30 Defining a Right-Aligned Vision23:05 Investment in Startups and Real Estate Project29:13 Creating a New Community in Appalachia39:49 Pushback on Public Idea Exploration42:24 Attracting High Agency People49:15 Preserving and Reforming Institutions54:59 Framing a Positive Vision and Building a Diverse Community1:02:31 Community Building and Collective Actionnewfounding.comWaitlistnewfounding.com/network
A Sociologist Walks into An Estuary Conference and Interesting Things Happen The Meaning Code 2024-10-08 | Clara Gaddie, graduate student at University of Notre Dame in Sociology, has been studying This Little Corner for awhile now, and she took the opportunity of attending the Estuary Northwest Conference in Olympia to check it out, encountering Face to Face.
The Foundations of Archdisciplinarity, Cory David Barker, et al: The Arch of Universal Computability The Meaning Code 2024-10-03 | Karen and Cory David Barker discuss the book "Foundations of Arch Disciplinarity" and the contributions of Brendan Graham Dempsey starting with Cory's early life and his interest in comparative religion and Carl Jung's work, which led him to develop archidisciplinarity, including scopes of inquiry towards a broader discussion on the evolution of human advancement and the integration of disparate domains for joint problem solving.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:15 Cory's new book, The Foundations of Archdisciplinarity with Brendan Graham Dempsey as one of the co-authors and Cory's background with comparative religions and Jungian archetypes.05:19 Universal computability as an archetypal pattern that manifests across various frameworks of human knowledge. 12:10 Universal patterns and their impact on human understanding and decision-making, touching on 19:45 The cyclical nature of conservatism and progressivism. The scientific process as a form of universal computability pattern, drawing parallels between the process of painting and making decisions in life.24:27 Anomaly as a necessary transcendental function of nature.The categorization of human endeavors in academia, emphasizing the relationship between utility and aesthetic in art and its parallels to scientific exploration. 28:25 The importance of context and the underlying principles of universal computability and the subconscious processes involved in creating art, as well as the historical and societal influences on art, reflecting the unconscious development of a society through artistic expression.36:23 Recursivity39:40 A detailed discussion about arch disciplinarity, exploring its connection to universal computability and the energy, design work, and power involved in creating objects. 48:05 The release of the first edition of the Foundations of Arch Disciplinarity book, emphasizing the plan to release a second edition with more examples and stories to bring the concepts to life for readers. Go to Arc.voyage to read the book for free.
Kara and Lauren on Northwestuary: Encountering Face to Face The Meaning Code 2024-09-30 | Karen invites Kara and Lauren to discuss their experience at the recent conference in Olympia, Washington discussing the estuary group protocol and its effectiveness in facilitating discussions among attendees.The group covered various topics from the conference, such as creativity, AI, and group dynamics as well as theological explorations, particularly with the work of Paul VanderKlay, and the impact of the recent retreat on their self-perception plus the challenge of integrating those experiences into their daily lives.The importance of building community within church spaces was a key topic, with discussions on the challenges young women face regarding marriage and family, and the role of churches in fostering connections. Kara is working on ing online course designed to enhance creativity and connection between parents and children. The role of face to face encounters highlights the value of community, creativity, and meaningful connections.Karen’s talk at the conference.youtu.be/aQ3_59oguZM?si=lZ72a3isv4cujGqs
Is the Bible a Fractal? Chiastic Patterns in the Cosmos and Arthur Youngs Reflexive Universe The Meaning Code 2024-09-26 | Michael Bull, author of Bible Matrix and numerous other works joins Tomer Solomon to discuss the question, "Is the chiastic structure a literary device or does it reflect a deep core pattern of reality?"Tomer draws on his knowledge of Arthur Young's Reflexive Universe and A. N. Whitehead's process philosophy to discuss the isomorphisms of these structures that keep showing up everywhere as scale invariants.For more information on the Encountering Face to Face conference in Olympia, WA in September,estuarynorthwest2024.comMichael Bull's website: https://www.biblematrix.com.auThis is chock full of great resources.Previous conversation on Bowtie Structures in perception: youtu.be/Iz7yC6Ux0JkThe paper Karen and Ryan were discussing in that video: arxiv.org/pdf/2004.09426METABOLIC PATHWAY MAP. https://faculty.cc.gatech.edu/~turk/bio_sim/articles/metabolic_pathways.png
Michael Levin and Jordan Hall: Bowtie, Identity, Hyperobject, Synchronicity, Salience and OODA Loops The Meaning Code 2024-09-19 | Michael Levin, developmental and synthetic biologist from Tufts U meets Jordan Hall, pioneer of disruptive technologies. What's the crossover?Come along to find out!Timestamps follow description.Dr. Levin's website where you can make comments on his videos from the Academic Channel:https://thoughtforms.lifeDr. Levin's academic channelyoutube.com/@drmichaellevin/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2Recent videoyoutu.be/1dTRe2mOEfQ?si=dMfZtrK4pCGrWMYgTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:34 Bowtie concept in cognitive systems08:54 Collective Intelligence and Embodiment17:15 Markets and Cognitive glue19:33 Scaling22:14 Mechanisms of Cognitive Glue24:47 Identity question25:12 Mechanisms of Cognitive Glue29:33 What is OODA?36:37 Hyperobjects39:48 Complexity and Effort in Biological and Social Systems48:05 Patterns and Collective Intelligence53:17 Nature of Poetry and its relation to Consciousness
Austrian Economics and Systems Biology: Price, Value and Profit as Scale Invariant concepts The Meaning Code 2024-09-12 | Can the price mechanism be found in biology?Signups for Face to Face Conference win Olympia, WA at: estuarynorthwest2024.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro23:01 How is the price mechanism influenced by collective intelligence?27:06 What is the role of subjective value in determining prices?44:43 How does profit provide different kinds of information compared to prices?1:03:38 Is inflation an evil force that keeps people down?1:21:06 What does it mean to witness and observe in the context of economics?
Chapter Five [of Twenty]: Faces Revealed The Meaning Code 2024-09-10 | A member of this community, commenting as Ship Clerk, has created this amazing compilation of art, poetry and conversational content in advance of the Estuary Northwest 2024 Conference: Encountering Face to Face, to be held in Olympia, WA from September 12 -14. EstuaryNorthwest2024.comPlaylist of other works by ShipClerk: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUyZ2YMuNpLRbsyFLKd-KS913I_Pv8jHb&si=0t5TAWx9LPfHm3jZShip Clerk wrote the poetry, another member of the community narrated it, the art at the beginning of each section is mine, followed by Ship Clerk's art made in collaboration with MidJourney. Credits for music plus the videos clipped to provide the conversations will be found in the description below the timestamps.Timestamps:00:00 Whispers in the Void08:47 Descent into Shadow21:18 The Great Dissolution27:57 Channels of Exodus35:29 Coalescence of Spirits40:55 Crucible of Transformation45:19 Dawn of Rebirth50:00 Eternal ResonanceChapter Five [of Twenty]: Faces RevealedFeaturing:- @TammyPetersonPodcast youtube.com/watch?v=16w3olAM9tc&t=1138s- @jeremyfirth youtube.com/watch?v=8NjQnM8Zte4- @christianbaxter_yt youtube.com/watch?v=tSIFpKcE_Fk&t=1004s- @thefridaymorningnameless7623 and @Neal_Daedalusyoutube.com/watch?v=F2zFnwboB4M- @transfigured3673 youtube.com/watch?v=gDqnOB1h-9Y&t=2953s- @michaelmartin8681 youtube.com/watch?v=t437nWUSl58&t=1392s- @thefridaymorningnameless7623 youtube.com/watch?v=rOCkbJ-at2w&t=1803s- @GrimGriz youtube.com/watch?v=tmujJ15ss8E&t=1178s- @JordanGreenhall and D.C. Schindleryoutube.com/watch?v=CZfTudbPlPM&t=1912sWith Clips from:- @marykochan8962 at youtube.com/watch?v=tSjKtEQnops&t=611s- @rickwalkertx at youtu.be/b9VQC1VlIEs?si=pqqKGhBlUNaZYd6NAnd music performed by:- Lone Harvest by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Source:http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100409 Artist:http://incompetech.com- Almost in F - Tranquillity by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative CommonsAttribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Source:http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100394 Artist:http://incompetech.com- The Dark Glow of the Mountains by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a CreativeCommons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Source:http://chriszabriskie.com/darkglow Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com- Enchanted Journey by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative CommonsAttribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Source:http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100799 Artist:http://incompetech.comLastly, thank you to Karen for hosting Chapter Five on @TheMeaningCode. It’s an honor to have been able to put this together. Special thanks to the General for the amazing narration of thepoem—your work truly brought it to life. The features throughout were fantastic, and I’m thankful to everyone who contributed and made this possible.
Individuality, Subjectivity and Intuition: a Dissection of Maps of Meaning by Jordan Peterson Part 1 The Meaning Code 2024-09-05 | Olena and Karen explore specific paragraphs of "Maps of Meaning" regarding the implications of individuality and subjectivity in Peterson's teachings, highlighting their complex dynamicsvin personal growth and interaction with others as well as the nuanced relationship between humility and confidence, drawing insights from the work of Dallas Willard, and discussing the development of intuition and its relevance in facing life's challenges.The transformative power of trust and faith in navigating fear and embracing the unknown arises in the midst of finding treasures in chaos, drawing parallels to dragons guarding treasure and emphasizing that valuable treasures are hidden in difficult situations. Additionally, they explore the dynamics of initiation and response, discussing the interplay between active will and response, and highlighting the importance of every individual's unique expression of creativity as a contribution to the wholeness of society. Because of generational differences, discernment is essential in bringing back treasure and integrating it into the community.
The Meta Theory of Conspiracy Theories: Kayfabe, Fear, Demonic power, and Conscious love. The Meaning Code 2024-08-29 | General Grizwald Gaius Grim of the First Larp Ingression Protocol joins Karen to talk about conspiracies, meta conspiracies, the damage they do, the fear they engender and the hope that points a way out.Face to Face Conference from 9/12-9/15/2024, estuarynorthwest2024.comGriz says there are still as of 8/29, 10 camping slots left.Grim Griz’ channel: youtube.com/@GrimGriz?si=_8Yb-h5X1Ej_hXVY Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 The structure of our world today12:00 How can we address the proliferation of conspiracy theories in society?22:27 How is human motivation encoded?37:29 How can we engage in human communication networks?56:09 What is the role of the Department of Education in curriculum development?Is maintaining a "kayfabe" beneficial for children's development, or does it hinder their understanding of reality?
This Little Corner, Bridges of Meaning, Writers of Meaning: How Community Intersects with Creativity The Meaning Code 2024-08-27 | Valerie Flynn is an author and podcaster. As a lifelong learner she enjoys following rabbit trails wherever her curiosity leads her. We discussed the Writers Of Meaning Book Project she's a part of, writing and other things.Writers Of Meaning Book Projectwritersofmeaning.comWriters Of Meaning YouTube Channelyoutube.com/@WritersOfMeaningValerie's Websitevalerieflynn.comNara Fellowshipyoutube.com/@NaraFellowship
Rafe Kelley on Embodiment, Love, Sacrifice and a View of the Metamodern The Meaning Code 2024-08-22 | Rafe Kelley, founder of Evolve Move Play and host of a podcast by the same name get together to lay the groundwork for a conference at which they will speak in September. Timestamps follow info on the conference.estuarynorthwest2024.comOlympia, WA, September 12 through 15. Signups are still available.Other speakers include Paul VanderKlay, Dr. Chris Green, Dr. Michael Martin and poet Graham Pardun. Hosted by Nate Hile, host of Grail Country podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:30 Strength and capacity of human body requires love and sacrifice01:20 Physical and dialogical practices02:10 Love as a physical expression05:00 The upside and downside of transformative practices12:03 Mindfulness practices19:11 Discussion of Evolve Move Play retreats13:12 Books John Vervaeke recommended to Rafe Kelley34:54 How Rafe got involved in this little corner37:23 Dealing with fear41:00 Metamodernism49:15 Rafe's journey towards an exploration of Christianity1:10:45 The relationship between faith and works
D C Schindler and Jordan Hall: What is Novelty and where does it come from? The problem as a gift. The Meaning Code 2024-08-15 | The conversation between D C Schindler (PhD professor of metaphysics and anthropology) and Jordan Hall (pioneer of disruptive technologies) emphasized the need to bridge the domains of science, philosophy, and theology to gain a deeper understanding of the transcendent and its implications for human identity and the pursuit of knowledge. Timestamps follow announcements:Reminder there is still time to sign up for Estuary Northwest 2024, the Face to Face conference in Olympia, WA September 12th or 13th through the 15th.Signups at https://www.estuarynorthwest2024.com. Speakers include Paul VanderKlay, Dr. Chris Green, Graham Pardun, Rafe Kelley, dr. Michael Martin and me.Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:00 The radical nature of our problems are getting us to the heart of the matter.05:43 The excitement of the synchronicity of unicorns!16:00 Subject object loop of learning19:50 The immanent and the transcendent24:00 Faith as Reality in relationship with us27:00 The consequences of lived multiculturalism, the global village and Marshall McLuhan29:00 Challenges of communication across ideological boundaries40:40 Discussing the video clip of Michael Levin's discussion with Karl Friston and Chris Fields on the idea of novelty and the transcendent. Where does novelty come from?48:00 Exploring the concept of novelty and the isness of objects.Novelty is not strange (Heidegger)50:45 Banal novelty and the booby trapping of metaphysics.Seeking a deeper understanding of the concept of metaphysics and its relationship to theology.58:30 Developing the premise of the relationship between the transcendent and personal relationship with reality. (The nature of faith, reason, and the transcendent).1:07:18 Recasting the self in the transformative experience.1:10:36 The principles of design and beauty in art and nature intersecting with the principles of science and metaphysics.1:18:04 Discovering art as a continuity of contact with the transcendent1:22:07 The relationship between truth, science, art, and religion.1:26:30 Announcing the upcoming conference in Olympia, Washington.
Towards Completeness: Sam Tideman on a Drive to Survive, the Pursuit of Perfection and Adaptability The Meaning Code 2024-08-08 | Sam Tideman of the YouTube channel, Transfigured, joins Karen to discuss the recent Peter Robinson interview with Stephen Meyer, David Berlinski and James Orr called The Magician's Twin. Info for the September conference in Olympia, WA where I will be one of the speakers.estuarynorthwest2024.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:06. The Nature of Scientific Laws19:02 Aristotle's Four Causes and Their Relevance in Science25:02 The Purpose of Survival30:04 Discussion on Completeness and the Desire to Exist42:46 Confronting Anomalies and the Pursuit of Perfection50:47 Exploring the Christological Passage59:30 The Nature of AI and its Potential Influence on Humanity1:09:47 Evolution and Creationism Discussion1:16:31 The Mathematical Challenge of Protein Discovery1:21:54 Evolution and Adaptability
How a Sacramental View of the World addresses The Meaning Crisis: That Hideous Strength by C S Lewis The Meaning Code 2024-08-01 | Annie Crawford, a classical educator and cultural apologist, discussed her work in renewing a sacramental view of the world emphasizing the importance of this worldview in addressing the modern meaning crisis as it reveals that meaning is woven into the fabric of creation. Annie defined sacraments as visible signs of invisible grace.She shared her personal journey of rebuilding her life and family around a sacramental view of the world, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis, Plato, and her experiences in a liturgical church.Discussing the role of moral values in academic discourse, she highlighted the potential risks of falling into postmodern relativism and the influence of critical theory. Karen and Annie explored the idea that embracing certain moral values can serve as a safeguard against these pitfalls and discussed the connection between objective truth, metaphysical truth, and moral discourse. Additionally, they addressed the tension of the "inner ring", the desire to be part of the elite, and the potential moral implications of using it as a motivation for moral endeavors.After that background, they brought in the themes of "That Hideous Strength" by C.S. Lewis, drawing parallels to Augustine's City of God and the biblical dichotomy of the kingdom of heaven versus the kingdom of man. They highlighted the importance of patient waiting and obedience in the process of healing the world.Annie particularly emphasized the idea that grandiose plans and rhetoric are not the key to victory, but rather it is obedience, humility, and quiet faithfulness that play a pivotal role. The conversation underscored the powerful portrayal of these themes by Lewis and the encouragement it provides in understanding the role of obedience in the restoration of the world.The symbolism of the head in Lewis's work draws connections to transhumanist ideologies and depopulation strategies. The prophetic nature of Lewis's writings in relation to current societal trends highlights the relevance of his ideas to contemporary issues. The current concern about the significance of AI and the potential introduction of superhuman intelligences from another world reflects on the broader implications of these concepts in the context of science, faith, and societal evolution.
The Measurement Problem in Science and Art: Making Friends with the Unknown The Meaning Code 2024-07-25 | Apologies! Right around 6 minutes, I say Adam Sandler when I meant Adam Savage:-) Timestamps are approximate.Link for the Conference in September where I'll be speaking. Quite a roundup, with Paul VanderKlay, Rate Kelley, Michael Martin, Chris Green, Graham Pardun, and me. estuarynorthwest2024.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:00 The Intersection of Art and Science in Measurement15:00 Tolerance and Precision in Manufacturing25:00 Viscosity and its Relationship to Environmental Factors41:00 The Complexity of Science and Empirical Derivation46:00Discussion on Thermodynamics and Viscosity53:00 Discussion on Temperature and Energy Transfer58:00 Precision Measurement and Metrology1:06:14 Discussion on the Concepts of Ruler and Standard1:16:00 Discussion on Measurement, Uncertainty, and PerceptionHere's the summary the AI did, which is pretty good on the technical stuff, but the underlying metaphysical implications seemed to fly right over its head."The meeting addressed several topics, including metrology and measurement, viscosity, energy transfer, and precision measurement . The conversation then shifted to tolerance and precision in manufacturing. The speakers examined the impact of tolerance on production costs and the necessity for machines to achieve greater precision than the components they produce. They also considered the effects of environmental factors like temperature on machining processes and the importance of measuring components at specific temperatures.Further, William and Karen discussed the concept of viscosity and its relationship with environmental factors, such as temperature, pressure, and surface roughness. They compared the behavior of liquids and gases concerning viscosity and discussed its practical implications in engineering, especially in fluid dynamics and mold design.The complexity of science was another topic of discussion, with an emphasis on the limitations of achieving a completely ideal understanding and the use of maps, equations, and measurements with tolerance and approximation. Additionally, the relationship between temperature and energy transfer was explored, considering the process of adding energy to an object and the resulting cooling effect. The speakers highlighted the hidden complexities of measurement and metrology and the intricate processes involved in achieving accurate and reliable measurements."
The Book of Job: A Deep Dive into the Human Side of Suffering The Meaning Code 2024-07-18 | Karen Wong and Jess Purviance ranged from their personal backgrounds and interests to deep theological explorations of the Book of Job. They discussed how a deep dive into a specific topic can reveal the interconnectedness and how it can provide a framework for understanding the world. They also spoke of embracing uncertainty and finding faith in difficult circumstances, drawing inspiration from scriptural examples and personal experiences.Link for the Conference in September where I'll be speaking. Quite a roundup, with Paul VanderKlay, Rate Kelley, Michael Martin, Chris Green, Graham Pardun, and me. estuarynorthwest2024.comWe also analyzed the book's relationship to Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, highlighting the unique illustration of Job's integrity and suffering that goes beyond the wisdom books in the Bible. Psalms and Job are both good examples for dealing with a diverse array of human emotions and experiences, including anger, despair, and praise, In a look at the role of boundaries and chaos in creation, they drew from biblical references and mythological stories to illustrate their points.In the next get together, they plan to talk about measurement. In preparation for this, you could watch this fascinating video of Adam Savage on gauge blocks: youtu.be/qE7dYhpI_bI?si=QP80-nxysYLQMx7CBecome New on the "world of perhaps": youtu.be/uJwB5OwG-34?si=hVsYWmBDMFJ3ZkqjJess' Youtube channel (scroll down for playlist of Job episodes: youtube.com/@JessPurviance
Christian Baxter: Can the Telos of Worship Build a Meaningful Bridge between Religious Traditions? The Meaning Code 2024-07-11 | Christian Baxter of the new Youtube Channel, Yours Truly, joins Karen for an extended discussion of the telos of worship. For a peak at how AI described this conversation, scroll down past the links.Link for the Conference in September where I'll be speaking. Quite a roundup, with Paul VanderKlay, Rate Kelley, Michael Martin, Chris Green, Graham Pardun, and me. estuarynorthwest2024.comThe very first episode on Christian's channel: youtu.be/aUbULLbltzo?si=ZF249oYpIyJK0NHO A convo between Christian and Ken Lowry that tells more of Christian’s story: youtube.com/watch?v=odlZCFBNj8s&t=2sChristian's first conversation with Karen: youtu.be/tSIFpKcE_Fk?si=u62VXLD9EgDwO0s-"Living Water" by Christian Baxter, with Karen's "Living Water" series of paintings: youtu.be/BhTWO-C2pRg?si=t5RBwHTpZK_ZM61RFor the curious sort, here is how AI described this conversation:"Christian Baxter and Karen Wong had a deep discussion about the evolution of online conversations and the shift towards long-form discussions. They also discussed finding better language for the telos of worship to bridge theological distinctions, the concept of sacredness and worship, and the essence of worship as a continuous practice beyond Sunday gatherings. They expressed a desire for more corporate prayer, scripture reading, and a sense of restoration and remembrance in evangelical church services, highlighting the absence of these elements in their current experiences. They also explored the idea that active engagement in liturgical rituals can lead to a more profound and transformative experience compared to passive consumption.The speakers also discussed the evolution of worship music in churches, focusing on the transition from traditional to contemporary styles. They explored the consequences of this shift, such as the fragmentation of church services and the lack of communal participation in worship. They also delved into a thought-provoking discussion about the symbolic meaning of communion elements, emphasizing the profound significance of bread and wine production processes. They expressed concerns about the potential loss of meaning in modern worship practices, particularly in music and preaching, and stressed the need for language to address the crisis within the worship space.Christian Baxter led a discussion on the implications of the Dunbar number in church growth, emphasizing the need to recognize the limitations of scaling a church beyond a certain size. He argued that rather than viewing the capacity as a barrier to overcome, it should be seen as a practical marker for determining what the church can effectively manage."
Sevilla King, Reminiscences on the Quest for a Spiritual Home, the Estuary Conference in Chino The Meaning Code 2024-07-05 | This September I will be speaking at Encountering Face to Face, a conference sponsored by Grail Country in Olympia, Washington. It will take place September 12-14 and will also feature Paul VanderKlay, Chris Green, Michael Martin, Rafe Kelley, and Graham Pardun. You can find out more about it here. estuarynorthwest2024.comI'm publishing this video now because it tells more about what these conferences are like and the kind of community you can experience there. Sevilla King of the YouTube channel, A Quality Existence, speaks with Karen about their shared experiences at the recent conference, Quest for a Spiritual Home, which featured Jonathan Pageau, John Vervaeke, Paul VanderKlay and John VanDonk.
Convey Your Thoughts with Care: The Language of Specificity, Definition and Description The Meaning Code 2024-06-27 | William joins Karen to propose some ideas around the necessity of specificity in language, what it means to be "obvious", and how definition differs from description. As Peterson says, tell the truth, at least don't lie.This September I will be speaking at a conference sponsored by Grail Country in Olympia, Washington. Encountering Face to Face will take place September 12-14 and will also feature Paul VanderKlay, Chris Green, Michael Martin, Rafe Kelley, and Graham Pardun. You can find out more about it here. estuarynorthwest2024.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:15 Estuary Conference information03:00 Laying out the topic10:07 Importance of Specificity in Language15:10 Importance of Specificity in Communication28:02 Intercultural Communication and Misunderstandings31:39 Definitions vs. Descriptions45:32 Hemispheres of the Brain and Marriage Analogy54:00 More on Definitions and Descriptions59:57 The Nature of Obviousness1:07:14 Necessity of definition for reality1:15:39 Personal Reflections on Family Routine1:18:26 Discussion on Language and Humility
The Potential Hidden in Risk-taking and Failure The Meaning Code 2024-06-20 | Andrea Hiott, host of Love and Philosophy (sample episode: youtube.com/watch?v=aSO9QThuQ6I) joins Karen to talk Failure and Risk Taking. Timestamps follow.This September I will be speaking at a conference sponsored by Grail Country in Olympia, Washington. Encountering Face to Face will take place September 12-14 and will also feature Paul VanderKlay, Chris Green, Michael Martin, Rafe Kelley, and Graham Pardun. You can find out more about it here. estuarynorthwest2024.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro and announcement re: PNW Estuary Conference01:22 Exploring the concept of failure06:50 Risk-taking and Development13:05 Failure and Social Media20:46 How can we align with the unknown and confront it voluntarily to build resilience and strength?29:42 The concept of order and chaos35:32 Understanding failure and how it relates to shame43:15 Trust in the goodness of God and its role in overcoming failure and shame43:48 Speak the Truth, at least, don't lie48:35 Navigating the dance of conversation, authenticity, hiddenness53:21The effect verbalizing an idea Has on ts original beauty and truth?1:06:31 Pushing the boundaries of science and creativity1:08:06 Loyalty to personal interest as it relates to the archetypal hero's journey?1:16:09 Risk-taking and failure as they contribute to the path forward?
Telos, the Scientific Basis for a Life of Purpose: by Stephen Iacoboni, MD The Meaning Code 2024-06-14 | Stephen Iacoboni, MD, is an award-winning cancer researcher and cancer center director at four locations in the Pacific Northwest over his 40 year career. He is also the author of the highly acclaimed cancer care spiritual journal, The Undying Soul. Halfway through his 4 decades as a cancer specialist stuck in the atheist paradigm, he realized something was missing, and that led him to write this remarkable book about the need to recognize Telos. Order a signed copy or ask him any questions at his website: stepheniacoboni.comstepheniacoboni.com/contactThe book is also available at Amazon and most booksellers.Karen will be speaking at the PNW Estuary Conference, Encountering Face to Face, in Olympia, WA September 12-14. Other speakers include Rafe Kelley, Dr. Michael Martin, Graham Pardun, Dr. Chris Green and Paul VanderKlay. Info here: estuarynorthwest2024.comWe tackle the big questions here:Timestamps: 00:00 Intro01:30 Dr. Iacoboni's Journey and Research06:10 How does the paradigm in biochemistry need to shift?14:41 Purpose in Nature32:49 Discussion on the Origin of Life and Purpose in Biology41:55 What is the role of emergence in understanding the purpose-driven nature of life?51:06 The Emergence of Telos and Intentionality in Living Organisms1:01:55 The complexity of DNA Transcription and Regulation.How do molecules exhibit intentionality and self-organization in biological processes?1:03:36 Discussion on Organizing Principles and Belief Systems1:11:20 How does the idea of meaning preceding matter impact our understanding of the natural world? The role of function in Defining Structure.1:23:16 What are the challenges in cancer care and research?
Tomer Solomon on Bayesian Inference, Science, Life and Beauty The Meaning Code 2024-06-06 | Tomer Solomon joins Karen to talk about his recent paper on an integrative theory that looks at Markov blankets and the free energy principle, the parallels to the creative process and the nature of reality itself. In addition, he discusses the Biblical narrative through the lens of predictive processing and complexity theory, bridging ancient texts with modern scientific and mathematical frameworks.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:23 Tomer’s background and career journey10:55 Unified Process Theory of MeaningMarkov blankets25:53 Sacrifice and Unity30:00 Beauty and its relationship to order and symmetry, the role of art and music in aligning with the patterns of nature.1:00:00 The interconnectedness of Mind and Cosmos, the Biblical Narrative and Symbolism1:08:45 Complexity theory and predictive processing1:14:59 Evolution of Wholeness and complexity1:42:56 Discussing books and potential collaborationsPersonal Website: tomersolomon.com Twitter: http://www.x.com/tomer_solomon tomersolomon.substack.com/p/uptm-1-a-paradigm-for-the-21st-century
Perceptual Control Theory and the Concept of Bowtie Structures The Meaning Code 2024-05-30 | Ryan and Karen walk through a study on the the control theory of perception and its connection to free energy, highlighting its hierarchical nature and the argument for a hierarchy of values. (I apologize, no time for timestamps today). Links follow summary of the episode.Perceptual Control Theory and HomeostasisDemonstration with markers and rubber band serves as an illustration of perceptual control theory, which proposes that behaviors are efforts to modify perceptions to match desired inputs. The concept of homeostasis and its connection to controlling perceptions, drawing parallels to Friston's idea of minimizing surprisal.The concept of a motif that can apply at different scales and contexts to make sense of various phenomena, the idea of layers of control and influence, emphasizing how different layers interact and influence each other, challenging the traditional materialist view of consciousness.Discussion on Network Structures and Information ProcessingSmall world networks and their emergence in various levels of abstraction. The compression and decompression of information in network hierarchies, drawing parallels to art and information processing. The efficiency of network structures and the constant dance between the minute details and the whole picture.The intricate dynamics of communication and perception, drawing parallels between the structure of the brain and the dialogue between internal and external focus. The significance of shared understanding and the need for humility and trust in facilitating effective communication and mutual respect.The concept of stress and tension in the body-mind connection, drawing parallels between the physical and mental aspects of the system.The impact of stress on self-perception and relationships, using the analogy of a rubber band to illustrate the dynamics of tension and release.Constructal Theory and Flow SystemsHighlights the importance of the interaction between the flow and the design through which it flows, and how they impact the environment. The discussion touches on various examples, such as human neural systems, trees, and their impact on the environment.Influence and ConstraintsThe interconnectedness of individual actions and the influence of existing elements in a collaborative painting project. The concept of freedom within constraints and its implications for design and human behavior, touching on the role of stress as a necessary constraint for maintaining balance and functionality.Discussion on the Representation of Stress and Decision MakingThe perspectives of control and decision-making from both human and God's viewpoints, and how these perspectives relate to the concept of homeostasis and value systems. The implications of decision-making in the context of chaos theory and the necessity of free will.Hierarchical Bayesian Control Systems and Goal HierarchiesThe paper proposes a model of organisms as hierarchical Bayesian control systems, discussing the significance of goal hierarchies and their decomposition under stress. They draw connections between this model and personality development, as well as mental disorders, and explore its potential implications for various living systems, including communities and the global ecosystem.Hierarchy of valuesThe structural explanation for psychopathology discussing the work of a Dutch researcher who proposes six fundamental principles to explain all psychopathology. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of metabolic pathways and the potential implications for understanding psychopathology.The Paper Karen and Ryan are reviewing: arxiv.org/pdf/2004.09426METABOLIC PATHWAY MAP. https://faculty.cc.gatech.edu/~turk/bio_sim/articles/metabolic_pathways.png
Heartbreak and Hope The Meaning Code 2024-05-23 | Times are approximate:Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 Stephan Solomon's Background and Family History02:58 Childhood Bicycle Memories, Family Challenges and Moving to South Africa08:41 Stephan recounts the family's move to South Africa, his father coming out as gay, and the subsequent decision to move back to Germany. He reflects on the emotional burden he felt during this time and the impact it had on his sense of maturity and loss of youth.17:02 Discussion on Personality Traits and Social InteractionsThe paradox of being an extrovert with high neuroticism, emphasizing the interplay between hope and fear in social interactions. He also discusses the challenge of balancing directness and diplomacy in communication, stemming from his unique personality combination.20:11 Reflections on Relationships and Identity, Love and Suffering39:25 Overcoming Unbearable Suffering42:51.The healthy oscillation between masculinity and femininity. 55:03 Personal Journey and Academic Reflections1:02:46 Societal and cultural norms1:09:52 Narnia and Christianity1:12:44Stephan recounts the difficult decision to have another child, the unexpected news of having twins, and the heartbreaking loss of the twins. 1:19:01 Stephan’s Journey with Jordan Peterson and GoetheThis led to his interest in artificial intelligence and the creation of his YouTube channel, Charlie's Little Corner. Additionally, he shares his deep admiration for Goethe and the profound impact of Goethe's work on his life and intellectual pursuits.
Conceptual Mapping The Meaning Code 2024-05-16 | Gabe and Scott continue the series of trying to make sense of each other's "conceptual scaffolds".
Conceptual Mapping with Master Artworks, Part 2 with Gabe and Haris The Meaning Code 2024-05-09 | See Part 1 here: Finding Common Ground in the Conceptual Scaffolds of Master Artworksyoutu.be/7Kdp1npIWTY In this Part 2, Haris and Karen reflect on aspects 6 through 10 of Gabe's theory through the lens of 5 master artworks beginning with a discussion on individual methods for understanding and communicating complex concepts. Make these ideas more accessible by using analogies and breaking down concepts into smaller, more digestible parts.Importance of getting people invested in the parallels between different fields to help them understand the connections between seemingly disparate concepts.The symbolism of intercourse, emphasizing the balance between the inner and outer aspects, the inhibitory nature of brain hemispheres, and the significance of restraint and balance in a marriage. The concept of harmony and balance in relationships, drawing parallels between interpersonal relationships and broader human ambitions.Balancing justice and mercy in parenting, drawing parallels to archetypal masculine and feminine traits.The role of fathers in holding children accountable as they move outward, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to avoid extremes like lawlessness or contempt. The necessity of a union and balance between parents in raising children to foster the best possible growth for the child.
Gabe and Glen: Time, Space, Tension and Creative Force, Part 1 The Meaning Code 2024-05-02 | Gabe introduces aspects of his theory to Glen who has a background in physics, mathematics, computer science and design engineering.
Delbert Larson, PhD in Physics with New Theory of the Aether: A Prejudice Towards Simplicity The Meaning Code 2024-04-25 | You can follow Delbert Larson on Twitter @Larsondelbert or at his website, https://larsonism.com. Podcast here: rss.com/podcasts/themeaningcodeThe topics you will find discussed there include a replacement for relativity, a new way to produce clean and cheap energy through fusion, a new quantum mechanical formulation and a new theory for elementary particles.Today's conversation focuses foremost on the theory of the Aether which would be a replacement for relativity.Dr. Larson has a Ph.D. in physics and decades of experience as an author and reviewer of peer-reviewed scientific works. Among his many efforts are three sole-author publications in the highly prestigious journal Physical Review Letters[1,2,3]. He's held positions at well-known institutions such as the Superconducting Super Collider, where he had a leading role on longitudinal physics design, and UCLA, where he was an adjunct assistant professor of physics. He has designed and led the construction of two working accelerators[4,5], one of which[4], a 2.5 MeV electron accelerator, employed “relativistic” particle velocities. Timestamps are approximate.ApproximateTimestamps00:00 Intro01:00 Five classic tests of general relativity18:40 Layout of 19th century theory of luminiferous aether31:15 Insights into gravity and aether fields36:44 The measurement stick and the Clock45:54 Dirac's idea of an infinite sea o electrons Pauli's exclusion rule51:00 Affordances and theory of visual perception55:00 Cubic square model of tension/compression and quantum expansion
Jordan Hall on The Pyramid of Relationality: Communication, Understanding, Faith, Hope & Love The Meaning Code 2024-04-18 | Jordan Hall joins Karen for an exploration of the intricate nature of identity and patterns in human development, the fundamental principles underlying creativity and reality, and the philosophical concepts of beauty, love, and truth. Other topics include the significance of unity, harmony, and contrast in shaping our understanding of the cosmos, and the role of analytical processes in understanding these principles. Karen will be speaking at the PNW Estuary Conference in Olympia, WA in September. Info here: estuarynorthwest2024.comTimestamps are approximate.Links mentioned follow the timestamps.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage04:47 Discussion on Identity and Patterns in Human Development12:48 The Underlying Principles of Creativity and RealityFaith and its relationship to identity and development26:19 Embodiment and Faith, the development of identity39:05 Covenantal Epistemology and the Pyramid of Relationality44:36 Faith and Relationality53:54 Exploring the Depth of Beauty and Wholeness The process of fitting and measurement in relation to Christ and reality1:06:22 DC Schindler, Michael Levin, and Wolfgang SmithBeauty, truth, and goodness arising from loveRelating to AI in a loving manner1:19:56 Exploring the Role of Understanding and Faith1:23:42 The Evolution of Science and Cultural Warfare1:25:30 Relationship Between Communication, Love, and UnderstandingUnderstanding the relationship between understanding, hope, faith, and love1:32:01 Discussion on the Spiritual and Cosmic Aspects of Love and MusicThe clip discussing Maps of Meaning and the loving gaze.youtu.be/B-fviFKFsw4?si=zM2b63DJoG4qfNCcNima Arkani Hamed's lecture on The Morality of Fundamental Physics:youtu.be/5aAMJNVmdoY?si=RihvT4pdjYMR348kJordan Hall and Rafe Kelley (I quoted from about 31:00-34:00)youtu.be/U3omOoJGybA?si=g-0Uz2W2xfvBg745
Rick Walker: The Pursuit of Truth, Beauty and the Alignment of Embodied Action The Meaning Code 2024-04-16 | A wide-ranging discussion on topics such as free will, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the pursuit of truth. The philosophical implications of free will in the context of scientific determinism and materialism.The significance of creativity and the interplay of love, beauty, and truth in the creative process. Connections between the constraints in art, science, and the natural world, emphasizing the necessity of boundaries for the emergence of new forms of beauty and significance.The embodiment of transcendence and immanence, exploring how the experience of beauty and meaning impacts and is impacted by our identity. The significance of having both someone to love and an enemy to fight, and the role of communication and propagation in fulfilling our purpose as human beings.The transformative power of unconventional time signatures in jazz music, drawing on examples from Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Brubeck emphasizing the artistic freedom and creativity that arises from breaking away from standard time signatures, likening it to the necessary constraint that precedes artistic release. The intricate relationships between elements of design and their presence in art, science, and musical compositions.The balance between technicality and attraction to beauty in driving breakthroughs. Also touched on here and there:Discussion on Free Will and IdentityFree Will and OptionalityThe Role of the Brain Hemispheres in Knowledge ProcessingDiscussion on Wisdom, Art, and TruthThe Intersection of Creativity, Science, and TruthCreativity and Artistic ExpressionDiscussion on the Impact of Money and Process on Scientific InnovationUnleashing Creativity through ConstraintsExploring Unconventional Time Signatures in JazzConstraints and FreedomThe Nuance of Constraints and CreativityMeaning and Embodiment
Ryan on Memory Consolidation, Destabilization, Reconsolidation and the True Meaning of Love The Meaning Code 2024-04-11 | Listening to Ryan's journey through destabilization to coherence was a deeply meaningful experience for me, as I hope it will be for you. Try to set aside the time to listen to the whole thing as it all comes together in the end. We journey through the laying down of memories (the initial consolidation), the destabilizing journey, and the rapid reconsolidation that brings hope.His description of the eclipse is also NOT TO BE MISSED!The first two parts of his story are linked below:Part 1 of Ryan's story: youtu.be/QRQwrY2_dqsPart 2 of Ryan's story: youtu.be/WOsAm4B2Mfg
Finding Common Ground in the Conceptual Scaffolds of Master Artworks The Meaning Code 2024-04-04 | This is a get together for Haris and Gabe to share aspects of each of their conceptual scaffolds. Haris had the idea of using the depth of meaning inherent in masterpieces from the art world as a springboard for our discussion. Gabe's theory has 10 reference points. In this first episode, we will cover the first 5. Haris suggested a method to spark discussion through viewing a particular painting from the past to consider the representation of consciousness, will, and substance in the art and its implications.The five aspects are:1: consciousness2: will3: substance4: body5: form
Gabe and Ryan: The relationship between sensory and motor functions in the cycle of discovery The Meaning Code 2024-03-28 | Ryan and Gabe discuss the overlaps of cognitive theory, psychology and body work. Timestamps are approximate. If you want a copy of Gabe’s PDF, fill out the email form on superegonaut.comTimestamps00:00 Introductions and Setting the Agenda04:00 Discussion on Patterns of Cognition and Consciousness16:00 Exploring Cognitive Mapping and Historical Perspectives20:00 Discussion on Barbara McClintock's Research and its Implications23:00 Philosophical Reflections on Balance and Measurement32:00 Overcoming Obstacles and Staying on Track36:00 Exploring Hope and Faith43:00 Exploring the Relationship Between Senses and Decision-Making47:30 Understanding the Cycle of Information Processing50:00 Exploring the Markov Blanket56:00 The Concept of Tension and Balance
Andrea Hiott: Mind as Movement, Ecological Perception, Attention and Measurement The Meaning Code 2024-03-21 | Andrea connected with Karen through Richard Watson. Andrea has degrees in Neuroscience and Philosophy, and a deep interest in Waymaking.Timestamps00:00 Intro and Synchronicities02:47 Andrea Hiott's Journey to Berlin and Utrecht08:00 Connecting through YouTube09:16 Mind as Movement and Ecological Perception27:30 Perception and Artistic Representation37:00 Discussion on Hegel, Ian McGilchrist, and Jonathan Pageau’s work44:56 Attention, Meaning, and Consciousness51:48 Attention and Measurement1:01:59 The Concept of Knowing1:04:00 Measurement and Alignment
Kirk Durston: Genetic Algorithms and The Needle in a Haystack Problem of Proteins The Meaning Code 2024-03-14 | Kirk Durston and his beautiful mind joins Karen for a wide ranging conversation the includes origin of life, quantum mechanics, truth and reality, art and science and bioinformatics, among other things.For those interested in Kirk's bona fides, here's a link to his story. Scroll down to see his educational background and scientific papers. kirkdurston.com/kirkTimestamps are approximate. I need a secretary:-)Timestamps00:00 Intro00:34 Exploring the Origin of Life and Information05:30 Discussion on Wolfram's Theory and the Ruliad10:25 Coherent Existence and Limitations13:14 Discussion on Quantum Mechanics and the Nature of God's Knowledge18:45 Discussion on the Implications of God in Scientific Research33:04 Exploring the Connection Between Truth and Reality43:38 Exploring Creativity and Constraints in Art and Science46:31 Discussion on Engaging with Alex O'Connor and Addressing Challenges to Faith51:51 Approaches to Understanding the Supernatural Foundation of Nature
Balazs Kegl: A Discussion of the Nature of Podcasting and This Little Corner of the Internet The Meaning Code 2024-03-09 | Balazs Kegl, AI researcher and host of the podcast, I, Scientist, joins me for a wide ranging discussion of the purpose and the nature of podcasting, and the reason for the and the experience of participating in This Little Corner.The lecture on truth by Nima Arkani Hamed, The Morality of Fundamental Physics : youtu.be/5aAMJNVmdoY?si=r3HO2Tx7ROaHJ796
Moving Towards Meaning: Hope and Faith Find a Resting Place Together The Meaning Code 2024-03-05 | William tells his story and he and Karen discuss the challenges with dating and moving toward marriage in a society that does not honor marriage and children.Challenges of finding relationships, dating, and marriage in modern societyHow to foster a sense of community and connection in the church for young adults.The importance of community, familial and intergenerational relationships in the churchWhat about reaching out to other pastors and church leaders to discuss the possibility of creating intentional spaces for young people to connect and build relationships within the church community?Should the church consider organizing a co-ed event or gathering within the church community to facilitate connections between young adults?How can we create more intentional spaces for young people to connect and build relationships in the church?The impact of online platforms on relationship buildingWhat are the challenges and benefits of online platforms for meeting potential partners?What are the traditional and modern ways of meeting potential partners, and how have they evolved over time?Can we find ways to present abstract ideas and philosophical concepts in a way that is accessible and valuable to a wider audience, including women?How can we bring abstract ideas and philosophical concepts into practical, real-life applications for personal growth and relationship building?The need to practice precision and intentionality in language and communication, and encourage others to do the same to foster better relationships and understanding.The need for precision and intentionality in language and communication
Exploring the Interconnectedness of Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-being with Ryan The Meaning Code 2024-02-27 | Timestamps:01:00 Exploring the Interconnectedness of Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-beingRyan discusses coherence therapy and the positive adaptations of psychological problems. He shares personal experiences where releasing body tension has led to emotional catharsis and explores the interconnectedness of specific postures with associated emotions and memories.11:00 Repressed emotions from college manifested as physical tension in his muscles, along with the process of acknowledging and releasing these emotions, leading to a positive shift in his physical and emotional well-being. 16:00 Ryan’s Computer Simulation Concept involving an amoeba-like entity with a neural network that processes sensory information and makes decisions based on memories. 26:00 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection between cognitive and emotional states, allowing the transition between different moods more rapidly. He also connects this insight to Bruce Ecker's work on memory reconsolidation, highlighting the importance of alternating between different perspectives to link neural networks together, emphasizing the connection between physical posture, stress, tension, and memories, and how rewiring these connections can lead to a profound shift in one's emotional and cognitive states.Insights on Muscle Imbalance and Emotional ReleaseRyan explains how his childhood computer use led to muscle imbalances and emotional associations with different sides of his body. Work on both sides facilitates dialogue between the dominant and non-dominant sides.30:00 The Power of Submission and ReleaseRyan discusses how adopting a specific physical posture, akin to being on a cross, has helped him release tension and confront emotional and spiritual issues. By fully submitting to the posture, he experiences forgiveness, cathartic releases of anger, and transformation, leading to a daily practice of bearing his cross to address his emotional and spiritual challenges.36:00 The Power of Submission and Letting GoAllegory of Moses and the Amalekites highlights the significance of the posture and submission in spiritual practice connecting the allegory to a physical exercise, emphasizing the importance of emotional and spiritual understanding in addition to the physical aspect.40:00 Embodied Cognition and Therapeutic TechniquesRyan and Karen delve into the concept of embodied cognition and its relationship to emotional experiences, exploring therapeutic techniques like EMDR and tapping, discussing how these methods can aid in processing trauma and adaptive responses. The conversation highlights the complexity of triggering emotional states and the role of willpower in these processes.Embodied Cognition and Posture
The Necessity of Redundancy and Flexibility due to Imperfection: From Finite to Infinite The Meaning Code 2024-02-23 | Timestamps:00:00 Design and Redundancy in Genetic Information and the Bible02:15 The Role of Meaning and Consciousness in Perception11:30 Discussion on the Meaning of Words15:00 Discussion on the Nature of Representation and Connection21:58 The Limitations of Mental Models29:47 Discussion on Flexibility, Free Will, and Love in Decision Making
Valentine Special! How Does a Man Orient His Life in Order to be a Good Husband and Father? The Meaning Code 2024-02-13 | Matt and Allyn join Karen to talk about relationships, how to think about them, what's important, and how to be someone others want to relate to.They both emphasized the importance of real-life interactions and integrating these experiences into the dating and relationship process.At the beginning, each one introduces himself and we begin with the question of how to put online relationships in perspective.
Balazs Kegl on AI Alignment and Embodiment: Making it Responsible for Itself The Meaning Code 2024-02-09 | Timestamps follow description. This is worth a second look.Balazs believes that AI is a giant mirror that forces us to look at ourselves and understand who we are. We discussed how AI can be used to understand oneself better, that it can generate text and confabulate with the same confidence as the truth. We look at the implications of GPT-4 and the need for embodiment in order to give it a body and make it responsible for its own existence and that perhaps there is a way for people to ask it questions that force it to think about beauty, goodness, and truth. Ultimately, AI can only act through people, and therefore, it is up to people to make sure that AI is used responsibly.Timestamps00:00 Intro00:15 AI and Chat Gpt 4.04:00 Exploring the Expansion of AI in the Last Decade 08:30 Fear Manipulation in the Media14:00 The implications of AI technology16:45 The Impact of Algorithms on Society20:00 Using Technology to Understand Oneself24:00 Emotional Reactions to GPT-431:00 Confabulation Capacity of AI47:00 Possibility of Embodiment for Artificial Intelligence50:00 AI Memory and Privacy Concerns59:00 The potential dangers of Artificial General Intelligence1:02:30 Connecting the Worlds of Science and Everyday Life1:08:00 Personal responsibility in the face of AI.Exploring the Dangers of AI and the Need for Self-AlignmentRESOURCESBalazs Kegl's Substack: balazskegl.substack.com/p/the-case-for-aligning-the-ai-scientistThe AI Dilemma: youtu.be/xoVJKj8lcNQAlignment experiments, here both the text and the video are vital. community.openai.com/t/agi-alignment-experiments-foundation-vs-instruct-various-agent-models/21031John Vervaeke on AI: youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4Quote from Martin Shaw:"Limit is the difference between growth and death."
The Tensions and Pathways within Consciousness and the Cosmos: Consent, Conduct and Belief/Action The Meaning Code 2024-01-19 | Gabriel Stuckey joins us to explain his theory of space-time and cognition.First, we hear his back story growing up in a religious family and his search for a tool to help organize his thoughts. He presented his method of organizing conceptual structures visually to aid in memorization and understanding, using examples of his work on space-time and cognition. We discuss his choice of descriptors and offer alternative visualizations, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of space and time.Gabe introduced the idea of four-dimensional hyper spheres, proposing that they offer a means for interaction between the interior and exterior of three-dimensional space. He also provided a detailed explanation of the association between consciousness and hearing, emphasizing the impact of listening to the wrong voice on our actions. Then we discussed the tensions and pathways within consciousness, particularly focusing on the concept of consent as a mutual submission and the communication between internal and external experiences through belief and questioning.The conversation expanded to include the interplay between belief and action, delving into the internal processing of questions and the external expression of beliefs for evaluation. Gabe emphasized the significance of editing pathways as a mechanism for testing and adjusting beliefs based on updated information, highlighting the cyclical nature of this process. Additionally, we explored the idea that turning one's will against another can lead to betrayal, while turning it towards someone signifies love and commitment to their well-being.Gabe also spoke about communication pathways in physics, elucidating the significance of photon emission and absorption, as well as the role of the Z boson in particle transmission. He further explored the intricate relationship between space and time, offering insights into the concept of charge and its connection to the twisting of space and time. His explanation delved into the internal and external properties of time and space, and how they contribute to the formation of charge, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the fundamental principles of physics.Key Questions:The uncut flower illustration:Relationship between space and timeHow does the relationship between inside and outside impact the communication pathways in consciousness and will?How does conduct and communication play a role in the will and its relationship with substance and charge?How does the relationship between substance and charge impact the overall structure and communication within the system?What is the significance of the relationship between space and time in the context of emission and absorption of photons?
Implicit and Explicit in Art and Narrative: LOTR, Space Trilogy and Dune The Meaning Code 2024-01-05 | Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Topics04:17 Understanding Implicit and Explicit Knowing06:51 I Cor 1309:44 Love as the Endgame, Reflections on Love, Fitting, and Implicit Things26:49 The Purpose of Knowledge and the connection between knowledge and love28:59 Analysis of Fictional Narratives in Lord of the Rings, The Space Trilogy, and Dune39:31 Discussion on the themes of various books, "That Hideous Strength," "Till We Have Faces," and "Lord of the Rings"58:02 Life as a painting 1:08:50 Relationship between horse and rider 1:13:15 A Woman and Her Horse, learning to speak the horse's language1:15:00 Brad's story about his Dad1:18:30 Learning to train horses and learning to Dance with LifeLink to the YouTube series on Til We Have Faces playlist of the entire book, dramatizedyoutube.com/watch?v=NqUNYJ_czWY&list=PL5lO5q9IlqxSk6wp_EI8CGOsBBldeXiTc
Out of Dawkins into Faith: From Existential Dread of New Atheism to Joy and Purpose in Jesus Christ The Meaning Code 2023-12-28 | I talk with Ian about something he said on Twitter. "Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris were all my heroes growing up. Atheist household, so it wasnt rebellious, but we did think the Christian’s were going to destroy the world. Then two years ago I became one of those “world destroyers." Timestamps00:00. Introduction and Background10:20 Ian Clarke's Non-Religious Upbringing and New Atheism Movement22:32. Ian Clarke's Journey with Atheism and Buddhism38:00 Screaming on the inside45:07 Coping with Existential Dread48:51 Ian Clarke's Personal Life and Covid Experience56:09 A Personal Testimony of Faith59:45. Karen's Father's Conversion to Faith1:06:27 Discussion on Ian's church experience and family's reaction1:11:12 The Slavery of Self-Importance1:16:00 Ian's life now and his new restaurant
Nietzsches Hammer, Free Will, and Forgetfulness as an Active, Potentially Creative Force The Meaning Code 2023-12-22 | Teacher of Philosophy specializing in Nietzsche, Aron van Os shares on topics such as Nietzsche, philosophy, religion, weakness and strength, opponent processing, reality, modernism and postmodernism, ancient traditions and modern science, free will and choice, and Nietzsche's paradoxical ideas on self-discovery, forgetfulness, and stability. Aron shared his personal journey, struggles with depression, doubts about his faith, and how he found solace in music and eventually pursued a liberal arts degree. He also discussed his interest in Nietzsche and his master's thesis: The Pious Anti-Christ: Nietzsche as a religious thinker.Aron clarified that Nietzsche's hammer is not about destruction, but rather a tool for examining the soundness of ideas and values. He warned against the dangers of conceptualizing powerful people as evil and oneself as good, and encouraged positive self-evaluation and being good in comparison to oneself and one's own potential. Karen and Aron also explored the complex societal issue of weakness and resentment, examining its roots in the power and oppression debate, and discussing potential solutions such as joining a diverse institution and treating others as human beings.Karen and Aron engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the different interpretations of reality and Christianity, with Aron highlighting the importance of reconciling opposites and valuing art as a way of seeing beyond the objective truth. They also discussed the differences between modernism and postmodernism, and the potential benefits of rethinking truth and finding connections in ancient traditions. Additionally, they explored the complications of free will and choice.Aron offers a fresh perspective on complex philosophical and societal issues highlights the potential benefits of reconciling opposites, valuing art, and finding connections in ancient traditions.
Ryan on the Interweaving of Psychological, Spiritual and Physical Healing and Understanding the Body The Meaning Code 2023-12-19 | I consider this video an early Christmas gift to all who listen:-)Ryan joins me to tell his story.of personal healing and transformation?What role do coherence therapy and faith play in the healing process?Timestamps00:00 Intro01:20 Ryan's Story of Healing09:38 Ryan's Journey to Healing and Self-Discovery12:00 Coherence Therapy25:32 Personal Transformation and Empowerment29:38 Ryan's Transformation and Career Shift40:55 Finding Purpose in Pain and Suffering44:15 The Interweaving of Psychological and Spiritual Healing55:50 Developing Heuristic Models for Understanding the Body1:04:09 Integrating Mind and Body for Healing1:12:50 Learning to Listen to Yourself and Paying Attention1:24:16 Integration of Science, Religion, and Healing1:28:43 The Interconnectedness of Systems and HealingTwo books Ryan recommends:Ecker’s book Unlocking the Emotional Brain amazon.com/Unlocking-Emotional-Brain-Eliminating-Reconsolidation/dp/0415897173The book referenced at the end (with info on how to do the inner child work) was Attachment Disturbances in Adults. It’s a textbook, not very accessible, but very good material amazon.com/Attachment-Disturbances-Adults-Treatment-Comprehensive/dp/0393711528?nodl=1&dplnkId=835a6f9a-05a4-4bc0-8ac1-a9f40146aa79
Alastair Duckworth on Polarity and The Golden Extremes: A Path to Wholeness The Meaning Code 2023-12-15 | Alastair Duckworth discusses his book-in-progress, The Golden Extremes, a play on Aristotle's Golden Mean and a fascinating look at how a deeper understanding of polarity may help to heal our fractured society. Links to ideas mentioned follow the timestamps.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Book Overview07:22 The Paradoxical Nature of Design and Faith22:39 The Relationship Between Courage and Virtue25:48 The Importance of Polar Relationships in Marriage30:14 The Transformative Power of Evil35:46 The Relationship Between Truth, Goodness, and Beauty41:06 The Relationship Between Fittedness, Goodness and Unity46:18 The Importance of Every Part53:46 The Importance of Implicit Elements in Building Community1:00:36 The Challenge of Creating Meaningful Brands in Materialistic Companies1:05:13 Life and Creativity as Polar DynamicsRupert Sheldrake and Mae-Wan Ho on Everything is Life: Part 1: youtu.be/IwMWTD-nyck?si=ljcZv4Sfjqjxn2ZxPart 2: youtu.be/9Z5D8v4EYHQ?si=p0sj_lVhR5LAfm2AStephen Talbott's book, free on-lineOrganisms and Their EvolutionAgency and Meaning in the Drama of Lifehttps://bwo.life/bk/index.htmStephen Talbott article
Richard Watsons New Theory of Life as a Song: Resonance & Harmonic Relationships in Living Systems The Meaning Code 2023-12-07 | Prof. Richard A. WatsonInstitute for Life Sciences/ Department of Computer Science (Agents, Interaction and Complexity group), University of Southampton"Hello, I am a scientist, academic lecturer, author and…a human - doing their best to live a life well.My research expertise links evolutionary biology and computer science with a desire for personal and societal well-being. I investigate big questions about life, learning, evolution, cognition and love."Timestamps follow these links to Richard's theory set forth in five episodes:Episode 1: youtu.be/zdmY6q2ZWm8?si=EH8J2mUnVPq26SB-Episode 2: youtu.be/8B9eMUvFQc0?si=_ES6UgQEUE8uVDmREpisode 3: youtu.be/krQoXA0pwV0?si=kI3xqJ0t_Z_P-65OEpisode 4: youtu.be/B8RnbHWv6n8?si=ta34RkP29REncdtEEpisode 5: youtu.be/rbYaM-RTpic?si=TrcApNydRI_6WW1fTimestamps00:00 Intro00:20 Richard's background.02:18. The algorithm of evolution by natural selection cannot explain the origin of life, the evolution of evolvability, and the transitions in individuality. 16:00 Dominance (serving the focal point) produces unity in art.18:18 The physics of guitar strings, frequency, vibrations and the synchronized movement of the molecules.23:00 The role of context and environment in shaping the dynamics of living systems. The role of tension and stress in living systems31:00 Placebo and Healing36:00 Exploring the idea of life as a song, discussing how stress and tension can lead to transformation and growth, and creativity in natural selection.40:30 The Creative Engine of Evolution, The tension between optimizing and harmonizing within a structure of possibility space.57:37 Viscoelastic Connections in Natural Induction Networks1:00:00 The connection between learning and the adjustment of relationships in a system1:10:15 The possibility of resonance and harmonic relationships in living systems suggests a top-down causation story and heritability of a dynamical process.1:26:17 The shape and form of an organism resonates with the song that the genes were singing.1:33:06 A calculus that links shape, form, geometry, computation, optimization, and learning using the language of songs and harmonies.
