Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Dr. John Vervaeke and Johannes Niederhauser delve deep into the complex and intricate philosophy of Martin Heidegger. They cover a range of topics that unveil the nuances of 'being' and 'time', pulling from Heidegger's seminal work, "Being and Time," to shed light on contemporary questions of existence, meaning, and wisdom. With Niederhauser's specialized background in Heideggerian philosophy and Vervaeke's multi-disciplinary approach, the duo explores the limitations of traditional metaphysics, the crisis in philosophy, and the nature of time, all within the larger quest for cultivating wisdom. They bring a fresh lens to examine how phenomenology, metaphysics, and ontological questions interlace with modern-day issues. From a conversation on the dual nature of truth and untruth to discussing Heidegger's influence on cognitive science, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone yearning for a profound intellectual engagement.
Resources
Johannes Niederhauser: Patreon | Courses | X | YouTube
John Vervaeke
Website: johnvervaeke.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation: vervaekefoundation.org
Books
Heidegger on Death and Being: An Answer to the Seinsfrage - Johannes Achill Niederhauser
Being and Time - Martin Heidegger
Miscellaneous
Lou Andreas-Salomé - Wikipedia
Timecodes
00:00:00 — Dr. John Vervaeke introduces Johannes Niederhauser and sets the stage for discussing philosophia.
00:01:06 — Vervaeke uncloaks the episode's central theme: a deep dive into the challenging but pivotal tenets of philosopher Martin Heidegger's oeuvre.
00:01:22 — Johaness Niederhauser sets the stage with a succinct autobiography, touching on his specialized PhD in Martin Heidegger and his venture into digital education through his online academy.
00:03:02 — Vervaeke offers an academic endorsement of Niederhauser's course on Heidegger's seminal work "Being and Time," thereby contextualizing the ensuing dialogue.
00:04:28 — Delicately navigating the complexity of Heidegger's "Being and Time," Vervaeke emphasizes the hermeneutical phenomenological approach as crucial for a nuanced understanding.
00:05:50 — Niederhauser responds in agreement, postulating that philosophy is an ever-preparatory discipline engaged in a perpetual quest for meaning and understanding.
00:08:35 — Both Niederhauser and Vervaeke grapple with traditional interpretations of 'being,' pointing out their limitations and gaps.
00:09:37 — Vervaeke disrupts conventional wisdom by arguing that conceptualizing 'being' as a set of individual entities is a fundamental error in understanding.
00:10:25 — Niederhauser critiques the notion of "the perfect entity," calling it a flawed conceptualization of 'being.'
00:11:32 — Niederhauser ponders the vagueness and lack of depth in traditional discourse surrounding the concept of 'being,' urging for a reevaluation.
00:12:20 — Vervaeke raises the unanswered question of what remains after one dismisses traditional interpretations of 'being.'
00:13:55 — Niederhauser invokes the term "Delon" from Heidegger's "Being and Time" and delves into its layers of meaning, particularly its representation of the 'obvious.'
00:15:15 — Niederhauser stresses the need for each generation to revisit and reinterpret the existential question of 'being.'
00:16:30 — Niederhauser explores the overlooked relationship between time and being, underscoring the intricacies that have escaped scholarly attention.
00:17:02 — Vervaeke counters by invoking the paradox of understanding time, referenced from Augustine, and linking it to Greek and Heideggerian perspectives.
00:25:12 — Vervaeke maneuvers through the nexus of metaphysics, Hegelian dialectics, and phenomenology to lay out the different philosophical grounds Heidegger navigated.
00:43:00 — Niederhauser explicates Heidegger's notion of "being in the world" as an alternate form of intelligibility that transcends mere propositional knowledge.
00:55:35 — Niederhauser introduces the Heideggerian concept of Das Man, cautioning against its risk of institutionalizing philosophy, thereby obscuring its purpose and function.
01:01:40] — Vervaeke reimagines love as a profound engagement with the three dimensions of time, integrating it into the ongoing discussion on 'being' and Heidegger.
01:26:12 — Johannes Niederhauser articulates the moral imperative of returning to Plato's cave, emphasizing the roles of compassion and renewed understanding in this philosophical journey.
01:28:20 — Vervaeke unpacks the fascinating notion of continual transcendence, likening it to the multi-layered experience of love and the enigmatic nature of time.
01:30:39 — Niederhauser addresses the often daunting barriers to accessing and understanding philosophical tradition, laying bare the challenges and potential solutions.
Dr. John Vervaeke and Johannes Niederhauser delve deep into the complex and intricate philosophy of Martin Heidegger. They cover a range of topics that unveil the nuances of 'being' and 'time', pulling from Heidegger's seminal work, "Being and Time," to shed light on contemporary questions of existence, meaning, and wisdom. With Niederhauser's specialized background in Heideggerian philosophy and Vervaeke's multi-disciplinary approach, the duo explores the limitations of traditional metaphysics, the crisis in philosophy, and the nature of time, all within the larger quest for cultivating wisdom. They bring a fresh lens to examine how phenomenology, metaphysics, and ontological questions interlace with modern-day issues. From a conversation on the dual nature of truth and untruth to discussing Heidegger's influence on cognitive science, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone yearning for a profound intellectual engagement.
Resources
Johannes Niederhauser: Patreon | Courses | X | YouTube
John Vervaeke
Website: johnvervaeke.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation: vervaekefoundation.org
Books
Heidegger on Death and Being: An Answer to the Seinsfrage - Johannes Achill Niederhauser
Being and Time - Martin Heidegger
Miscellaneous
Lou Andreas-Salomé - Wikipedia
Timecodes
00:00:00 — Dr. John Vervaeke introduces Johannes Niederhauser and sets the stage for discussing philosophia.
00:01:06 — Vervaeke uncloaks the episode's central theme: a deep dive into the challenging but pivotal tenets of philosopher Martin Heidegger's oeuvre.
00:01:22 — Johaness Niederhauser sets the stage with a succinct autobiography, touching on his specialized PhD in Martin Heidegger and his venture into digital education through his online academy.
00:03:02 — Vervaeke offers an academic endorsement of Niederhauser's course on Heidegger's seminal work "Being and Time," thereby contextualizing the ensuing dialogue.
00:04:28 — Delicately navigating the complexity of Heidegger's "Being and Time," Vervaeke emphasizes the hermeneutical phenomenological approach as crucial for a nuanced understanding.
00:05:50 — Niederhauser responds in agreement, postulating that philosophy is an ever-preparatory discipline engaged in a perpetual quest for meaning and understanding.
00:08:35 — Both Niederhauser and Vervaeke grapple with traditional interpretations of 'being,' pointing out their limitations and gaps.
00:09:37 — Vervaeke disrupts conventional wisdom by arguing that conceptualizing 'being' as a set of individual entities is a fundamental error in understanding.
00:10:25 — Niederhauser critiques the notion of "the perfect entity," calling it a flawed conceptualization of 'being.'
00:11:32 — Niederhauser ponders the vagueness and lack of depth in traditional discourse surrounding the concept of 'being,' urging for a reevaluation.
00:12:20 — Vervaeke raises the unanswered question of what remains after one dismisses traditional interpretations of 'being.'
00:13:55 — Niederhauser invokes the term "Delon" from Heidegger's "Being and Time" and delves into its layers of meaning, particularly its representation of the 'obvious.'
00:15:15 — Niederhauser stresses the need for each generation to revisit and reinterpret the existential question of 'being.'
00:16:30 — Niederhauser explores the overlooked relationship between time and being, underscoring the intricacies that have escaped scholarly attention.
00:17:02 — Vervaeke counters by invoking the paradox of understanding time, referenced from Augustine, and linking it to Greek and Heideggerian perspectives.
00:25:12 — Vervaeke maneuvers through the nexus of metaphysics, Hegelian dialectics, and phenomenology to lay out the different philosophical grounds Heidegger navigated.
00:43:00 — Niederhauser explicates Heidegger's notion of "being in the world" as an alternate form of intelligibility that transcends mere propositional knowledge.
00:55:35 — Niederhauser introduces the Heideggerian concept of Das Man, cautioning against its risk of institutionalizing philosophy, thereby obscuring its purpose and function.
01:01:40] — Vervaeke reimagines love as a profound engagement with the three dimensions of time, integrating it into the ongoing discussion on 'being' and Heidegger.
01:26:12 — Johannes Niederhauser articulates the moral imperative of returning to Plato's cave, emphasizing the roles of compassion and renewed understanding in this philosophical journey.
01:28:20 — Vervaeke unpacks the fascinating notion of continual transcendence, likening it to the multi-layered experience of love and the enigmatic nature of time.
01:30:39 — Niederhauser addresses the often daunting barriers to accessing and understanding philosophical tradition, laying bare the challenges and potential solutions.



![Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis
In this episode of ”Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke continues his ongoing exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory with psychotherapist, clinician, and researcher Kasra Mirzaie. Kasra shares his insights into the cognitive, existential, and spiritual aspects of IFS, highlighting its potential to help individuals make sense of their inner conflicts, regulate emotions, and resolve developmental psychopathology. With a focus on dialectic, mythos, and serious play, Kasra explains how IFS can help individuals forge and come into contact with different aspects of their being and identity, promoting healing and transformation. Throughout the conversation, John and Kasra explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of IFS and how it can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches to promote participatory knowing, self-transcendence, and a deeper understanding of the self. Delving into poignant examples and transformative insights, the conversation illuminates the profound impact of embracing our multiplicity through IFS, offering listeners a pathway to understanding and healing that transcends traditional therapeutic boundaries.
Guest Bio and Links:
Kasra Mirzaie is a psychotherapist, researcher, and educator with a focus on emotion regulation and developmental psychopathology. Kasra brings a unique perspective to the discussion, combining clinical experience with a deep interest in philosophical psychology and meaning-making processes.
Join our new Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation
https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning
https://awakentomeaning.com/
Voices with Vervaeke:
Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198s
Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzug-jtx1PA
Many Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz https://www.amazon.com/Many-Minds-One-Self-Evidence/dp/0692957340
Phenomenological Bioethics: Medical Technologies, Human Suffering, and the Meaning of Being Alive - Fredrik Svenaeus https://www.amazon.com/Phenomenological-Bioethics-Medical-Technologies-Suffering/dp/1138629960
Thomas Fuchs:
In Defence of the Human Being: Foundational Questions of an Embodied Anthropology https://www.amazon.com/Defence-Human-Being-Foundational-Anthropology/dp/0192898191/
Ecology of the Brain: The phenomenology and biology of the embodied mind (International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry) https://www.amazon.com/Ecology-Brain-phenomenology-International-Perspectives/dp/0199646880/
Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement, and Touch in Practice Endorsed by top experts in therapeutic healing modalities - Susan McConnell https://www.amazon.com/Practitioners-Guide-Somatic-IFS-Therapy/dp/1623174880
Simurgh: A Journey in Search of the Truth - Azar Aryanpour https://www.amazon.com/Simurgh-Journey-Search-Azar-Aryanpour/dp/1414023650
Quotes:
“My take on IFS is that its actually a model of the living, in self-organizing psyche that is composed of living things. Those interact with each other in a certain qualitative space and relationship that we would call the self.” - Kasra Mirzaie [00:05:09]
“The body is really fundamental to keeping us anchored to the world... if we train the mind to properly listen, it can act as a significant counterbalance to spiritual bypassing and hubristic self-deception. - John Vervaeke, paraphrasing Merleau-Ponty [01:13:45]
Glossary of Terms:
Internal Family Systems (IFS): A therapeutic approach that recognizes and addresses multiple sub-personalities or parts within each individual.
The Imaginal: A concept referring to a creative and transformative space that goes beyond mere imagination, facilitating deep healing and self-discovery.
Chapters:
[00:00:00] - Introduction to Kasra Mirzaie: Insights into Psychotherapy, Research, and IFS
[00:08:18] - Enhancing Self-Awareness: Salience, Perspective-Taking, and the Journey Within
[00:17:38] - Bridging Kant and Vervaeke: Participatory Knowing and the Self in IFS
[00:30:29] - Mythos and Identity: Cultural Echoes and the Role of the Imaginal in Healing
[00:42:43] - IFS and Modern Psychotherapy: Addressing Mental Health and Meaning
[00:53:29] - Socratic Integration in IFS: Bridging Reflection and Healing Within a Pedagogical Framework
[01:07:13] - Addressing Self-Deception in IFS: Integrating Embodiment and Community Feedback
[01:14:42] - Conclusion: Reflecting on IFS, Philosophy, and the Journey Ahead
Connect with John:
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/ Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xOTWGLmYtjE/mqdefault.jpg)





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