Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Can we find meaning in a world without religion?

In this episode first released on Dissident Dialogues, Freddie Sayers hosts John Vervaeke and Alex O'Connor, formerly known as Cosmic Skeptic, to explore the deep question of meaning in an increasingly secular world. They discuss the historical role of religion in providing purpose and narrative, the modern challenges of finding meaning, and the rise of non-propositional forms of knowledge and practice. O'Connor and Vervaeke share personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, highlighting the timeless struggle for meaning, the limitations of relying solely on logical arguments, and the potential of emerging communities and practices to fill the void left by traditional religious structures.

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00:00 Introduction: The Loss of American Narrative
02:00 The Meaning Crisis in a Secular Age
04:32 Exploring Atheism and Meaning
07:35 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning
12:35 The Role of Non-Propositional Knowledge
18:31 The Search for New Narratives
30:19 Conclusion: Emerging Communities and Future Prospects

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