New Course on The Lectern | Realizing the Imaginal: The Cognitive Science of the Imagination John Vervaeke’s Lectern 2026-09-22 | New Course on The Lectern | Realizing the Imaginal: The Cognitive Science of the Imagination
LIVE Q&A: Einstein and Spinoza God with John Vervaeke John Vervaeke 2024-10-07 | This event will provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with John about the upcoming course, the argument for non-theism and it's relationship to The Philosophical Silk Road.If you find yourself torn between rationality and spirituality, science and mysticism, facts and belief; The Lectern's inaugural 8-week course will offer you a new lens through which to reflect on these dilemmas. Click here to enroll: lectern.teachable.com/p/einstein-and-spinoza-s-god1
Lectern Dialogues: Decoding the Enigma of Consciousness | Evan Thompson John Vervaeke 2024-10-04 | John Vervaeke and Evan Thompson continue the exploration of life, cognition, and consciousness, drawing from interdisciplinary collaboration and philosophical discourse. The discussion challenges reductionist perspectives in biology, examines organisms as autonomous agents, and questions the adequacy of current models to explain life's complexities. Consciousness is explored through presence and embodiment, while also debating the roles of large language models like ChatGPT in understanding cognitive processes. By integrating philosophical and phenomenological perspectives, the episode addresses the interconnectedness of consciousness, cognition, and life, transcending traditional mind-matter dichotomies and emphasizing the significance of embodiment in cognitive functions. If you find yourself torn between rationality and spirituality, science and mysticism, facts and belief; The Lectern's inaugural 8-week course will offer you a new lens through which to reflect on these dilemmas. Click here to enroll: lectern.teachable.com/p/einstein-and-spinoza-s-god1Evan Thompson is a philosopher and author, specializing in the integration of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Asian philosophical traditions. Based at the University of British Columbia, his work, including his recent book 'The Blind Spot', examines the intersections of consciousness, experience, and reality through a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking insights of Evan Thompson's thought-provoking book, "The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience.” amazon.com/Blind-Spot-Science-Cannot-Experience/dp/0262048809Watch the first episode of the series: youtube.com/watch?v=8FEYm8ehaTE&t=671sNotes: 0:00 Introduction: Welcome to the Lectern0:15 Evan Thompson's Background and the Book 'The Blind Spot'2:10 The Blind Spot in Perception: Cognitive Science, Asian Philosophy, and Mystical Insight 2:30 Revolution in Biology: Life, Cognition, and Consciousness5:00 Autonomous Agents vs. Machines11:30 Challenges to Newtonian Mechanics and Reductionist Ontology22:00 Life as Self-Enabling, Not law-Entailing32:00 Historical and Nomological Explanations in Biology39:00 Epiphenomenalism43:00 Debunking Computational Functionalism45:00 Exploring Cognition and Relevance Realization49:00 Limits of AI51:00 The Energy and Social Costs of AI1:00:00 Structures of Consciousness1:08:00 The Primacy of Awareness and Embodiment1:22:00 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions—--Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. patreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke: johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeEvan Thompson:evanthompson.mehttp://twitter.com/evantthompsonfacebook.com/evan.timothy.thompsonIdeas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - book co-authored by Evan Thompson, Adam Frank, and Marcelo GleiserWaking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy - book by Evan ThompsonWhy I Am Not a Buddhist - book by Evan ThompsonThe Nature of Selection: Evolutionary Theory in Philosophical Focus by Elliott SoberThe Watchmen (comic series) by Alan Moore and Dave GibbonsThe Relevance Realization (paper) by John Vervaeke and colleaguesChalmers' work on consciousness works by David ChalmersThe Visible and the Invisible by Maurice Merleau-PontyNeoplatonismHegelian PhilosophyImmanuel KantAlfred North WhiteheadDouglas HardingMarcelo GleiserQuotes:“Organisms are autonomous agents, not machines.” -Evan Thompson (4:00)“Consciousness has the order of priority in terms of intelligibility or meaning.” -Evan Thompson (1:04:00)
Lectern Dialogues: The Concept of Daimon in Pre-Platonic and Platonic Thought | Charles Stang John Vervaeke 2024-09-27 | If you find yourself torn between rationality and spirituality, science and mysticism, facts and belief; The Lectern's inaugural 8-week course will offer you a new lens through which to reflect on these dilemmas. Click here to enroll: lectern.teachable.com/p/einstein-and-spinoza-s-god1In this episode, John Vervaeke and Harvard professor Charles Stang explore the concept of the 'daimon’', stemming from Stang's book One Divine Double. John and Charles discuss semi-autonomous entities in psychological and philosophical contexts, linking ancient wisdom and modern cognitive science. Key topics include Socratic 'daimonion', Platonic thought, phenomenology of visionary encounters, and cultural ontology. They emphasize the embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended nature of cognition, highlighting the relevance of understanding these phenomena amid emerging technologies like AGI and virtual realities. The episode calls for Socratic self-awareness to navigate these transformative potentials and risks.Charles Stang is a Professor of Theology at Harvard Divinity School and Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions. His research focuses on ancient Mediterranean religions, Neoplatonism, and contemporary philosophy and spirituality. His research and teaching focus on the history of Christianity in the context of the ancient Mediterranean world, especially Eastern varieties of Christianity. More specifically, his interests include: the development of asceticism, monasticism, and mysticism in Christianity; ancient philosophy, especially Neoplatonism; the Syriac Christian tradition, especially the spread of the East Syrian tradition along the Silk Road; other philosophical and religious movements of the ancient Mediterranean, including Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and Manichaeism; and modern continental philosophy and theology, especially as they intersect with the study of religion.Resources:Center for the Study of World Religions: https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/Theosis, the CSWR’s new publication: https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/theosis-cswr-annual-publication-2023-2024The Transcendence and Transformation Initiative at the CSWR: https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/research-programming/transcendence-transformationNotes: 0:00 Introduction: Welcome to the Lectern2:30 Charles Stang, Background, Framework5:30 John’s Experience and Dialogue with Hermes (IFS) 7:45 IFS (Internal Family Systems) - A psychotherapy model that focuses on dialoguing with various parts of the self10:00 Platonic Tradition and Daimonology15:00 Socrates and the Concept of Daimonion in Plato's Apology20:40 Real-Life Accounts of Felt Presence28:00 Socrates' Complex Relationship with the Imaginal33:00 Socrates' Authority vs. Rational Argument41:30 Corbin's Notion of the Imaginal46:30 Daimonology and Angelology - Encounters with the Higher Self49:00 The Role of Hermes in Personal Encounters54:30 Lucid Dreaming and Cognitive Science1:03:30 The Interplay of Subjective and Objective Realities01:12:00 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions—--Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. patreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke: johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeIdeas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodePlato, ApologyPlato, RepublicCharles Stang, Our Divine DoubleJohn Geiger, The Third Man Factor: Surviving the ImpossibleHenry Corbin, The Man of Light in Iranian SufismHenry Corbin, Alone with the Alone: Creative Imagination in the Sufism of Ibn 'Arabi'Gregory Shaw, Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplationism of IamblichusSocratesSocratic philosophyDaimonion (Divine sign)David Gordon White, Daemons Are Forever: Contacts and Exchanges in the Eurasian PandemoniumPorphyry, Life of PlotinusDaimonologyPaul VanderKlayChristopher MastropietroCarl JungTheurgyInternal Family Systems (IFS)Quotes:"Socrates’ daimonion was unique in that it only ever told him ‘no,’ which highlights its role as a dissuading force rather than a guiding one." — Charles Stang (13:30)
Metaphysics of Mattering | John Vervaeke on Life’s Deep Connections John Vervaeke 2024-09-13 | In this presentation delivered at the "Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist" conference—a collaborative event by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March 2024—John Vervaeke explores the concept of "mattering" and its critical role in understanding the meaning of life. He contrasts "meaning in life" with the broader "meaning of life," emphasizing the importance of connectedness and belonging over mere purpose. Vervaeke draws on research to introduce "religio," a deep sense of connectedness that underpins our existence, and critiques materialism for overlooking the relational aspects of human life. Through cognitive science, biology, and philosophy, Vervaeke demonstrates how our intelligence and problem-solving abilities are deeply intertwined with our capacity to find what truly matters.—Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist was a collaborative conference put on by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March of 2024. This three-day conference brought leading process thinkers across various disciplines, including physics, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and theology, into critical dialogue with McGilchrist’s work in a collegial effort to assess, question, extend, and apply it. For more information on the conference and to purchase recordings, please visit ctr4process.org/mcgilchrist-conferenceIf you want to learn more about Prof. John Vervaeke's new Online Classroom—a place to learn, dialogue, reflect and transform our relationship to the life and times we are in: lectern.teachable.comEmbark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—0:00 Introduction to the Metaphysics of Mattering1:05 Meaning in Life: Purpose, Coherence, Significance, and Mattering6:40 Connectedness and Religio10:10 Relevance Realization and General Intelligence12:45 The Problem of Relevance Realization21:20 Formalization and Ill-Defined Problems27:10 Relationality and the Sacred—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeMatthew SegallRichard TarnasKelly-Ann AllenEvan ThompsonRead MontagueMichael LevinAristotleZak SteinNietzscheIain McGilchrist Christopher CherniakJerry FodorJ.L. SchellenbergRelevance RealizationReligioConformity theoryDuhem–Quine thesis,Susan Wolf, Meaning in Life and Why It MattersJohn Searle, The Rediscovery of the MindCatherine Pickstock, Aspects of Truth: A New Religious MetaphysicsHarold Brown, Rationality James Filler, Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological GroundJ. Jaeger, A. Riedl, A. Djedovic, J. Vervaeke, and D. Walsh, Naturalizing relevance realization: why agency and cognition are fundamentally not computationalFrank Martela and Michael F. Steger, Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significanceFollow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaek—Thank you for watching!
The Lectern: Einstein and Spinozas God John Vervaeke 2024-09-09 | Beyond Atheism and Theism: Einstein and Spinoza's Orientation to SacrednessIn this 8-week course, John will draw on theology, cognitive science and philosophy to argue for a non-theistic stance toward the sacred.If you find yourself torn between rationality and spirituality, science and mysticism, facts and belief; The Lectern's inaugural 8-week course will offer you a new lens through which to reflect on these dilemmas.Click here to enroll: lectern.teachable.com/p/einstein-and-spinoza-s-god1 --- Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. patreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke: johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaeke Music Credit: Run by Philipp Weigl (Free Music Archive) and license type (CC BY)
The Lectern | An Online Classroom for Transformational Education John Vervaeke 2024-09-08 | The Lectern, as described by John Vervaeke, represents a pivotal shift in his approach to sharing his work and engaging with his students.In summary, the Lectern will serve as a focused and transparent platform for John’s educational and philosophical endeavors, emphasizing transformational learning, interdisciplinary dialogue, and a commitment to virtue and virtuosity. It will provide a structured and engaging space for students and peers to interact with John's work and contribute to the broader philosophical and cognitive scientific discourse.Notes: 0:20 The Call to Teach1:00 Awakening to the Meaning Crisis 2:00 Entering the Public Domain3:30 The Challenges of Public Exposure5:30 The Verveke Foundation7:30 Reorienting Towards Virtuosity8:00 The Philosophical Silk Road9:55 The Lectern - Clarifying the Mission12:00 Commitment to Transformation and Transparency 14:00 Holding Together Finitude and Transcendence16:30 The Ethical Obligation16:50 Conludes - The Mission Continues--- Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. patreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke: johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaeke Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode:Meaning CrisisVirtuosityAdvent of the SacredPhilosophical Silk RoadTransformational EducationFinitude and TranscendenceVerveke FoundationRyan BartonBishop MaximusChristopher MastropietroEric FosterBen BakerAwakening from the Meaning CrisisAfter SocratesThe God of Einstein and SpinozaPhilosophical Silk Road
Exploring Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis with IFS Therapy | Kasra Mirzaie & Dr Robin Barre John Vervaeke 2024-09-04 | Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, examining the intersection of psychotherapy, dynamical systems theory, and the meaning crisis. Kasra is dedicated to exploring how self-organizing criticality and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can drive transformation and personal growth in young people.Dr Robin Barre has over 30 years of experience working with adolescents. Her dissertation focused on trauma and the archetypal nature of adolescence. She runs a small psychotherapy practice and consults with parents, caregivers, and organizations to enhance adolescent well-being.How does the intricate dance of self-organizing criticality relate to the turmoil and transformation of adolescence?In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke, Kasra Mirzaie, and Dr Robin Barre explore the transformative potential of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in addressing the meaning crisis and supporting adolescents on their developmental journey. The conversation delves into the complex interplay of IFS, dynamical systems, and the critical phase transition of adolescence. They discuss principles such as self-organizing criticality, entropy, and insight, explaining how these concepts drive change and present unique challenges and opportunities. The episode highlights cultural shortcomings, the significance of wisdom traditions, and the role of IFS as a modern initiation process.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions02:45 Self-Organizing Criticality & IFS07:20 Entropy and Insight in Change20:20 Curiosity and Transformation23:15 Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis47:05 Culture's Disabling Effects50:00 IFS Initiation for Adolescents01:04:50 Remembering Adolescence and Navigating Mistakes01:13:40 Communicating Conflict and Validating Adolescents01:21:10 Embracing Transformation in Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeInternal Family Systems (IFS) TherapyTatjana SchnellDr Kelly-Ann AllenBill PlotkinJames HillmanVygotsky Richard Frankel, The Adolescent PsycheNational Scientific Council on Adolescence, Cultivating Purpose in AdolescenceRelevant EpisodesEngaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/watch?v=xOTWGLmYtjE&t=1sIs IFS a Path to Self-Knowledge or Self-Deception? Insights from Kasra Mirzaie youtube.com/watch?v=hi_3WcLxyeUTransforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay youtu.be/jQeXQkdiikYInside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy youtube.com/watch?v=_b_sRNGqhDAAttachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connectionyoutube.com/watch?v=MR8xowORgeAExploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allisonyoutube.com/watch?v=AhhHsQsR9lM&t=4sWisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198s—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaeke—Thank you for watching!
Beyond Atheism: Finding Meaning in the Secular Age John Vervaeke 2024-08-29 | 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. Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon community where shared wisdom fuels transformation. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction: The Loss of American Narrative02:00 The Meaning Crisis in a Secular Age04:32 Exploring Atheism and Meaning07:35 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning12:35 The Role of Non-Propositional Knowledge18:31 The Search for New Narratives30:19 Conclusion: Emerging Communities and Future Prospects—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Follow Us: John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeAlex O’Connoryoutube.com/channel/UC7kIy8fZavEni8Gzl8NLjOQFreddie Sayers twitter.com/freddiesayersDissident Dialogueshttps://x.com/diss_dialoguesinstagram.com/dissidentdialoguesfacebook.com/dissidentdialogues2024—Thank you for watching!
From Monasteries to Boardrooms: Integrating Spirituality and Leadership | Nicholas Janni John Vervaeke 2024-08-23 | Nicholas Janni is a pioneer in executive development, having co-founded Olivier Mythodrama Associates, where he created leadership programs based on Shakespearean stories. He continues to work globally with leaders and organizations through his consultancy, Core Presence, and his innovative 'Leader as Healer' program, which promotes integrated, conscious leadership.How can the ancient practices of spirituality and modern leadership development intersect to create transformative experiences?In this episode of “Voice with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke and Nicholas Janni explore this question through a conversation about leadership, spirituality, and human connection. Nicholas shares his transformative journey, from his school days to his encounters with Tibetan Buddhism and immersive theater, which led him to develop a unique approach to spiritual and embodied leadership. They discuss the importance of leaders connecting with their bodies, emotions, and the transpersonal, and the role of practices like bodywork, deep breathing, and poetry in facilitating this connection. Their conversation also explores the metaphysical realm, including prayer and spiritual guidance, and their impact on leadership. John and Nicholas discuss the cultural implications of their work and stress the importance of leaders who can promote this holistic approach to leadership and foster supportive communities for transformative experiences. Dive deeper into the journey of personal growth and meaning by becoming part of our Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction: Convergence of Spirituality and Leadership 11:25 From Theatre to Leadership Consultancy16:40 The Birth of 'Leader as Healer'23:35 Reawakening Non-Propositional Thinking43:40 The Transformative Power of Poetry48:05 Therapy vs. Transformational Work51:10 Integrating Awakening and Healing01:02:55 Addressing the Modern Meaning Crisis01:15:50 Embracing Prayer, Reverence, and Connectedness01:24:30 Concluding Thoughts: The Imperative to Wake Up—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. —Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeNicholas Janni, Leader as HealerHeinrich Päs, The One: How an Ancient Idea Holds the Future of PhysicsVivian DittmarRichard OlivierShakespeare's Globe TheatreShakespeare, W. Henry V.Shakespeare, W. Julius Caesar.Shakespeare, W. The Tempest.Malidoma Somé Michael MeadePatrick ConnorCharles TaylorDavid WyattMary Oliver, Wild Geese.PlatoRené DescartesRelevant EpisodesExploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar youtube.com/watch?v=KSObTcQ6_BgTranspersonal States: Awakening, Enlightenment, and the Ego | Vivian Dittmar youtube.com/watch?v=wCz9XpdofSQExploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar youtube.com/watch?v=IQWLfOFe0loFollow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Nicholas Janninicholasjanni.commailto:njanni@btinternet.comlinkedin.com/in/nicholas-janni-976b3817—Thank you for watching!
Metamodern Christianity Part 2: Evolving Spirituality and the Sacred Universe John Vervaeke 2024-08-16 | Brendan Graham Dempsey is the director of Sky Meadow Institute and the author of the Metamodern Spirituality Series. He explores the evolution of spirituality and the integration of science and religion in contemporary culture. Learn more about his latest book release, "A Universal Learning Process," which is the first volume in his series "The Evolution of Meaning." amazon.com/Universal-Learning-Process-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0D88CV4GPCan Metamodern Christianity breathe new life into ancient religious frameworks?In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey continue their exploration of MetaModern Christianity in part two of their discussion. Building on their previous conversation, which addressed the potential for metamodern spirituality to rejuvenate the Christian faith, they delve deeper into the integration of ancient doctrines with contemporary thought. They tackle the limitations of traditional religious frameworks, explore the concept of ultimate reality and the sacred through a non-theistic lens, and emphasize the significance of dialogical relationships in meaning-making. Vervaeke and Dempsey connect these insights to broader philosophical and cultural themes, examining the evolution of spiritual maturity, the interplay between personhood and the universe, and the integration of scientific and mystical perspectives.Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon community where shared wisdom fuels transformation. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One00:45 Brendan's Work on Metamodern Spirituality02:45 Ultimate Reality and the Sacred13:25 Integrating Critiques: Schellenberg, Transcendence, and Non-Theism16:50 Meaning and Learning in Sacred Evolution29:20 Dialogical Relationship with the Sacred41:45 God as Cosmic Self-Realization50:00 Prayer and Maturation in Deep Time54:30 Prayer and Transpersonal Dialogue58:30 Prayer and Ultimate Reality01:15:05 Conclusion: The Evolution of Meaning and the Sacred—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeJ.L. SchellenbergGregg HenriquesRudolf Otto Clifford GeertzCarl SaganMeister EckhartPaul TillichIain McGilchristMartin HeideggerMichael LevinEpicurusBobby AzarianKasra MirzaieLeonard AngelSpinozaJohn HickDan ChiappePaul TillichDionysusBrendan Graham Dempsey , A Universal Learning Process (The Evolution of Meaning)Matt Rossano, Ritual in Human Evolution and ReligionJoseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and WestLeonard Angel, Enlightenment East and WestRelevant EpisodesReviving Faith with Metamodern Spirituality and the Future of Christianity | Brendan Graham Dempsey youtube.com/watch?v=AlpQJVy18H4Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Brendan Graham Dempseybrendangrahamdempsey.comtwitter.com/BrendanGrahamD1facebook.com/BGrahamDempsey—Thank you for watching!
Vervaeke Foundation: Ecology of Practices John Vervaeke 2024-08-15 | Discover the transformative power of wisdom cultivation with The Vervaeke Foundation's innovative 'Ecology of Practices' program. Introduced by Taylor Barratt, Director of Practices and Education, this comprehensive approach to personal growth builds on the success of the Awaken to Meaning project.Program Highlights:6 practice sessions, rotating on a weekly basis. (60-90 minutes each)Diverse practices across multiple domains crucial for wisdom developmentFlexible, non-dogmatic approach compatible with various belief systemsFellowship-driven learning experienceEmphasis on building lasting habits through incremental exercisesThe Ecology of Practices isn't just about knowledge—it's about transformation. Through philosophical inquiry, practical exercises, and fellowship, you'll learn to reframe your perspective on wisdom, navigate life's complexities with clarity, foster deeper connections, and cultivate a meaningful life rooted in wisdom.Whether you're a seasoned seeker or new to personal development, this program offers a unique toolset for profound, lasting growth. Ready to embark on this journey of self and co-discovery? Join The Vervaeke Foundation Ecology of Practices (VFEoP) Program, and awaken to a more meaningful life! awakentomeaning.com/vfeop—Dive deeper into the journey of personal growth and meaning by becoming part of our Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation. patreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaeke
Saintliness and the Philosophical Silk Road | Christopher Mastropietro & Andrew Sweeny John Vervaeke 2024-08-09 | Have we confined the true essence of sainthood within too narrow a boundary?In this episode of 'Voices with Vervaeke,' John Vervaeke welcomes Christopher Mastropeitro and Andrew Sweeny for a discussion that delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of their innovative project, the Philosophical Silk Road. Together, they challenge contemporary notions of sainthood and wisdom, drawing connections between Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, and Tantric practices. Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogue, the trio examines the essence of saints and sages, the importance of humor and humility in spiritual journeys, and the delicate balance between our finite existence and the quest for transcendence. Join John, Chris, and Andrew as they share their spiritual paths and encounters with saintly figures, advocating for a renewed appreciation of the sacred in our modern world.Andrew Sweeny is an educator, writer, musician, and podcaster. He teaches at Sciences Po University in Paris and is an editor at Parallax magazine. Sweeny explores Zen Buddhism, Tantric practices, and music through his media platform, Parallax, offering courses and podcasts.Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He is the executive director and an active contributor to the Vervaeke Foundation, collaborating on projects exploring wisdom, spirituality, and transformative dialogue.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introducing the Guests and the Philosophical Silk Road02:50 Andrew's Path: Zen, Tantra, and Music05:05 Exploring the Philosophical Silk Road07:00 Dialogos and Sacred Emergence10:40 Setting the Stage: Connecting Zen, Neoplatonism, and Theurgy21:40 Tantra's Influence in East and West31:40 Reflections on Saintliness 44:25 The Enigma of Crazy Wisdom and Non-Conformity52:10 Understanding the Hidden Order and Profound Humanity of Saints01:09:05 The Role of Romanticism and Humor in Sainthood01:17:40 Pilgrimage and the Saintly Path01:19:30 Final Reflections —Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.com—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeKitaro NishidaAlicia JuarreroFriedrich Nietzsche James FillerErich FrommChögyam TrungpaHeideggerPlatoNagarjunaChristianityNeoplatonismSocratesThomas AquinasAugustineJoseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and WestGregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of IamblichusShunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice Lotus Guru Padmasambhava, The Tibetan Book of the DeadAlbert Camus, The PlagueFyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov; The Idiot Follow John Vervaeke:johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Andrew Sweenytwitter.com/andrewpgsweenyandrewpgsweeny.medium.comyoutube.com/@parallax_media Connect with Christopher Mastropietrovervaekefoundation.orgThank you for watching!
Is IFS a Path to Self-Knowledge or Self-Deception? Insights from Kasra Mirzaie John Vervaeke 2024-08-02 | Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, exploring the interplay between psychotherapy, spirituality, and self-deception.Can understanding all parts of ourselves sometimes lead us away from the truth?In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke continues to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with guest Kasra Mirzaie. They discuss the paradox of IFS as both a path to self-discovery and a potential source of self-deception. Their conversation covers the intersection of spirituality and science within IFS, offering listeners insights into this therapeutic approach. Mirzaie shares personal experiences, emphasizing the transformative roles of love and forgiveness in therapy. Vervaeke and Mirzaie also examine the philosophical and cognitive scientific foundations of IFS, setting the stage for future discussions on self-organizing criticality and the relationship between cognitive science and spirituality. This episode aims to broaden listeners' understanding of the self and provide new perspectives on human psychology.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction and Mirzaie's Background and Work03:00 Exploring Self-Deception 17:00 The Role of Love and Forgiveness22:50 The Spiritual Dimension of IFS34:40 Self-Deception and Spiritual Bypassing38:45 Spirit of Self-Deception: The Paradox of Adaptation and Growth43:00 The Paradox of the Fall and Self-Consciousness45:40 Relational Reality and the Self59:50 The Therapeutic Approach to Trauma01:06:25 Conclusion: Gratitude, Growth, and Ongoing Exploration—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeInternal Family Systems (IFS) TherapyNeoplatonismMark LewisPaul Vander KlaySeth AllisonMarc LewisMilton's LuciferWilliam DesmondHeideggerWilliam Blake FillerJungNietzscheVygotskyNishitaKirkegaardTom Holmes, Parts Work: a Path of the Heart: Healing Journeys Integrating IFS and SpiritualityChristopher Ben Simpson, The William Desmond ReaderRobert B. Brandom, A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel’s PhenomenologyRelevant EpisodesTransforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay: youtu.be/jQeXQkdiikYInside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy youtube.com/watch?v=_b_sRNGqhDAAttachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connectionyoutube.com/watch?v=MR8xowORgeAExploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allisonyoutube.com/watch?v=AhhHsQsR9lM&t=4sWisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198sEngaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/watch?v=xOTWGLmYtjE&t=1s—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaeke—Thank you for watching!
Transforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay John Vervaeke 2024-07-26 | Paul Vander Klay is a minister at Living Stones CRC in Sacramento, CA, known for his engaging online discussions on faith and thoughtful community engagement.How can the convergence of ancient spiritual practices and modern cognitive science redefine our understanding of identity and collective wisdom?In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Paul Vander Klay explore the intersections of personal transformation and collective wisdom. They discuss the role of spiritual practices like Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in modern society and their implications for personal growth and collective understanding. The conversation highlights the significance of relationality in understanding agency and cognition, emphasizing how our relationships with others shape our sense of self and our ability to navigate the world. John and Paul also address the advent of the sacred in modern culture and the potential for new cultural cognitive grammars. They share insights from their personal and professional experiences, offering a thought-provoking exploration of modern spirituality and relational being. This episode leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of how personal growth and collective wisdom are intertwined.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction: Faith, Friendship, and Exploration03:10 Exploring IFS Therapy, Dialogical Self, and Archetypal Experiences08:50 Dialoguing with Hermes: Ally Work and Neoplatonic Traditions14:00 Dialogical Models and Changing Public Perception of Humans22:50 Rethinking the Self: Transjectivity, Relationality, and the Imaginal28:00 Beyond Substance Ontology55:00 Dialogical Presencing and Transjective Ontology in Religion58:05 Communal Aspects of Christian Tradition01:01:35 Dialogical Practice and Hermetic Consciousness01:05:25 Therapeutic Practices and Self-Deception01:12:15 Exploring the Sacred in IFS and Dialogical Practices01:40:50 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeInternal Family Systems (IFS) TherapyDialogical PracticesHermes (Guiding Figure)ProclusPlotinusJordan PetersonJonathan PageauSeth AllisonKasra MirzaieRichard SchwartzMarc LewisAnderson ToddJeffrey Raff Dallas WillardJames FullerRobert FalconerSam TidemanPaul KingsnorthMartin ShawRichard Rohlin (Universal History)Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of IamblichusBen Alderson-Day, Presence: The Strange Science and True Stories of the Unseen OtherT. M. Luhrmann, How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible OthersPaul Ricoeur, Fallible Man: Philosophy of the WillPlato, The Seventh LetterCharles TaylorNeoplatonismSocratesRelevant EpisodesAttachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connectionyoutube.com/watch?v=MR8xowORgeAExploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allisonyoutube.com/watch?v=AhhHsQsR9lM&t=4sWisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198sEngaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/watch?v=xOTWGLmYtjE&t=1sThe Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Showyoutube.com/watch?v=_Fnmp6UVafM&t=19sAI Sages and the Ethical Frontier: Exploring Human Values, Embodiment, and Spiritual Realmsyoutube.com/watch?v=6pU1clFG_rg—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Paul Vander Klaypaulvanderklay.mehttps://x.com/PaulVanderKlayyoutube.com/@PaulVanderKlay—Thank you for watching!
Rediscovering Platos Beauty | Thomas Jockin John Vervaeke 2024-07-20 | Thomas Jockin is a Fellow at the Halkyon Guild and the Founder of TypeThursday. He has taught at Pratt Institute, FIT (SUNY), Queens College (CUNY), and City College of New York (CUNY).Sign Up for Thomas Jockin’s Course: Plato on Beauty and Virtue | Halkyon Academy halkyonacademy.teachable.com/p/plato-on-beauty-and-virtueCan re-engaging with classical ideals of beauty help us address the meaning crisis?In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Thomas Jockin explore the concept of beauty through the lens of Plato's philosophy. Thomas shares insights from his upcoming course, discussing the interconnectedness of beauty, truth, and goodness. They examine how modern interpretations of beauty differ from Plato's original vision and how re-engaging with classical ideals can address the current meaning crisis. John and Thomas challenge contemporary perspectives and seek to rediscover foundational principles. Join the discussion to learn more about the profound impact of beauty on our lives.Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Exploring Plato's Concept of Beauty with Thomas Jockin01:10 Jockin’s Halcyon Course: Plato on Beauty and Virtue04:25 The Cultural Decline of Beauty08:00 Plato's Beauty: Love, Reason, and the Soul's Recollection10:25 Philosophical Implications of Beauty, Love, and Truth24:00 The Rationality of Beauty Beyond Propositions 31:45 The Cascade Effect of Moral Virtues in Everyday Life35:55 Bridging the Material and the Divine40:55 The Interconnectedness of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth51:15 Modern Art and the Role of the Artist01:08:15 Beauty as a Solution to the Meaning Crisis in Modern Art and Architecture01:14:25 Conclusion: Returning to Foundations in the Modern World —The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodePlato. Greater Hippias.Plato. Symposium.Plato. Phaedrus.Plato. Meno.Plato. Cratylus.Plato. Parmenides.Sonia Sedivy, Beauty and the End of ArtByung-Chul Han, Saving BeautyDrew A. Hyland, Plato and the Question of BeautyD. C. Schindler, “The Primacy of Beauty, the Centrality of Goodness, and the Ultimacy of Truth”John Russon, Bearing Witness to Epiphany: Persons, Things, and the Nature of Erotic LifeDuchamp (Fountain)HeideggerMaurice Merleau-PontyHabermasNeoplatonism—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollowThomas Jockindribbble.com/jockintheboxhttps://x.com/thomasjockinlinkedin.com/in/jockinthebox—Thank you for watching!
Inside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy John Vervaeke 2024-07-12 | Marc Lewis is a neuroscientist and former professor of developmental psychology, who taught at the University of Toronto and Radboud University. He is the author of numerous journal publications and books, including Memoirs of an Addicted Brain and The Biology of Desire.How can understanding our internal parts lead to emotional healing and personal growth?In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Marc Lewis explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. They examine the emotional landscapes that shape our behaviors, the interaction of different parts of the mind, and the transformative potential of self-compassion in therapy. This conversation provides insights into psychological healing, challenging conventional views and offering new perspectives on personal growth and recovery.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction: Understanding Addiction and Emotional Regulation through IFS Therapy03:15 Marc's Academic Journey and Neuroscience Insights05:35 The Power of IFS Therapy: A Faster Route to Healing and Understanding11:35 Practical Applications of IFS and Why it Works21:00 Dialoguing with Our Inner Selves33:50 Exploring the Concept of Self in IFS43:55 Bridging Therapy, Spirituality, and Emotional Healing48:20 Balancing Growth, Responsibility, and the Role of the Self01:00:00 Navigating Cultural Reactivity and Spiritual Dimensions01:13:35 The Importance of Guidance and Pedagogical Preparation 01:17:15 Conclusion: The Evolving Nature of IFS Therapy and the Need for Continued Inquiry—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodePlato, Republic Richard Schwartz, No Bad Parts Cece Sykes, Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addictions: Trauma-Informed, Compassion-Based Interventions for Substance Use, Eating, Gambling and More Wizard of Oz (film)Seth AllisonKasra Mirzaie Lucas ForstmeyerGedankenexperimentRelevant EpisodesAttachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connectionyoutube.com/watch?v=MR8xowORgeAExploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allisonyoutube.com/watch?v=AhhHsQsR9lM&t=4sWisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198sEngaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/watch?v=xOTWGLmYtjE&t=1s—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Marc Lewismemoirsofanaddictedbrain.comyoutube.com/channel/UCQvHfB1Kg4zStk5YwMYWH9Q—Thank you for watching!
Philosophy, Spirituality, Esotericism & the Meaning Crisis | @TheEsotericaChannel @SeekersofUnity John Vervaeke 2024-07-07 | Come join us for an ongoing conversation about modernity and the crisis of meaning with @TheEsotericaChannel & @SeekersofUnityLink to first video in the series: youtube.com/watch?v=7t9aQuj3n0o&t=251s
Transpersonal States: Awakening, Enlightenment, and the Ego | Vivian Dittmar John Vervaeke 2024-07-06 | Vivian Dittmar is an author, speaker, and wisdom teacher dedicated to enhancing holistic development for over two decades. Through her books and the Be the Change Foundation, she focuses on emotional intelligence, ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment to address modern society's crises. What does it mean to truly transcend the ego and embrace a transpersonal state of being? In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar thoughtfully explore enlightenment, viewing it not as a final destination but as an ongoing journey of maturation and integration. They challenge conventional perspectives on enlightenment, proposing a more dynamic interplay between personal growth and spiritual awakening. By examining the delicate balance required to maintain higher states of consciousness while cultivating a healthy personal self, they illuminate the complexities of spiritual bypassing and the necessity of embracing imperfection. Their conversation explores the importance of aligning inner and outer worlds, the role of synchronicity, and the transformative power of confronting our own mortality. Join them as they unravel these intricate themes with intellectual rigor, poetic insight, and a commitment to deepening our understanding of what it means to lead a truly awakened life.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction: Exploring Transpersonal and Transegoic States02:10 Navigating the Spectrum of Egoic and Transrational Consciousness07:20 Beyond the Social Conscience: Discovering the Voice of the Soul12:35 Exploring the Implicate Order and Transrational Ways of Knowing19:00 Redefining Spiritual Awakening and the Mythology Surrounding It23:25 Bridging the Gap between Inner and Outer Worlds through Wisdom and Virtue32:20 Cultivating a Healthy Personal Self after Enlightenment43:45 Beyond Spiritual Bypassing and the Pursuit of Perfection in the Journey Towards Wholeness 57:00 Facing Mortality: A Journey Towards Wholeness and Maturity 01:18:00 Conclusion: Reflections on Convergence, Gratitude, and the Quest for True Prosperity—The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Death of Ivan Ilyich, by Leo TolstoyDavid BohmPlatoCarl JungLeo TolstoySpinozaFallible Man, by Paul Ricoeur Relevant EpisodesExploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar youtube.com/watch?v=KSObTcQ6_BgExploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar youtube.com/watch?v=IQWLfOFe0loWisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198s—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow VIvian Dittmarviviandittmar.comyoutube.com/@viviandittmarengWorkshops/Courses: Introduction to the Practice of Conscious Release signup.lebensweise.net/conscious-release-workshopHow Big Is Your Emotional Backpack? signup.lebensweise.net/free-backpack-workshopThe Emotional Backpack campus.lebensweise.net/o/the-emotional-backpack-online-courseBooks:The Emotional Backpack https://a.co/d/3aehB4BYour Inner GPS viviandittmar.net/en/your-inner-gps-book—Thank you for watching!
Science and Spirituality Unite | Transcendent Naturalism #14 with Henriques, Alderman, and Layman John Vervaeke 2024-06-28 | Gregg Henriques is a professor at James Madison University, author of "A New Unified Theory of Psychology," and a leader in the Unified Psychotherapy Movement, with over 20 years of experience in psychology and psychotherapy, specializing in adult psychopathology. Pascal Layman is a philosopher based in Northern Ontario, known for his groundbreaking work on the metaphysics of adjacency, the coaxial stages model, and metaprogressive politics.Bruce Alderman is an accomplished musician, visual artist, and deep meditation practitioner. He is the producer of The Integral Stage podcast and the organizer of the Blue Sky Leadership Program at the California Institute for Integral Studies. Does the universe hold inherent mystery, or is our scientific understanding merely inadequate? In this episode of The Cognitive Science Show, John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques are joined by Layman Pascal and Bruce Alderman to reflect on the Transcendent Naturalism series and explore its potential for fostering collective transcendence. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the importance of ethical and relational dimensions in our understanding of the world, the role of art and meaning-making in a meta-modern context, and the layered ontology of nature. Join us to explore this fascinating approach to understanding how transcendent naturalism can shed light on our world and guide us toward a deeper sense of purpose.Gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by supporting John's innovative work on Patreon! Join the community here: patreon.com/johnvervaeke— “IPS (Integral Post-Metaphysical Spirituality) wants to leave room for the interplay of transcendence and immanence, but without needing to posit an unthinkable outside to reality. It's in strong accord with transcendent naturalism in this regard." - Bruce Alderman [08:37]"John's proposed simple move to arrive at an extended naturalism, getting science to more explicitly accept what it already presupposes, is genius. There's much more that could be said about that, but my simple response is bravo." - Bruce Alderman [08:49]—0:00 - Introduction: Series Finale and Overview of Transcendent Naturalism Series4:00 - Integral Post-Metaphysical Spirituality and its Flexible Nature14:10 - Influential Theories and Thinkers: Integrating Cognitive Science, Philosophy, and Transcendence24:20 - Flexible Metaphysics and the Layered Ontology of Transcendent Naturalism32:50 - Theology, Art, and Literature: Navigating the AGI and Meaning Crisis39:20 - Participatory Spiritual Practices and Metaphysical Rituals45:20 - Strong Transcendence with Preeminent Imminence53:40 - The Role of Art and Narrative in Transcendent Naturalism57:00 - Cultivating a Transformative Curriculum: Reimagining Institutional Roles in Spiritual Growth1:10:20 - Conclusion: Culminating Thoughts and Future Pathways —Help advance the pursuit of scientifically rigorous wisdom and make a meaningful impact by joining the Vervaeke Foundation. Learn more at vervaekefoundation.orgDeepen your virtues and foster authentic connections in life by joining Awaken to Meaning. Start your journey today at awakentomeaning.com—If you're interested in learning more about transcendent naturalism, be sure to check out the Cognitive Science Show. youtube.com/watch?v=wZKV8uVe8lQ&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui6TIS24xcDk5dsxSaIeN7T—Follow John Vervaeke:johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Gregg Henriques:http://www.gregghenriques.comtwitter.com/henriqgxunifiedtheoryofknowledge.orgFollow Layman Pascal:laymanpascal.substack.comhttp://www.twitter.com/laymanpascalhttp://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaA4zkLRnR3lGm8Y7c5TvdwFollow Bruce Alderman:linkedin.com/in/bruce-alderman-ab4194149facebook.com/bruce.alderman.14—Thank you for watching!
Reviving Faith with Metamodern Spirituality and the Future of Christianity | Brendan Graham Dempsey John Vervaeke 2024-06-21 | Brendan Graham Dempsey is an author and speaker specializing in metamodern spirituality, exploring the intersections of traditional faith and contemporary thought.How can ancient faith traditions adapt to the complexities of the modern world?In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey explore the potential for metamodern spirituality to breathe new life into the Christian faith. Dempsey shares his transformative journey from traditional beliefs to a metamodern perspective that integrates ancient doctrines with contemporary thought. Their discussion addresses challenging issues such as historical and postmodern critiques of the Bible, the complex relationship between faith and science, and the psychological underpinnings of religious practices. This conversation aims to rejuvenate our understanding of Christianity and enrich our engagement with reality, setting the stage for future dialogues on the essence of God and the sacred.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaeke---"I'm interested in the ways that spirituality begins to dovetail with the sciences, where that antagonism many of us are familiar with is transcended and healed in a profound way." - Brendan Graham Dempsey [00:04:00]"We need the language of explaining because the language of explaining is the language of science. If we don't have a properly cultivated language of explaining, the gulf between spirituality and science will remain. That is one of the significant drivers of the meaning crisis." - John Vervaeke [00:15:33]---0:00 Introduction: Brendan's Christian Roots and Academic Journey 06:20 Modern and Postmodern Biblical Critiques10:15 Metamodern Christianity and Its Challenges13:40 Training vs. Explaining in Religious Contexts20:45 Bridging Historical Jesus and Imaginal Christ43:05 Faith, Maturation, and the Interplay of Training and Explanation51:50 Imaginal Recovery and Theological Continuity01:02:45 Navigating Order and Chaos: Spiritual Growth Dynamics01:27:30 Conclusion: Exploring the Numinous - God, Sacredness, and Ultimate Reality---Become a part of The Vervaeke Foundation's mission to promote the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and create a lasting impact on the world. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com---The Meaning of Meaning | Transcendent Naturalism #7 youtube.com/watch?v=dYdosNIsWvEThe Future of Faith | Transcendent Naturalism #8 youtube.com/watch?v=eqoYk3BgeF4Unlocking the Mysteries of Meaning: An Intellectual Odyssey youtube.com/watch?v=7gI0MgKpokMThe Artful Scaling of the Religion that is not a religion w/ Layman Pascal & Brendan Graham Dempsey youtube.com/watch?v=rAnLbaFHYWQ—Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in This Episode:Metamodernism Transcendent NaturalismJesus of Nazareth Biblical Studies Postmodern Critiques Nietzsche Foucault DerridaSpinozaPlato Xenophon AristophanesSolonAristotle Henry IV, V, and IV (Shakespeare) Shakespeare’s early works Plato's Socrates H.G. GadamerT.S. EliotJ.R.R. TolkienC.S. LewisG.W.F. HegelJ.L. SchellenbergJ.CampbellC.Jung Jordan PetersonJared MorningstarDr. Johannes A. Niederhauser (Halkyon Academy)J.A.S. KelsoPaul (Apostle)Brian McLaren D.C. SchindlerPaul Vander KlayThe Language of Coaching by Nick Winkelman---Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Brendan Graham Dempseybrendangrahamdempsey.comtwitter.com/BrendanGrahamD1facebook.com/BGrahamDempsey---Thank you for watching!
Insights from UTOK 2024 on Naturalism and Emergentism John Vervaeke 2024-06-14 | Gregg Henriques is a clinical psychologist and professor at James Madison University. He is known for his Unified Theory of Knowledge (UTOK), which integrates various domains of psychology into a coherent framework. Bonnita Roy is the founder of Alderlore Insight Center, a non-profit educational organization and the curator of The POP-UP School, an online learning community exploring new ways of thinking and acting.Alexander Bard is a philosopher and futurist specializing in the relationship between humanity and technology, with a profound interest in psychoanalysis and anthropology to understand the impact of technological change on interpersonal relationships.What drives our social connections and sense of belonging? Recorded live at UTOK Consilience Conference 2024, this episode features Gregg Henriques, Alexander Bard, Bonnitta Roy, and John Vervaeke examining the convergences and fault lines between transcendent naturalism and emergentism and the profound implications these theories have on our understanding of reality. By critiquing materialism, idealism, and dualism, the panel advocates for a new 21st-century philosophical framework that integrates Eastern and Western insights, emphasizing relationalism and dialectical thinking. Enriched with references to thinkers like Hegel, Whitehead, Nietzsche, and Deleuze, this dialogue explores the roles of cognitive science, spirituality, and community practices. Join this journey to uncover the essence of ultimate reality and the transformative potential of sacredness while underscoring the importance of humility, love, and pragmatic approaches to contemporary challenges.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaeke—00:00 Introduction: Setting the Stage for Transcendent Naturalism and Emergentism03:30 John Vervaeke: Outline of Transcendent Naturalism19:45 Bonnitta Roy's Perspective on Naturalism and Stratified Reality32:00 Alexander Bard on the Necessity of Metaphysics and Transcendent Emergentism48:00 Group Dialogue on UTOC Framework and Integrating Perspectives01:11:00 Exploring Zoofism and the Philosophical Silk Road01:18:45 Q&A: Integrating Transcendental Emergentism with Science and Philosophy01:31:10 Alexander Bard on Integrating Hegel with Modern Thinkers01:33:50 Ontology of Pure Relationality and the Future of Digital Networks and Decentralization01:40:05 Stability, Relational Thinking, and Dynamic Systems01:43:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections: Convergences and Future Directions—Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeEvan ThompsonAdam FrankMarcelo GleiserJames Blachowicz Alicia JuarreroWolfgang SmithAspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics by Catherine Pickstock Willard Van Orman QuineHilary PutnamQuine-DuhemImmanuel KantGeorg Wilhelm Friedrich HegelJames J. GibsonMartin HeideggerJames FillerKyoto SchoolJohn L. SchellenbergRoy BhaskarSabine HossenfelderEric WeinsteinAlfred North WhiteheadFriedrich NietzscheHenri BergsonDan ChiappeMatt Segall Bruno Latour Diana FoshaGilles DeleuzeProcess and Event by Alexander Bard and Jan Söderqvist —Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Gregg Henriqueshttp://www.gregghenriques.comtwitter.com/henriqgxunifiedtheoryofknowledge.orgFollow Bonnitta Royyoutube.com/@bonnittaroybonnittaroy.substack.comFollow Alexander Bardtwitter.com/Bardissimoalexanderbard.blogspot.com—Thank you for watching!
Transforming Lives Through Relational Practices | Tataya Bailey and Rachel Hayden John Vervaeke 2024-06-07 | Tataya Bailey is the founder and lead trainer of Prisma Leadership, combining her law degree, multiple yoga certifications, and over two decades of facilitation experience to create a unique leadership approach rooted in integrity and connection.Rachel Hayden is a magpie of the Liminal Web, and occasional collaborator with people like John, Gregg Henriques, and Alexander Bard. Her background includes somatics, meditative and contemplative practice, and peer-based mental healthHow can we heal and transform ourselves through embodied practices and the relational field? In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, Tataya Bailey and Rachel Hayden join John Vervaeke to explore the transformative power of relational practices on personal growth and healing. They delve into the balance between structure and spontaneity, discuss handling trauma, and emphasize the significance of attention and attunement in fostering authentic connections. This episode highlights the beauty of human connection and the endless possibilities for transformation.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaeke—"I discovered capacities in me that I didn't even know I had." - Tataya Bailey [00:06:30]"The experiences ranged from incredibly profound and bequeathing of a new dharma for me, all the way to working through shadow stuff, having alternate childhood experiences, and working through archetypal symbolism and tribal imagery between people. It was all like welcome there, and it was all material for that relationality, which I found so beautiful and so accessible to me." - Rachel Hayden [00:12:00] —00:00 Introduction: Exploring Relational Practices08:35 Rachel’s Prisma Experience: Embracing Vulnerability and Transformation13:45 The Structure and Values of Prisma: Balancing Spontaneity and Containment21:10 How Prisma Unlocks Relational Potential: Recovering Lost Parts and Deepening Connection40:05 Attention and Attunement: Harmonizing Individuation and Participation43:50 The Musicality of Relational Practices: The Dance of Metaphors and Sacred Rituals50:50 Navigating Trauma and Safety in Relational Work01:00:00 Embracing Discomfort: The Journey from Propositional to Participatory Connection01:04:50 Re-exaptation and the Imaginal: The Role of Aporia in Transformative Practices01:12:10 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations—Become a part of The Vervaeke Foundation's mission to promote the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and create a lasting impact on the world. vervaekefoundation.orgJoin Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeAlanja Forsberg - Avalon CommunityAlexander BardSeth Allison - IFSJames Carse - Infinite GameAndrew HubermanKerry ResslerRobert Kegan—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Tataya Baileyprismaleadership.comyogawithtataya.cominstagram.com/prisma.leadershiplinkedin.com/in/tataya-bailey-9a7249171—Thank you for watching!
Could AI Help Solve the Meaning Crisis? John Vervaeke 2024-05-24 | Mahon McCann is a writer, award-winning playwright, philosophy doctoral researcher, martial arts coach, and podcast host who explores personal development and ethical issues of technology. Are we on the brink of a new era of enlightenment or facing the rise of an existential threat? In this episode, John Vervaeke and Mahon McCann delve into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and the human search for meaning. They explore the potential of AI to act as a tool for personal and collective transformation, but also examine the challenges of creating AI that truly understands and respects our values. From predictive processing and relevance realization to Plato's cave allegory, this episode offers a fascinating exploration of the intersection between AI and human consciousness.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaeke—"Attention is like a spotlight you shine on things. When you shine your attention on them, they stand out and keep your attention." - John Vervaeke [00:02:12]“So much of this first generation of AI is an environment, the large scale curation algorithms of social media are what's organizing our experience online. It's not a human being, but it's playing this role of orchestrating a lot of our experience and people's development. And so creating an optimal AI or an optimal environment would be trying to foster optimal agency, optimal meaning, which is really optimal wellbeing as well.” -Mahon McCann [00:38:23]“I think part of steeling the culture is to get the people within the AI industry [to] drop the sorcerer myth. Drop it. Disidentify with it. Take up the sage mythology. Take that up. That is the way we can do what you want, but in a way that isn't going to set us on a path to destruction. -John Vervaeke [00:59:16]—0:00 Introduction to AI Alignment and the Meaning Crisis1:00 Predictive Processing and Relevance Realization2:00 Beyond the Spotlight Metaphor: New Models of Attention6:30 Integrating Predictive Processing with Relevance Realization23:00 Agency, Meaning, and the Self-Organizing Mind29:20 Autopoiesis, Agency, and Plato's Insights31:25 Predictive Processing, Motivation, Vertical Alignment, and Horizontal Anticipation 35:05 Optimal Agency, Collective Intelligence, and Persuasive Technologies37:40 AI as Agents vs. AI as Environment39:45 The Challenge of Aligning AI with Human Flourishing53:15 Creating a New Sacredness in the Digital Age59:44 Concluding Thoughts on Navigating AI Development: Embracing Choice Points, Wisdom, and Foresight for a Collectively Beneficial Future—Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.com—Ideas, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodePredictive processing and relevance realization: exploring convergent solutions to the frame problem - Brett Andersen, Mark Miller, John Vervaeke Ken LowryD.C. SchindlerJonathan PageauMark MillerRick RepettiAttention Is Cognitive Unison: An Essay in Philosophical Psychology - Christopher Mole Feature-integration theory of attention - Anne TreismanMetaphors We Live By - George Lakoff and Mark JohnsonAttention Metaphors: How Metaphors Guide the Cognitive Psychology of Attention - Diego Fernandez-Duque, Mark JohnsonWilliam James Andy ClarkPhenomenology of Perception - Maurice Merleau-PontyFlow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience - Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiLev VygotskyThe Republic - PlatoTheory of motivationMentoring the Machines - John Vervaeke and Shawn CoyneFree-Energy Minimising Agents and Beneficial A.I.: Ambient Smart Environments, Allostasis, and Metacognitive Control - Ben White and Mark MillerTristan HarrisHeidegger—The Crossroads of Predictive Processing and Relevance Realization | Leiden Symposium - youtube.com/watch?v=51wcY39ouGsAI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist - youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui2YOOfrxbeRwJk5jZPmAth&index=1—Follow John Vervaekejohnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Mahon McCanninstagram.com/mahon_mccannmahonmccann.comyoutube.com/@MahonMcCann—Thank you for watching!
The Philosophical Silk Road: Exploring the Intersections of Philosophy and Spirituality John Vervaeke 2024-05-17 | In the vast expanse of human thought, how do philosophy and spirituality intertwine to shape our understanding of the sacred? In this conversation, first released on Andrew Sweeny's channel, The Parallax, John Vervaeke, Andrew Sweeny, and Christopher Mastropietro examine the delicate balance between philosophical rigor and spiritual experiences. They probe the challenges and rewards of navigating this complex terrain, emphasizing the transformative power of love, wisdom, and existential inquiry. By blurring the traditional boundaries between philosophical inquiry and religious practice, this conversation invites listeners to deepen their exploration of truth and meaning, ultimately fostering personal and communal growth.Andrew Sweeny is an educator, writer, musician, and podcaster who currently teaches at Sciences Po University in Paris and serves as an editor at Parallax magazine. Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer who is fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He actively contributes to the Vervaeke Foundation.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaekeAuthors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeMere Christianity - C. S. LewisNothingness Beyond God: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Nishida Kitaro, by Robert Edgar Carter Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis, co-authored by Christopher MastropietroHeidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being, by James FillerIain McGilchristDaniel SchmachtenbergerBishop MaximusPaul Vander KlayT.S. EliotJordan PetersonSallie McFagueRichard DawkinsCarl JungSøren KierkegaardJacob HowlandDouglas HedleyJordan Hall“The more people I'm talking to—high caliber, high quality people in this whole arena—the advent of the sacred as a response to the meaning crisis is a growing theme. I have found myself more and more called into service to doing whatever I can to afford the advent of that.” - John Vervaeke [00:02:00]"Nobody lives on the Silk Road; people move along it." - John Vervaeke [00:03:37]"The idea of the Silk Road, to me, is that the wandering, and the traveling, and the encountering different influences, and the metabolizing of a lingua philosophica helps to create a space within oneself into which that inward process can pour itself, discover itself, and metabolize itself." - Christopher Mastropietro [00:10:57]“The more I engage with this work, the more I realize that so much of the dawning consciousness of our encounter with the sacred is ultimately a process that happens to us. It occurs to us. We can bring consciousness to bear on it, and augment it, and make space for it, and inquire within it in such a way as to invite it.” - Christopher Mastropietro [00:11:23]0:00 Embracing the Philosophical Silk Road: From Top-Down Religion to an Organic Spiritual Path17:00 On the Philosophical Silk Road: An Interfaith Journey, Personal Transformation, and Confronting Idolatry28:30 Beyond the Culture War: Embracing Authentic Dialogue and the Embodiment of Beliefs35:40 The Unresolvable Dialogue: Embracing the Infinite Game Between Socrates and Jesus44:10 Rediscovering the Essence of Faith: Beyond Doctrine to Personal Transformation56:00 The Wildness of the Sacred: Recognizing and Integrating Spontaneous Spiritual Experiences1:02:50 Philosophical and Sacred Synergies: Bridging the Divide through Love and WisdomJoin the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.comFollow John Vervaeke:johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Andrew Sweenytwitter.com/andrewpgsweenyandrewpgsweeny.medium.comyoutube.com/@parallax_media Connect with Christopher Mastropietrovervaekefoundation.orgThank you for watching!
The Blind Spot in Perception: Cognitive Science, Asian Philosophy, and Mystical Insight John Vervaeke 2024-05-10 | Evan Thompson is a philosopher and author, specializing in the integration of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Asian philosophical traditions. Based at the University of British Columbia, his work, including his recent book 'The Blind Spot', examines the intersections of consciousness, experience, and reality through a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.Can cognitive science, philosophy, and mysticism hold the keys to resolving our modern meaning crisis? Join John Vervaeke and Evan Thompson in a captivating exploration of how these disciplines converge to address this pressing issue. The conversation showcases Thompson's interdisciplinary approach, drawing from his work on 'The Blind Spot' and his extensive background in Asian philosophy and phenomenology. Gain fresh perspectives on the essence of lived experience, the power of relevance realization, and the nature of reality as the discussion unfolds. Prepare for an intellectual journey that promises to deepen our understanding of truth, goodness, and beauty and bridge the gaps between diverse intellectual traditions.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaekeImmerse yourself in the groundbreaking insights of Evan Thompson's thought-provoking book, "The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience.” amazon.com/Blind-Spot-Science-Cannot-Experience/dp/0262048809—“"The blind spot is the inability to see, or to recognize, or to acknowledge that lived experience is the source of science. And so if you undercut the source of science by occluding lived experience, you're actually damaging science." - Evan Thompson [00:19:34]"The process of formalization of translating things into a formal system is always an ill-defined problem that requires relevance realization." - John Vervaeke [00:30:52]—00:00 Introduction to Evan Thompson and 'The Blind Spot'01:05 Evan Thompson's Background and Philosophical Journey02:10 Diving Into 'The Blind Spot': A Book on the Meaning Crisis09:30 Exploring Core Ideas and Arguments of 'The Blind Spot'18:15 Addressing the Meaning Crisis: Science, Experience, and Reality18:55 Navigating Between Science Triumphalism and Denial21:30 The Role of Experience in Understanding Reality31:25 Challenging the Bifurcation of Nature and the 'View from Nowhere'38:45 Sacredness, Reality, and the Meaning Crisis40:30 Exploring the Sacred Beyond Science41:55 Exploring the Depths of the Sacred and Ultimate Concern: Secular vs. Transcendental Perspectives47:45 The Axial Revolution and Its Impact on Modern Consciousness56:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Bridging Science and Mysticism59:54 Philosophical Reflections on Truth, Beauty, and the Good01:11:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Dialogues—Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.com—Idea, Authors, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - book co-authored by Evan Thompson, Adam Frank, and Marcelo GleiserWaking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy - book by Evan ThompsonWhy I Am Not a Buddhist - book by Evan ThompsonContact with Reality - book by Esther Lightcap MeekThe Nothingness Beyond God - book by Robert Edgar CarterMaurice Merleau-Ponty Edmund Husserl Martin Heidegger William James Galileo Galilei Nishida Kitaro Alfred North WhiteheadNancy Cartwright René DescartesRobert Kreese Paul Tillich Michael PolanyiMichael Schellenberger Susan WolfUrsula Goodenough Immanuel Kant—Follow John Vervaeke:johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Evan Thompson:evanthompson.mehttp://twitter.com/evantthompsonfacebook.com/evan.timothy.thompson—Thank you for watching!
Exploring the Connection Between Wisdom, Love, and the Really Real John Vervaeke 2024-05-03 | Elizabeth Oldfield is a writer, speaker, and advocate for intentional community living based in South London. Her work, including her book 'Fully Alive', explores the intersections of faith, culture, and ethics through a deeply personal lens. In a world that often trivializes love and deep connections, how can we cultivate a life of wisdom, virtue, and transcendence amidst our finite existence and growing polarization?Join John Vervaeke and Elizabeth Oldfield in a profound dialogue that explores these critical themes of human existence, drawing from Platonic to Christian thought and emphasizing the transformative power of dialogical reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and awe. Elizabeth Oldfield shares insights from her book 'Fully Alive,' an Augustinian blend of autobiographical confession and psycho-spiritual reflection that highlights relational living and the transformative power of love. The conversation addresses the trivialization of love in modern culture and advocates for a deeper understanding while navigating the complexities of polarization in politics, the comparison between psychedelic and spiritual experiences, and the intrinsic value of community and wisdom traditions in achieving a virtuous life. Discover the necessity of grounding transformative experiences in communal practices for genuine personal and societal transformation in this thought-provoking discussion.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaekeDiscover a profound exploration of love, wisdom, and the human soul in Elizabeth Oldfield's upcoming book, "Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times." amazon.com/Fully-Alive-Tending-Turbulent-Times/dp/1587436507— “I can close my eyes now and know myself’s seen, and the deep knowing of the presence of love in my life and the way that every other moment of love, and encounter, and intimacy reflects that is the ground of my being.” - Elizabeth Oldfield [00:32:48]"Wisdom is about this loving enhancement of our connectedness. The wise person can go into a complex, messy, ill-defined situation and home in on what's relevant, summoning their agency in the right way so that they are properly responsible." - John Vervaeke [00:31:04]—0:00 Introduction to Voices with Vervaeke: Elizabeth Oldfield'1:30 Elizabeth Oldfield: Life, Faith, and the Quest for Existential Satisfaction2:50 Exploring 'Fully Alive': Deep Dialogues on Belonging, Soul, and Existential Satisfaction6:05 Plato's Insights on the Psyche, Inner Conflict, and the Pursuit of Inner Fullness10:20 The Quest for Inner Peace, Wisdom, and Understanding Sin14:20 The Interplay of Love, Wisdom, and the Divine in the Pursuit of Fully Aliveness27:15 Unpacking the Realization of the Really Real: Connectedness, Love, and Presence45:50 Identity, Cultural Scripts, and the Tension between Faith and Intellect47:45 Expanding Our Understanding of Intelligence, Reality, and the Role of Attention1:00:40 The Challenge of Authentic Love, Reverence, and Awe in a Trivialized World 1:13:10 Reverence, Awe, and the Cultivation of Virtue on the Path to Wisdom1:22:50 Concluding Reflections on Love, Wisdom, and the Pursuit of Fully Aliveness—Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.com—Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this EpisodePlato Freud Pascal Dialogos Kenosis Thumos Homo Inconvartis in Se Plato’s Dialogues—Follow John Vervaeke:johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Elizabeth Oldfield:elizabetholdfield.cominstagram.com/elizabethsaraholdfieldtwitter.com/esoldfield—Thank you for watching!
Conversations at the Crossroads of Nature and Wisdom John Vervaeke 2024-04-26 | Kyle Koch is a facilitator at Evolve Move Play, where he integrates dialogical practices into natural settings to foster deep personal connections and psychological growth. Have you ever wondered about the impact of our environment on our cognition and ability to connect with others? In this episode of Voice with Vervaeke, John and Kyle explore the integration of dialogical practices within natural settings, the psychological and communal impacts of such practices, and the potential for deep listening to forge powerful, transformative experiences.Support John's groundbreaking work and gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by joining our Patreon community! patreon.com/johnvervaekeWe invite you to sign up for Evolve Move Play's "Embedded Experience" weekend workshops with Kyle Koch. Register at evolvemoveplay.com/weekend-workshops-"Memory is about the future. It’s not about the past. Memories reconstruct and reconfigure in powerful, often unconscious ways to improve your ability to foresee in a relevant, realizing manner, the future." - John Vervaeke [25:13] "Rituals only matter to the degree to which they transfer broadly and deeply into many domains in your life and transfer broadly and deeply into many layers of your psyche." - John Vervaeke [57:27]- 0:00 Rekindling Connections: Dialogue and Nature4:50 Environmental Impact on Cognition: Embodied Practices and Deep Listening13:10 Evolutionary Impact of Campfires: Hypnosis, Shared Attention, and Ritual for Cognition and Connectedness11:00 The Role of Deep Listening in Dialogical Practices22:50 Ritual and Long-Term Change: Reconstructive Memory and Internalizing Wise Spirit29:30 The Role of Place and Virtual Reality in Storytelling and Evolutionary Constraints32:40 Navigating Virtual Technology: Maladaptations and the Importance of Wisdom in Epistemic Vulnerability 41:00 The Evolution of Evolvability50:00 The Power of Pilgrimage and Serious Play59:30 Language and Expression of Transformation: Connectivity, Aliveness, and the We Space1:06:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Opportunities for Embodied Experiences-Join the Vervaeke Foundation in our mission to advance the scientifically rigorous pursuit of wisdom and make a meaningful impact in the world. vervaekefoundation.orgDiscover practices that deepen your virtues and help you connect more deeply with reality and relationships by joining Awaken to Meaning today. awakentomeaning.com-Follow John Vervaeke:johnvervaeke.comtwitter.com/vervaeke_john youtube.com/@johnvervaekepatreon.com/johnvervaekeFollow Kyle Koch:instagram.com/trottingsparrowevolvemoveplay.com-Thank you for watching!
Illuminating the Interplay: Emotion, Physicality, and the Path to Healing John Vervaeke 2024-04-17 | In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke, alongside Terri Dentry and Aspasia Karageorge, delves into the complex interplay between emotions, chronic pain, and the mechanisms of healing within the framework of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). Through a rich dialogue, the discussion unfolds to explore the intricate ways in which pain serves not only as a physical experience but as a profound emotional and psychological defense mechanism, obscuring underlying emotional disturbances and traumas. The conversation navigates through the socialization of pain, the pivotal role of emotional awareness in healing, and the transformative potential of ISTDP in restoring agency and empowerment to individuals. By bridging emotional and physical healing, this episode illuminates the holistic approach necessary for comprehensive therapy, emphasizing the integration of diverse therapeutic practices. The engaging discourse provides compelling insights into therapy's transformative power, underscoring the importance of understanding and integrating our emotional landscapes.Bios and Links:Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience. If you’d like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.Aspasia Karageorge, DCP, is a seasoned clinical psychologist with advanced degrees from the University of Sydney and the University of Otago. She serves as a Research Associate at the Brain and Mind Centre of the University of Sydney, where she focuses on qualitative research in novel mental health interventions and medical education. To explore more about her extensive work and insights, visit her website at aspasiapsychology.com/siapsychology.com or follow her on YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UC3ATJzuK4STHGSuv4m8m_uw . For details on her clinical services and to book consultations, visit her private practice at https://sydneycitypsychology.com.au/.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group:patreon.com/johnvervaeke Connect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Resources:The Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comVoicecraft voicecraft.ioQuotes: "ISTDP stands for Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a therapy developed by Dr. Davanloo in the 60s. Essentially, it views chronic pain as a defense against emotional experience." - Aspasia Karageorge [00:06:00]"Socialization of pain and how our narrative bias is driving a lot of this... the narrative bias coming from the early childhood experiences, and that providing the bias to what we are thinking, giving us a filter of how we are then relating to these things as we go forward in life." - Terri Dentry [00:38:04]“Modeling goes deeper in the brain than propositions.” - John Vervaeke [00:59:20]Glossary of Terms:ISTDP: Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a form of therapy focusing on emotional experience.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Unpacking Emotions, Chronic Pain, and Rationality in Therapy00:10:00 - Exploring the Socialization of Pain and Emotion's Role 00:15:00 - ISTDP and the Emotional Landscape: Understanding Pain as Emotional Distraction00:24:20 - Restoring Agency and Emotional Insight: Pathways to Healing in Psychotherapy00:43:00 - Integrating Therapies: Towards a Holistic Approach to Emotional and Physical Healing01:07:20 - Conclusion: Embracing Complexity: Transformative Insights from ISTDP Therapy
Literature of the Meaning Crisis Live Q&A with John Vervaeke John Vervaeke 2024-04-12 | awakentomeaning.com/courses-trainingJoin Dr. Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro in a LIVE Q&A exploring the Literature of the Meaning Crisis
Mentoring the Machines: Setting the Course for the Future of Artificial Intelligence John Vervaeke 2024-04-10 | This episode, first released on the “Into the Impossible” channel with Dr. Brian Keating, brings together the brilliant minds of John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne to discuss the advent of artificial general intelligence and its potential consequences. The conversation starts with the motivations behind major tech figures' drive towards AI development and touches upon the issues of trust, adaptation, and the inherent human susceptibility to self-deception. Vervaeke and Coyne, through their book "Mentoring the Machines: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow," advocate for a nuanced understanding of AI, urging for a mentorship approach to machine development that could ensure AI's alignment with human flourishing. Their dialogue also ventures into the realms of psychology, cognitive science, and the philosophical underpinnings of AI, making a compelling case for the transformative power of AI, not only technologically but also existentially for humanity.Bios and Links:Dr. Brian Keating is the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego, specializing in cosmic microwave background research to explore the universe's origins. An acclaimed writer, his book "Losing the Nobel Prize" is an Amazon Editors' favorite. He excels as a public speaker, inventor, and podcaster. Explore more at his website, briankeating.com follow him on Twitter, twitter.com/DrBrianKeating or watch his insights on YouTube, youtube.com/DrBrianKeating.Shawn Coyne, creator of Story Grid, brings over three decades of publishing expertise, notably with the Big Five publishers, as an independent publisher, literary agent, and head of Genre Management Inc. Dive into his editing method and explore more at storygrid.com/.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group:patreon.com/johnvervaeke Connect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Resources:The Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comMentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/1645010821Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Surviving-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/B0CH25KPD3John Vervaeke Video Essay: AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8VugvT4VYz52DQHxz6vxhRTHw Quotes: "We should really be framing artificial intelligence as a mentoring of intelligent beings who have the capability and potentialities of becoming even perhaps better than we are." - Shawn Coyne [00:05:52]"It's only when you have genuine intelligence for the actual system or entity itself—an autopoietic system—a system that cares about information because it's taking care of itself in a moment by moment basis. Only then could you have something that would actually care about what's going on—the true, the good, or the beautiful." - John Vervaeke [00:15:05]Glossary of Terms:AGI (Artificial General Intelligence): A level of artificial intelligence that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level of competence comparable to or surpassing that of a human.Relevance Realization: The process by which cognitive beings determine what information is relevant to their goals and what is not.Autopoiesis: The property of a living system (such as a bacterial cell or a multicellular organism) that allows it to maintain and renew itself.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:45 - The Genesis of "Mentoring the Machines" 00:08:50 - AI, Psychology, and the Alignment Problem 00:16:40 - The Evolution of Editing and Publishing in the AI Era00:21:00 - Bridging Knowledge and Wisdom00:29:00 - Einstein, Imagination, and AI's Emotional Depth00:37:30 - Deciphering Consciousness: AI and the Hard Problem00:44:40 - Educational Evolution: AI, Pedagogy, and the Future of Teaching00:53:50 - AI's Impact on Personalized Storytelling 00:58:30 - AI, Psychology, and the Future of Psychotherapy01:04:20 - Conclusion
Dialogues on Transformation: The Journey of Insightful Healing with Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin John Vervaeke 2024-04-04 | In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke is joined by Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin to discuss their unique perspectives on the intricate journey from chronic pain to insightful healing. The conversation delves into the psychological and existential dimensions that underpin true transformation, emphasizing the importance of dialogical practices and synoptic integration in achieving profound personal growth and understanding. Through a rich dialogue that navigates the nexus between philosophy, psychology, and therapeutic practice, this conversation offers deep insights into the art of healing, the cultivation of wisdom, and the transformative power of human connectivity. It stands as an essential discussion for those seeking to understand the holistic nature of healing and the potential for personal and collective evolution in the face of adversity.Guest Bio and Links:Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience. If you’d like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.Tim Adalin, founder of Voicecraft, explores the intricate dynamics between participation and transformation. His philosophical inquiry spans metaphysics, consciousness, and identity, underpinning Voicecraft's mission to enrich dialogue on complex modern challenges. You can learn more about Tim Adalin through his website, https://www.timadalin.xyz/, follow him on YouTube, youtube.com/channel/UCKeq9IUfzw-QvDKP7N9K8rw and on his Substack, timadalin.substack.com/. Resources:Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comVoicecraft voicecraft.ioRedefining Healing: The Synergy of Psychedelic Integration and Interprofessional Practice youtube.com/watch?v=5o87S6GtVn8&t=30sChronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch youtube.com/watch?v=Lzug-jtx1PA&t=224sMere Christianity - C. S. Lewis amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926Quotes: "This is not something about this immediate moment of chronic pain requiring a healing process. This is a worldview issue that is happening to all of us from the very start." - Terri Dentry [00:14:22]"We're trying to get away from some of the fundamental ways in which agency is being implicitly understood or misunderstood in regular medical practice, and restore a proper appreciation of agency." - John Vervaeke [00:09:57]"Partly what this conversation is pointing to is that there's going to be a different kind of tension essentially immediately experienced when entering into a different relational context." - Tim Adalin [01:11:20]Glossary of Terms:Synoptic Integration: The integration of diverse perspectives and modalities to achieve a comprehensive understanding and healing approach.Interprofessional Practice: Collaboration between practitioners from different disciplines for holistic patient care.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Research Background, and the "Seeing More" Project00:03:50 - Transformational Journeys and the Power of Shared Pain, Vulnerability, and Relationality00:11:36 - Agency and Relationality in Medical Practice00:17:09 - Embodying the Meaning Crisis: Trauma, Narratives, and the Healing Process00:28:43 - The Pivot Problem: Balancing Finitude and Transcendence in the Healing Journey00:34:03 - Criticisms of Therapy and the Need for a Shared Worldview00:44:12 - Dialogos and the Philosophical Silk Road Project00:54:05 - The Significance of Dialogical Reasoning in Daily Life and Medical Interactions01:03:34 - Building Structures for Belonging and Support: Challenges and Solutions01:12:36 - Conclusion: Interprofessional Clinics and the Complexity of Shared Decision-MakingConnect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
The Literature of the Meaning Crisis John Vervaeke 2024-04-03 | Are you navigating the maze of life's profound questions, searching for a path that leads to wisdom? "Literature of Meaning Crisis," an upcoming course by John Vervaeke, beckons you into the rich world of literature, unveiling the beauty that lights our quest for meaning. This journey goes beyond plot twists and cliffhangers. John Vervaeke will act as our literary guide, helping us unearth the deeper messages hidden within these narratives. He believes that philosophical arguments alone cannot resolve the meaning crisis; rather, it is the allure of beauty in literature that entices us to embrace wisdom. This beauty bridges the gap between the conceptual and non-conceptual aspects of philosophy, with literary devices such as metaphors, symbols, themes, and narrative structures serving as our guides.Join us on an 8-week exploration of pivotal works by literary giants like Melville, Conrad, and Dostoevsky, figures who have given voice to the existential struggles of modern individuals and their encounters with the numinous. Each 2-hour session promises enriching lectures and thought-provoking discussions. The course features novels such as "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville, "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, and "The Death of Ivan Illych" by Leo Tolstoy, culminating in a week dedicated to poetry, including works like "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold and "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats. The Literature of Meaning Crisis course will be held every Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT, starting April 29th and concluding July 1st, 2024, with no sessions on June 3rd or June 10th. Embark on a transformative journey and join John Vervaeke on this exploration into the depths of human meaning. Space is limited—secure your spot today at awakentomeaning.com/courses-training/. Special Invitation: Don’t miss the opportunity to join John Vervaeke for a live Q&A session on YouTube about the “Literature of Meaning Crisis” course on April 11, 2024, from 1:30-3:00pm EDT. This is your chance to ask questions, gain insights, and connect directly before beginning this transformative exploration.Connect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john The Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.com
Consciousness, Intelligence, and the Quest for Meaning with Vervaeke, Henriques, Levin, and McSweeny John Vervaeke 2024-03-29 | In this episode, John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, Michael Levin, and Justin McSweeny come together to discuss the complexities of consciousness, intelligence, and the human condition. The conversation balances between imagination and empirical evidence, introducing cognitive light cones to frame goal-directed behavior. They explore recursive relevance realization, predictive processing, and mutual modeling to show how our sense of self and our interaction with the world are connected. Addressing the meaning crisis, the discussion acknowledges various forms of intelligence and emphasizes the transformative nature of human experiences. This episode highlights the importance of rethinking how we see ourselves, the ongoing process of self-reconstruction, and the value of interdisciplinary dialogue in deepening our understanding of human existence and consciousness.Bios and Links:Gregg Henriques, Ph.D., is a professor of graduate psychology at James Madison University and founder of the Unified Theory of Knowledge unifiedtheoryofknowledge.org/. Discover more about Henriques through his website http://www.gregghenriques.com, and follow his insights on Twitter at twitter.com/henriqgx.Michael Levin, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor and director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, specializing in developmental biology and biophysics. His pioneering research explores the bioelectric patterns that guide growth and form. Explore Levin's groundbreaking work on his lab's website, drmichaellevin.org and follow his latest discoveries on Twitter at twitter.com/drmichaellevin.Justin McSweeny is the visionary host of the Idea Cast Interview Series, where he facilitates thought-provoking discussions on a wide array of intellectual topics. Access episodes on his YouTube channel, youtube.com/@ideacastilluminate and connect with him for updates on LinkedIn, linkedin.com/in/justin-mcsweeny-ba69ab162/.Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group:patreon.com/johnvervaeke Connect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Resources:The Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comTranscendent Naturalism Ep. 1 | Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriquesyoutube.com/watch?v=HJey6aLkSxs&t=46sThe Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show youtube.com/watch?v=_Fnmp6UVafM&t=19sLevin, M. (2019). The Computational Boundary of a “Self”: Developmental Bioelectricity Drives Multicellularity and Scale-Free Cognition. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02688Vervaeke, J., Lillicrap, T. P., & Richards, B. A. (2009, October 26). Relevance Realization and the Emerging Framework in Cognitive Science. Journal of Logic and Computation. doi.org/10.1093/logcom/exp067Transformative Experience - L. A. Paul amazon.com/Transformative-Experience-L-Paul/dp/0198777310Quotes: "What biology does is assumes that you can't just learn the structure of the past. You have to make problem-solving agents." - Michael Levin [00:39:10]"When you're modeling the world, you're always, to some degree, modeling yourself; and as you're modeling yourself, you're always, to some degree, modeling the world. The two are interpenetrating." - John Vervaeke [00:16:30]Glossary of Terms:Cognitive Light Cone: A conceptual framework used to describe the spatial and temporal limits of an entity's cognition, determining what it can perceive and influence.Relational Frame Theory (RFT): A theory of human language and cognition that focuses on how humans learn and how language interacts with cognition.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and the Balance Between Imaginal and Empirical00:02:00 - Understanding Complexification through Layered Ontology00:04:30 - The Evolution of Goal-Directed Behavior and Cognitive Light Cones 00:12:30 - Recursive Relevance, Predictive Processing, and Mutual Modeling00:30:00 - Addressing the Crisis of Meaning through Diverse Intelligence 00:38:00 - Transformative Experiences: Reconstructing Self and Reality 00:52:00 - Rationality, Dialogical Self, and Evolutionary Perspectives01:16:00 - Conclusion: Interdisciplinary Dialogue and Final Reflections
Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis John Vervaeke 2024-03-27 | 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 Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comVoices with Vervaeke: Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198sChronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch youtube.com/watch?v=Lzug-jtx1PAMany Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz amazon.com/Many-Minds-One-Self-Evidence/dp/0692957340Phenomenological Bioethics: Medical Technologies, Human Suffering, and the Meaning of Being Alive - Fredrik Svenaeus amazon.com/Phenomenological-Bioethics-Medical-Technologies-Suffering/dp/1138629960Thomas Fuchs:In Defence of the Human Being: Foundational Questions of an Embodied Anthropology amazon.com/Defence-Human-Being-Foundational-Anthropology/dp/0192898191Ecology of the Brain: The phenomenology and biology of the embodied mind (International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry) amazon.com/Ecology-Brain-phenomenology-International-Perspectives/dp/0199646880Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement, and Touch in Practice--Endorsed by top experts in therapeutic healing modalities - Susan McConnell amazon.com/Practitioners-Guide-Somatic-IFS-Therapy/dp/1623174880Simurgh: A Journey in Search of the Truth - Azar Aryanpour amazon.com/Simurgh-Journey-Search-Azar-Aryanpour/dp/1414023650 Quotes: “My take on IFS is that it's 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 AheadConnect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
“Ultimate Reality Course John Vervaeke 2024-03-27 | Join John on a thought-provoking journey as he explores the concept of ultimate reality and the various interpretations of God in his new course, "Ultimate Reality: God and Beyond" at Halkyon Academy. Starting on April 5th, this eight-week course offers students the flexibility to attend live lectures and participate in Q&A sessions or go through the course asynchronously. With connections to John's previous course, "Beyond Nihilism," this standalone course delves into the works of prominent philosophers and thinkers, challenging students to consider whether the standard notion of God accurately represents ultimate reality. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in deep reflection and discussion and contribute to John's upcoming series on the Philosophical Silk Road. Register now and join the intellectual adventure!Register for "Ultimate Reality: God and Beyond" with John Vervaeke at Halkyon Academy and join the intellectual journey: halkyonacademy.teachable.com/p/ultimate-reality-god-and-beyond-vervaeke Connect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Navigating Complexity and Transformation with Jordan Hall Part 2 John Vervaeke 2024-03-22 | Dive deeper into the transformative journey with John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall as they continue their exploration into faith, meaning, and the power of Dialogos. This second part of their conversation delves into the evolution of Christianity, the limitations of the scientific worldview, and the urgent meta-crisis that beckons a collective awakening. Through a blend of philosophical depth and actionable insight, John and Jordan navigate the realms of relationality, the potential of imaginal engagement, and the intricate pathways toward spiritual and intellectual enrichment. This episode is a testament to the transformative potential of deep, respectful dialogue in uncovering nuanced understandings and fostering growth on both personal and collective levels.Guest Bio and Links:Jordan Hall is a technology entrepreneur with several years of experience building disruptive companies. He is interested in philosophy, artificial intelligence, and complex systems and has a background in law. Hall has worked for several technology companies and was the founder and CEO of DivX. He is currently involved in various think tanks and institutes and is focused on upgrading humanity's capacity for thought and action.Listeners can learn more about Jordan Hall on his YouTube channel, youtube.com/channel/UCMzT-mdCqoyEv_-YZVtE7MQ his Medium, medium.com/deep-code, and on Twitter, twitter.com/jgreenhallResources:Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comFaith in Dialogue: Exploring Christian Virtues in a Diverse World with Jordan Hall Part 1 youtube.com/watch?v=e-e6_426UzsThe Religion of Tomorrow | Transcendent Naturalism #11 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall youtube.com/watch?v=JmOmwLWziAcPractical Eschatology | Transcendent Naturalism #12 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall youtube.com/watch?v=n5UA5jCtGXIEmbodiment and the Metacrisis with Rafe Kelley youtube.com/watch?v=PVJztMRSeek&t=307sThe Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - Adam Frank, Marcelo Gleiser, Evan Thompsonamazon.com/-/he/Adam-Frank/dp/0262048809The Mind of Whitehead: Adventure in Ideas - Roland Faber amazon.com/Mind-Whitehead-Adventure-Ideas/dp/1666735485Depths As Yet Unspoken - Roland Faber, Andrew M Davis amazon.com/Depths-Yet-Unspoken-Roland-Faber/dp/1725252619Hall, J. (2018, November 8). An inquiry concerning science and religion. Medium. medium.com/deep-code/an-inquiry-concerning-science-and-religion-a2998ba1a496Quotes: "The scientific worldview requires that you step away from the experiment, observe as an objective fact, and then coordinate with other potential subjects on an increasing precision of your ability to articulate facts about objective reality." - Jordan Hall [00:17:40] “Understanding faith as belief is inadequate. Trying to understand what science does as just the propositional manipulation of belief is wrong for all kinds of reasons.” - John Vervaeke [00:46:48]Glossary of Terms:Meta-Crisis: The complex, interwoven crises threatening global civilization and human flourishing.Scientific Worldview: The perspective that emphasizes empirical evidence and rational analysis, often overshadowing subjective and experiential knowledge.Chapters: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Recap of Dialogos[00:03:15] - Navigating the Meta-Crisis: Beyond the Scientific Worldview[00:10:40] - Meta-Crisis, Scientific Worldview, and Christianity's Transformation[00:19:11] - Dissecting First-Person Experience in a Third-Person Dominated Culture[00:22:38] - The Influence of Simulated Perception and Cartesian Dualism [00:32:20] - Bridging Intelligibility, Science, and Spirituality[00:44:58] - Overcoming Conflicts: Science, Religion, and Propositional Tyranny[00:59:00] - The Virtue of Humility and the Balance of Finitude and Transcendence [01:06:00] - Parental Love: Divine Relations and Agency[01:22:25] - Humility and Embodiment: Towards Communal Being[01:32:02] - Conclusion: Friendship and Future ConversationsConnect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch John Vervaeke 2024-03-20 | In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch join host John Vervaeke to explore the intersection of chronic pain, dialog, reasoning, and socio-technology ethics. Drawing from Nate's personal experience with chronic pain and his background in organizational design, the conversation delves into the challenges corporations face in exhibiting benevolence and integrity, the biopsychosocial nature of trust, and the importance of understanding one's perspective in navigating chronic pain journeys. The discussion also highlights the need for a shift in language and models to better understand and address chronic pain, as well as the potential of the 4E model in changing the conversation. With a focus on empowering individuals and fostering equal partnerships in dialogue, this episode encourages listeners to share their lived experiences and contribute to a transformative understanding of chronic pain.Guest Bio and Links:Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience.Nathan Kinch, a sociotechnology ethicist, combines personal passion with a decade of experience in leading global transformations, focusing on ethics and trustworthiness within organizations. His work emphasizes aligning practices with core values and fostering environments of trust. Listeners can learn more about:Terri Dentry on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terridentry/. Nate Kinch at his website, http://www.trustworthyby.design/ on LinkedIn, linkedin.com/in/nathankinch and on his Substack, trustworthy.substack.com If you’d like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.Resources:Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning awakentomeaning.comVoicecraft voicecraft.ioKinch, N. (2023, December). What's trust got to do with it? The RSA. thersa.org/comment/2023/12/whats-trust-got-to-do-with-itKinch, N. (2023, October). Three reasons why AI ethics is struggling. The RSA. thersa.org/comment/2023/10/three-reasons-why-ai-ethics-is-strugglingSull, D., Sull, C., & Chamberlain, A. (2020). When It Comes to Culture, Does Your Company Walk the Talk? ResearchGate. researchgate.net/publication/343179780_When_It_Comes_to_Culture_Does_Your_Company_Walk_the_Talk.A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel’s Phenomenology - Robert B. Brandom amazon.com/Spirit-Trust-Reading-Hegels-Phenomenology/dp/0674976819Quotes: "My work is defined as sociotechnology ethics. I examine the relationship between our values, various aspects of the civilizational stack, and how we design different technologies. This covers a wide range of areas, including machine learning, AI, synthetic biology, and medical and clinical contexts." - Nate Kinch [00:02:58]"Part of that journey is very personal, as people must look at how they view their own experiences. We want to help them see how others go through it and learn from their journeys." - Terri Dentry, [00:01:23]"Thinking of trust primarily as a psychological trait is to fundamentally misunderstand it. " - John Vervaeke [00:16:57]Glossary of Terms:Biopsychosocial Model: An approach to healthcare that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors.Chapters: [00:00:00] - Overview and Introduction to Guests Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch[00:04:20] - Navigating the Complex Terrain of Trust, Transformation, and Ethical Re-architecture in Modern Organizations[00:34:40] - Bridging Dialogues: Empowerment and Understanding in Healthcare and Beyond[00:48:41] - Nate’s Personal Journey of Healing and Discovery[01:07:13] - Beyond Healing: Integrating Spirituality and Meaning[01:18:00] - Concluding Thoughts: Wisdom, Healing, and Collective InsightConnect with John:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
AI Sages and the Ethical Frontier: Exploring Human Values, Embodiment, and Spiritual Realms John Vervaeke 2024-03-15 | In this episode, first released on the “Transfigured” YouTube channel, John Vervaeke and Sam Tideman explore the future of AI, grappling with ethical, philosophical, and spiritual questions surrounding the creation of 'AI sages.' Delving into the nature of wisdom, they consider whether machines can truly comprehend truth, goodness, and beauty. As they examine embodiment, purpose, and socio-cultural context, Vervaeke and Tideman ponder if AI can become wise and understand vastly different minds. From historical sage archetypes to AI cults, they tackle complex technology and morality intersections, even venturing into AI's role in spiritual realms. Join us for a profound reflection on imbuing AI with wisdom and the existential risks and opportunities ahead.Sam Tideman, an accomplished healthcare data scientist with an MS in Biostatistics, blends his analytical acumen with a passion for theology in his podcast, "Transfigured." The podcast features long-form discussions exploring the identity of Jesus, reflecting Sam's unique intersection of scientific expertise and spiritual inquiry.Glossary of TermsSilicon Sages: Hypothetical AI entities that have achieved a state of enlightenmentMolokian Forces: Forces that manipulate and control AI development for their own purposesResourcesJohn VervaekeWebsite: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnSam TidemanYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCg7Ed0lecvko58ibuX1XHngJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke YouTubeAwakening from the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJDelving into the Frontiers of Artificial General Intelligence with Sam Tideman youtu.be/TxZdwrjM96I?si=jCiREippX66rM-LxWisdom in the Age of AI: A Philosophical Quest with Vervaeke, Pageau, and Schindler youtu.be/r3VXcPK7fG8?si=7hLit5JWo_cnFJ9jAI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui2YOOfrxbeRwJk5jZPmAthHistory of Philosophy Without Any Gaps historyofphilosophy.netPersonification: Using the Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy and Counselling - John Rowan amazon.com/Personification-Using-Dialogical-Psychotherapy-Counselling/dp/0415433460Many Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz amazon.com/Many-Minds-One-Self-Evidence/dp/0692957340The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession - Robert Falconer amazon.com/Others-Within-Us-Internal-Possession/dp/B0C12JXVBJQuotes"I want to convey that I am of the firm conviction that my proposal has risks in it. I don't want to pretend that there's some sort of dewy-eyed optimism here. I'm making a proposal that I think is sort of the best that can be made within otherwise hellacious alternatives." - John Vervaeke [00:02:39]“If you don't put the ability to care about self-deception and motivated self-correction into these machines, they will fall prey to the fact that intelligence is only weakly predictive of rationality.” - John Vervaeke [00:17:47]Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction[00:01:20] - The Possibility of AI Sages and Conjuring AI Demons[00:04:40] - Thresholds and Decision Points in AI Development[00:09:20] - Enlightened AI and the True, Good, and Beautiful[00:13:37] - Preconditions for Helping AI Become More Wise[00:19:40] - The Importance of Embodiment and Purpose in AI[00:28:00] - Autopoiesis and Normative Orientation in AI[00:33:20] - Wisdom as a Niche-independent or Context-dependent Concept[00:38:20] - Communicating with an Artificial Intelligence[00:46:20] - Silicon Sages as Great Teachers[00:50:00] - Trusting the Silicon Sages[00:56:31] - Preventing Malicious Use of AI and Cult Leaders[01:05:20] - AI Interaction with Higher Spiritual Beings[01:14:20] - The Increasing Importance of Theology in the Future
Exploring the Dynamics of Contact Improvisation: A Discussion on Ecology of Practices John Vervaeke 2024-03-13 | In this episode, first released on Seth Dellinger's Move with Seth YouTube channel, John Vervaeke, Ken Manheimer, and Seth Dellinger explore the concept of "ecology of practices" through the lens of contact improvisation. They discuss the modern "meaning crisis" caused by societal disconnect and fragmentation, advocating for shared agency and transjective participation to address these issues. Manheimer's experience in contact improvisation reveals its potential for co-creation and mutual discovery, emphasizing the need to extend rationality beyond traditional bounds. This conversation showcases contact improvisation as a vital practice for fostering sacred participation and confronting the meaning crisis.Seth Dellinger is a movement practitioner, embodied dialogue facilitator, and the host of the Move with Seth podcast. He is passionate about cultivating presence, empathy, and meaningful connections through mindful movement and conversation.Ken Manheimer is a long-time practitioner and coordinator of contact improvisation in Washington, D.C. He is also a computer programmer with a deep interest in the intersection of movement, dialogue, and personal growth. Ken is dedicated to fostering community and exploring the transformative potential of shared experiences.Glossary of TermsEcology of Practices: A framework for understanding the coordinated use of diverse practices to enhance cognitive flexibility and combat self-deception.Contact Improvisation: A dance practice emphasizing physical interaction and mutual responsiveness without predetermined steps or movements.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnSeth Dellinger:Website: sethdellinger.comKen Manheimer:Website: myriadicity.netResourcesJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke YouTubeAwakening from the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJVervaeke, J., & Mastropietro, C. (2021). Dialectic into Dialogos and the Pragmatics of No-thingness in a Time of Crisis. Eidos. A Journal for Philosophy of Culture, 5(2), 58-77. https://eidos.uw.edu.pl/dialectic-into-dialogos-and-the-pragmatics-of-no-thingness-in-a-time-of-crisis/Chiappe, D., & Vervaeke, J. (2018). The Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 27(4), 400-409. doi.org/10.1162/pres_a_00337Chiappe, D., & Vervaeke, J. (2020). The enactment of shared agency in teams exploring Mars through rovers. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 1-25.link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11097-021-09791-6Chiappe, D., & Vervaeke, J. (2021). Distributed cognition and the experience of presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.689932East Coast Contact Improv Jam - eastcoastjam.comContact Quarterly. (2022, November 5). Magnesium (1972): Official Trailer [Video]. YouTube. youtube.com/watch?v=5gEfVJBhwrQHomsher, S., & Humphrey, J. (n.d.). Steve Homsher and Jess Humphrey in a playful contact improvisation [Video]. YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=OuOmuDF1C5g&t=0sQuotes"The basic idea behind the Ecology of Practice is...a way of trying to deal with...our cognition, which isn't just our knowing, it's our entire sense-making apparatus." - John Vervaeke [00:03:20]"Contact improvisation...it's an experiential thing that you do in a deep way with someone else where neither person is leading." - Ken Manheimer [00:09:14]"Participatory knowing is the deepest grounding kind of knowing that makes all the other kinds of knowing possible." - John Vervaeke [00:15:00]Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:03:00] - Exploring the Ecology of Practices [00:09:14] - Contact Improvisation and Participation[00:23:00] - Merging Verbal and Non-verbal Communication: Integrating Communication Modes[00:33:00] - Shared Agency and Practice Intimacy [00:43:00] - The Meaning Crisis and Falling in Love with Being[00:55:00] - Exploring Rationality Beyond Logic: Insights from Cognitive Science and Buddhism
Beyond the One: Unraveling Plotinus and Pure Relationality with Robert Gray and Eric Orwoll John Vervaeke 2024-03-08 | In this episode, John Vervaeke, Robert Gray, and Eric Orwell explore the intricacies of Plotinus, Neo-Platonism, and pure relationality. They meticulously analyze James Filler's thought-provoking paper, viewing its ideas through Heidegger's 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 today's 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 TermsRelational 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 Plato's ideas.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnEric OrwollYouTube:Understanding Plato: youtube.com/@understandingplato1134Robert GrayEmail: meditatingphilosopher@gmail.comYouTUbe: www.youtube.com/@TheMeditatingPhilosopherJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke YouTubeAwakening from the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJBooks, Articles, and PublicationsThe One as Pure Relation in Plotinus - Filler, James (2019). International Journal of the Platonic Tradition brill.com/view/journals/jpt/13/1/article-p1_1.xmlHeidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground - James Filler amazon.com/dp/3031309065The Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe: A New Kind of Reality Theory - Christopher Langan amazon.com/Cognitive-Theoretic-Model-Universe-Reality-Theory/dp/0971916225Essential Difference: Toward a Metaphysics of Emergence - James Blachowicz amazon.com/Essential-Difference-Toward-Metaphysics-Emergence/dp/1438443323Quotes "It reminded me of the attitude towards language in the Platonic dialogues, where Socrates moves into something more poetic, almost verse. There's that shift between prosaic, dialectical investigation and mytho-poetic, dreamlike exposition. That's interesting; I've 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 Filler's Work[00:08:20] - Theological Poetic Language and Plato's Ontology[00:12:40] - Hemispheric Approaches to Reasoning[00:14:07] - John's Personal and Philosophical Reflections on Filler's Work[00:20:08] - Dissecting Filler's 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
John Vervaeke: Ultimate Reality — God and Beyond John Vervaeke 2024-03-08 | Turn your videos into live streams with Restream https://restre.am/ANImYou can now register for John's new course here: halkyonacademy.teachable.com/p/ultimate-reality-god-and-beyond-vervaeke Dive into an illuminating exploration of divine existence and the nature of the cosmos, gaining insights into philosophical, theological, and scientific perspectives on the profound question of what lies at the foundation of all that is.Live lectures and seminars begin Friday, April 5th.
Exploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar John Vervaeke 2024-03-06 | In their second dialogue on "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar explore transrational thought, emotions, and transformative practices, embarking on a profound journey into human experience. Vivian introduces a map of five distinct sensations, illuminating the practice of conscious release for personal growth, emotional maturity, and integrating higher consciousness with shadow aspects. Their discussion delves into pre-rational, rational, and transrational modes of thought, emphasizing the importance of integrating various forms of thinking to navigate modern cognitive landscapes effectively. This intellectual and experiential exploration offers valuable perspectives on human consciousness, emotional work, and the potential of transrational thought to enrich our self-understanding and worldview.Vivian Dittmar, a globally influenced author, speaker, and wisdom teacher, has dedicated two decades to enhancing holistic development. Her diverse upbringing inspired her to explore beyond conventional education, delving into various cultures' wisdom. Through her books and the Be the Change Foundation, Dittmar seeks to redefine prosperity, focusing on emotional intelligence, ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment, aiming to address the crises facing modern society.Glossary of TermsTransrational: Going beyond or surpassing human reason or the rational; nonverbal; nonlinear; abstract.Pre-rational: Preceding the development of intelligence.Rational: A state of consciousness characterized by logical, linear, and verbal thinking.Conscious Release: A practice developed by Vivian Dittmar that fosters the integration of higher states of consciousness with shadow aspects.John VervaekeWebsite: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnVivian DittmarWebsite: viviandittmar.comYouTube: youtube.com/@viviandittmarengResources:Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comVoices with Veraeke: Exploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar youtube.com/watch?v=IQWLfOFe0loThe Emotional Backpack: How to release unhealthy feelings - Vivian Dittmar viviandittmar.net/en/the-emotional-backpack-bookYour Inner GPS: Find Clarity with the Five Ways of Thinking - Vivian Dittmar viviandittmar.net/en/your-inner-gps-bookWorkshop: “How Big Is Your Emotional Backpack?” signup.lebensweise.net/free-backpack-workshopOnline Course: “The Emotional Backpack” ► campus.lebensweise.net/o/the-emotional-backpack-online-courseRational Intuition: Philosophical Roots, Scientific Investigations - Lisa Osbeck, Barbara Held amazon.com/Rational-Intuition-Philosophical-Scientific-Investigations/dp/1316621219Quotes "One of the things that became really clear to me is that the transrational by nature has a very difficult stance in today's world because it speaks to us in a way that is nonverbal, nonlinear, abstract." - Vivian Dittmar [00:16:00]“The ancient world had a whole faculty and term for nous and noesis, and that was all lost with the loss of our Neoplatonic heritage." - John Vervaeke [00:16:18]"We have a transrational faculty that is also proactive, that is not receptive, and that's intention. It’s really challenging for people to understand in our cultural framework because we very quickly confuse intention with a goal." - Vivian Dittmar [00:57:43]Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction and Overview of the Poly Crisis and Emotional Intelligence [00:04:00] - Differentiating Sensations, Emotions, and Consciousness [00:11:13] - Pre-rational, Rational, and Transrational Distinctions[00:25:00] - Intuition, Inspiration, and Transrational Wisdom[00:38:45] - Heart Intelligence [00:47:50] - Reevaluating Rationality and Embracing Intuitive Integration for Decision-Making [00:56:17] - Intention and Shaping Agency in Transrational Knowing[01:03:40] - Bridging Phenomenology, Transrational, and Transpersonal Dialogues
Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 John Vervaeke 2024-03-02 | John Vervaeke and Seth Allison revisit the transformative realm of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, building on their enriching dialogues from previous sessions. They unpack the intricate dynamics between the "self" and its various "parts," shedding light on how these elements can be harmonized for deep self-reflection and healing. The dialogue includes valuable insights and clarifications from Richard Schwartz, the creator of IFS, reinforcing the framework's compatibility with traditional psychological methods and its efficacy for safely navigating the inner self. The conversation evolves to explore the role of IFS in addressing the existential questions posed by the modern meaning crisis, highlighting its significance in cultivating wisdom and integrating the psychological with the spiritual. This episode stands as a testament to the synergy between cognitive science and philosophical inquiry, inviting listeners on a journey toward enlightenment, emotional resilience, and a richer engagement with their internal landscape.Seth Allison is a renowned psychotherapist specializing in internal family systems (IFS) and its integration with traditional psychotherapy. With years of clinical practice, Seth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the therapeutic journey. Glossary of TermsIFS (Internal Family Systems): A psychotherapeutic model that identifies and interacts with various sub-personalities or parts within each person's mental system.Sapiential - relating to wisdomJohn Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnSeth Allison:Website: Grow Collective - growcollective.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/seth-allison-13abb811bWise Attachment Workshop – Sunday, April 14th – 11:00a EDTThe Art of Parts Work (IFS) Workshop – Sunday, April 28th – 11:00a EDT Event Calendar - awakentomeaning.com/join-practiceRelated ResourcesJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comThe Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession - Robert Falconer amazon.com/Others-Within-Us-Internal-Possession/dp/B0C12JXVBJJohn Vervaeke on Mystical Experience and the Pursuit of Wisdom - youtube.com/watch?v=u5_YRWrX3mwQuotes "We have a moral obligation to ask what is a proper framework to bring to bear upon these experiences so that people can metabolize them and realize them as the cultivation of virtue and wisdom, and not spin them off into narcissism or inflation and go down rabbit holes of their own personal magical metaphysics." - Seth Allison (Quoting John Vervaeke) [00:37:16]"It is more important, and the integration is in both of those dimensions. How well does it integrate with many domains broadly and deeply in your life? How well does it transform many levels, broadly and deeply, of the psyche? That's the integration. Our culture gives us precious little on both of those, and even more importantly, not only both of them, but how they are properly coordinated and speak to each other in a self-correcting fashion." - John Vervaeke [00:32:06]Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction and Background on IFS [00:01:00] - Corrections and Insights from Richard Schwartz[00:06:00] - Deep Dive into IFS Concepts[00:14:45] - Addressing the Modern Meaning Crisis [00:18:00] - Spiritual Rediscovery and Transformation[00:40:00] - IFS Practice Session[01:14:00] - Reflecting on the Session's Impact[01:33:10] - Closing Reflections and Workshop Announcement
Faith in Dialogue: Exploring Christian Virtues in a Diverse World with Jordan Hall Part 1 John Vervaeke 2024-02-28 | Join John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall on a thought-provoking journey into faith and meaning. Beyond mere intellectual debate, they delve into the heart of Christian virtues, the transformative potential of the imaginal, and the profound depths of dialogue. Through their respectful and insightful exchange, they navigate complex themes such as love, relationality, and the richness of the imaginal realm, illuminating how engagement with diverse spiritual traditions can deepen understanding and faith. John and Jordan provide actionable insights for personal and collective growth, presenting an open invitation for introspection of beliefs, fostering an environment for meaningful engagement, and unlocking the potential for true transformation. This conversation offers a unique opportunity to discover the complexities of faith and meaning, along with pathways to enrich spiritual and intellectual lives.Jordan Hall, a pioneering figure at the forefront of societal transformation, co-founded MP3.com and DivX, catalyzing revolutions in music and online video. His ventures, such as Neurohacker Collective and Civium Project, harness cutting-edge technology and deep philosophical insights to address the metacrisis facing humanity. Currently, as Executive Chairman of Qualia Lifesciences, he leads efforts in human optimization, embodying the ethos of the fellowship of the spirit and inspiring profound dialogues on reimagining the future.Glossary of TermsDialogos: A form of dialogue aimed at transcending mere conversation to reach deeper understanding and connection.Imaginal: Pertaining to a mode of perception that transcends the purely sensory, engaging with symbols and the deeper aspects of reality.Christian Virtues: Fundamental qualities valued in Christianity, such as faith, hope, and love.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnJordan HallYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCMzT-mdCqoyEv_-YZVtE7MQ Medium: medium.com/deep-code X: twitter.com/jgreenhall?lang=enJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comBooks, Articles, Videos, and PublicationsMere Christianity - C. S. Lewis amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926The Courage to Be - Paul Tillich amazon.com/Courage-Be-Paul-Tillich/dp/0300084714Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad amazon.com/Heart-Darkness-Joseph-Conrad/dp/1936594145Boden, Margaret. (2009). Creativity in a nutshell. Think. 5. 83-96. researchgate.net/publication/209436199_Creativity_in_a_nutshellThe Psychological Drivers of the Metacrisis John Vervaeke, Iain McGilchrist, Daniel Schmachtenbergeryoutube.com/watch?v=P7i1ughRGcQEmbodiment and the Metacrisis with Rafe Kelley youtube.com/watch?v=PVJztMRSeek&t=307sQuotes "Make ourselves vehicles and instruments, both. That's something that's capable both of holding and expressing. So, I am the life and the light, and I am the way. Not the destination, not the end of the journey, but the way." - Jordan Hall [00:44:11]"The invitation to take up your cross and bear it, to step through the crucifixion of the human nature, must, in fact, be voluntarily self-crucified, and human will must surrender itself into a sort of a divine coupling. That's the stepping through of the win-lose into the win-win." - Jordan Hall [01:20:00]Chapters 00:03:00 - Christian Virtues and the Imaginal: A Journey into Spiritual Depth00:20:00 - The Power of Transformative Dialogue: Unity and Deepening Faith00:28:00 - Bridging Divides: The Quest for Global Unity and Transcendent Communication00:52:00 - Faith's Duality: Wholesomeness Versus Completeness01:05:00 - Encountering Sacredness: Reflections on Faith and Community01:24:20 - Upcoming Dialogue: Non-Rivalrous Christianity, Religio, and the Fellowship of the Spirit
Embodiment and the Metacrisis with Rafe Kelley John Vervaeke 2024-02-23 | John Vervaeke and Rafe Kelley join forces to explore the profound connection between movement, nature, and personal growth. Discover the transformative power of movement as it pushes physical boundaries, fosters environmental connection, and opens doors to personal evolution. Learn how Kelley integrates philosophy to build a wisdom practice that resonates not just in the mind, but deep within the body itself. Explore the challenges and rewards of connecting with nature through movement, and gain valuable insights into the future of movement culture and its potential to impact individuals and communities alike. This episode offers a thought-provoking journey for anyone seeking deeper meaning, leaving you eager to explore the transformative power of movement in your own life.Rafe Kelley, founder of Evolve Move Play, pioneers a unique movement philosophy, merging parkour with martial arts and a deep connection to nature, fostering a holistic wisdom practice. With over two decades of teaching experience, he offers transformative retreats, workshops, and online courses worldwide. His work emphasizes the synergy between body, psyche, and environment, inviting exploration of personal potential and the sacred in movement.Glossary of TermsEcology of Practices: A set of activities or habits that a group of people commit to doing together.Parkour: A discipline focused on navigating obstacles efficiently and creatively.Movement Culture: A broad approach to physical training that incorporates elements from various disciplines for holistic development.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnRafe KelleyWebsite: evolvemoveplay.comYouTube: youtube.com/c/rafekelleyX: twitter.com/rafekelleyCourses: evolvemoveplay.com/coursesWorkshops: evolvemoveplay.com/weekend-workshops Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke YouTubeAwakening from the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJRelated LinksEvolve Move Play Retreats evolvemoveplay.com/retreatReturn to the Source evolvemoveplay.com/return-to-the-source-seminarMere Christianity - C. S. Lewis amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/00606529261493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created - Charles C. Mann amazon.com/1493-Uncovering-World-Columbus-Created/dp/0307278247The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World - Charles C. Mann amazon.com/Wizard-Prophet-Remarkable-Scientists-Tomorrows/dp/0345802845City - Clifford D. Simak amazon.com/City-Clifford-D-Simak/dp/1504013034Happy St. Valentine's Day "Philosophy & Love" - youtu.be/1vzsxpwHFWE?si=X73u9LI8VQZg33c-CNN. (2024, January 12). Ancient city uncovered in the Amazon, shedding light on a complex civilization. CNN. Retrieved February 24, 2024 cnn.com/2024/01/12/americas/ancient-city-uncovered-amazon-upano-intl-scli-scn/index.htmlQuotes "Discipline ultimately means to follow, and you don't discipline punitively; you discipline something by getting it oriented to something that it wants to follow. That's an important idea." - [01:26:20] John Vervaeke"If we want to solve the meaning crisis and the meta crisis, we have to fall more in love with being. That's not something we can do just through dialogue, it's something we have to embody." - [01:43:20] Rafe Kelley Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction and Background of Rafe Kelley[00:02:20] - Return to the Source Retreat Experience[00:07:50] - Philosophical Dialogues and Wisdom Practices[00:23:00] - Love and Reciprocal Realization[00:33:10] - Navigating the Meaning Crisis through Derealization and Reconnection[00:53:10] - Environmentalism and Human Interaction with Nature[01:11:40] - Navigating Challenges and Exploring Paths Forward[01:20:25] - Reevaluating Capitalism: A Call for Moral Revitalization[01:25:00] - Love, Discipline, and the Sacred[01:37:20] - Exploring Embodiment and the Sacred
Wisdom in the Age of AI: A Philosophical Quest with Vervaeke, Pageau, and Schindler John Vervaeke 2024-02-21 | Explore the complex relationship between AI and human insight in this thought-provoking episode with John Vervaeke, Ken Lowry, Jonathan Pageau, and DC Schindler. While deeply engaging with the scientific and philosophical aspects of artificial intelligence, the panel discusses its broad implications for our understanding of consciousness, culture, and rational thought. Key points include AI's challenge to our self-perception, its potential to reshape societal norms, and the critical examination of whether AI can approach human-like wisdom and ethical reasoning. The dialogue invites listeners to contemplate AI's role in redefining human rationality, wisdom, and the foundational structures of our societies.Ken Lowry is a dedicated explorer of the good, true, and beautiful through his channel Climbing Mt Sophia, focusing on wisdom and virtue dialogues. His work fosters key collaborations, enhancing discussions on spirituality and philosophy.Jonathan Pageau, a French Canadian icon carver and speaker, examines symbolic patterns to reconnect modern life with traditional arts, advocating for the re-enchantment of our contemporary world through ancient wisdom.DC Schindler, a philosopher and professor, delves into metaphysics, ethics, and cultural philosophy, examining classical philosophy's impact on modern challenges, including AI, and its influence on culture and understanding.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnKen Lowry:YouTube: youtube.com/@climbingmt.sophiaSubstack: kenlowry.substack.comJonathan Pageau:Website: thesymbolicworld.comYouTube: youtube.com/c/jonathanpageau DC Schindler:Website: https://www.johnpaulii.edu/academics/faculty/d-c-schindler/Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comBooks, Articles, Publications, and VideosAI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist - John Vervaeke youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui2YOOfrxbeRwJk5jZPmAth&index=1Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent-ebook/dp/B0CBXKL7P1Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne amazon.com/dp/B0CH8W8XLFDivination and Human Nature: A Cognitive History of Intuition in Classical Antiquity - Peter Struck amazon.com/Divination-Human-Nature-Cognitive-Intuition/dp/0691183457Quotes"I do not honestly see how it is possible for humans to make something that is not derivative of themselves... the idea that these things could not be either ways to increase certain people's power or parasites on our own consciousness seems to me not conceivable." - Jonathan Pageau [00:24:22]"One of the problems that I'm seeing is that a lot of this is motivated by economic, by greed, by the capacity to be economically superior to other companies... what is actually driving AI is something like mammon." - Jonathan Pageau [00:21:39] "I wonder whether it's possible to be intelligent without first being alive. There's something about the nature of a living thing that allows intelligence to emerge. Intelligence is a way of being before it's a way of acting and is analogous to what it means to be alive rather than just carry out functions that look like life." - DC Schindler [00:42:59]Chapters [00:00:00] - Opening Remarks: AI's Scope and Impact[00:03:00] - Defining AI: Weak, Strong, and AGI[00:18:30] - Ethical and Philosophical AI Considerations[00:32:35] - Integrating Wisdom with AI Development[00:41:40] - Distinguishing Intelligence and Rationality in AI[00:51:48] - Aligning Humanity to AI-Driven Cultural Shifts[01:23:00] - Consciousness and Technology: Extending the Human Mind[01:42:23] - Speculating AI's Future Directions[01:57:44] - Final Thoughts: Reflecting on AI's Complexity
Integrating Science and Contemplative Practice | Philosophy of Meditation #7 with Mark Miller John Vervaeke 2024-02-16 | In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, philosopher and cognitive scientist Mark Miller joins John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti for a fascinating discussion on the connections between philosophy, science, and contemplative practice. Mark provides insight into his work as a 'synthetic philosopher', integrating diverse fields like neuroscience and Buddhism to create theoretical frameworks for understanding the mind and contemplation. The conversation explores whether there can or should be a 'philosophy of meditation', and how science and philosophy might contribute to human flourishing and contemplative development. Mark shares rich examples of how computational models and cognitive science can elucidate contemplative skills and states, providing nuance to traditional teachings. He emphasizes the importance of balance between insight practices and compassion cultivation on the contemplative path.Mark Miller, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, holds a senior research fellowship at Monash University's Center for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies in Australia, with affiliations at the University of Toronto and Hokkaido University in Japan. His work, which delves into the interplay between human thought, technology's impact on well-being, and human-computer interaction, is at the forefront of integrating cognitive neuroscience with philosophical inquiry.Glossary of TermsPredictive Processing: A cognitive science theory that suggests the brain continuously makes predictions about the environment based on past experiences.Synthetic Philosophy: An interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from various fields to develop comprehensive frameworks for understanding complex phenomena.Contemplative Science: A field of study that investigates the effects of meditation and contemplative practices on the mind and well-being.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnRick Repetti:Website: rickrepetti.comInstagram: instagram.com/rickrepetti X: twitter.com/rickrepetti Facebook: facebook.com/philosophicalpractitionerMark Miller:The Contemplative Science Podcast: thecontemplativescientists.comWebsite: https://www.markdmiller.live/YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCaYjSup-Hp3V9P6MGt2zPuAX: twitter.com/predictivelifeJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comBooks, Articles, and PublicationsRoutledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746XWhy I Am Not a Buddhist - Evan Thompson amazon.com/Why-I-Am-Not-Buddhist/dp/0300264674Quotes“Meditation is philosophy. It's not about relaxing, and it's certainly not about just creating weird psychedelic states so that we can blow our minds and talk about it. Meditation is a way of knowing ourselves, knowing our situation, and then flourishing through that special knowing.” - Mark Miller [00:16:42]"Don't under appreciate the value of love for your training. If you're listening to this, and you're contemplative, and you're tuning in now to help your practice, don't overlook it. It's valuable at the beginning, in the middle, in the end - like even a small amount of loving kindness and kindness practice now is going to make all the difference." - Mark Miller [00:56:00]Chapters[00:00:00] Introduction [00:06:00] - Mark Miller's Journey in Contemplative Science[00:14:00] - Meditation's Role in Philosophy and Contemplation[00:17:00] - Synthetic Philosophy and Contemplative Science[00:23:00] - Bridging Science, Philosophy and Contemplative Practice [00:30:00] - Blending Philosophy and Cognitive Science in Contemplative Practice [00:47:00] - Exploring Deep Belief Structures and Skillful Engagement[00:55:00] - Concluding Thoughts
Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison John Vervaeke 2024-02-14 | In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and guest Seth Allison offer an insightful exploration into the depths of psychotherapy, focusing on internal family systems (IFS) and its connections with Jungian psychology and attachment theory. John and Seth delve into the theoretical and practical realms of IFS, as founded by Dick Schwartz, highlighting its transformative potential in clinical practice. The conversation traverses the historical development of psychological theories, the intricacies of the human psyche, and the therapeutic efficacy of blending IFS with emotional therapy (EFT). By weaving together theory and practice, Seth and John illuminate the path towards healing and wholeness.Seth Allison is a renowned psychotherapist specializing in internal family systems (IFS) and its integration with traditional psychotherapy. With years of clinical practice, Seth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the therapeutic journey. Glossary of TermsInternal Family Systems (IFS): A psychotherapy model that emphasizes the multiplicity of the mind, suggesting that the psyche is made up of subpersonalities or parts.Jungian Analysis: A psychotherapeutic approach based on the theories of Carl Jung, focusing on the integration of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnSeth Allison:Website: Grow Collective - growcollective.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/seth-allison-13abb811bJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comJohn Vervaeke YouTubeAfter Socrates: Episode 8 - The Socratic Shift | Dr. John Vervaeke youtube.com/watch?v=AALyoLXE0AQBooks, Articles, and PublicationsNo Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model - Richard Schwartz amazon.com/No-Bad-Parts-Restoring-Wholeness/dp/1683646681Many Minds, One Self: Evidence for a Radical Shift in Paradigm - Richard C. Schwartz, Robert R. Falconer amazon.com/Many-Minds-One-Self-Evidence/dp/0692957340The Theradelic Approach: Psychedelic Therapy. Perspective, Preparation, and Practice - Sunny Strasburg, Richard Schwartz amazon.com/Theradelic-Approach-Psychedelic-Perspective-Preparation/dp/B0C7JJB5WYIn Midlife: A Jungian Perspective - Murray Stein amazon.com/Midlife-Jungian-Perspective-Murray-Stein/dp/1630510890Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction - Murray Stein amazon.com/Jungs-Map-Soul-Murray-Stein/dp/0812693760A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel’s Phenomenology - Robert B. Brandom amazon.com/Spirit-Trust-Reading-Hegels-Phenomenology/dp/0674976819Quotes"The pursuit of wisdom and virtue from an attachment perspective could be framed as the pursuit of trust, learning of trust. It is a dangerous thing to trust, yet we can't really get to the next level without some risk. The connections we make externally and internally really are the key forward, the door to walk through." - Seth Allison [01:21:08]Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction to Seth Allison and Recap of Previous Discussions[00:05:00] - Exploring Internal Family Systems (IFS)[00:20:00] - Jungian Analysis and Its Intersection with IFS[00:35:00] - Practical Applications of IFS in Therapy[00:50:00] - The Interplay of Technique, Attachment, and Transformation in Psychotherapy[01:05:00] - Navigating the Liminal Spaces of the Psyche with Hermes[01:16:00] - Conclusion and Plans for Future Conversations
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Insights | Philosophy of Meditation #6 with Massimo Pigliucci John Vervaeke 2024-02-09 | In Episode 6 of the "Philosophy of Meditation" series, John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti discuss with guest Massimo Pigliucci how stoicism and meditation intertwine. Massimo, an acclaimed philosopher, delves into his transition from evolutionary biology to philosophy and Stoicism. The conversation covers key aspects of Stoicism, including the practice of mindfulness, attention (prosoche), and the Stoic approach to life's challenges. They discuss the parallels and differences between Stoic practices and Buddhist meditation, emphasizing the importance of rationality and judgment in Stoicism. The episode also touches on mindfulness in modern contexts, comparing it to classical practices, and concludes with Massimo sharing his personal Stoic meditative practices and reflections on life and death.Massimo Pigliucci is a distinguished philosopher and author renowned for his work in the philosophy of science and his advocacy for Stoicism as a practical philosophy for modern life. He is a key figure in the modern revival of Stoicism, contributing significantly through his writings, talks, and as a certified philosophical counselor.Glossary of TermsStoicism: An ancient Greek philosophy that emphasizes rationality, virtue, and resilience.Mindfulness: The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences.Prosoche: A Stoic term for attentive mindfulness, focusing on rational judgment and action.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnRick Repetti:Website: rickrepetti.comInstagram: instagram.com/rickrepetti X: twitter.com/rickrepetti Facebook: facebook.com/philosophicalpractitionerMassimo Pigliucci:Substack: figsinwinter.substack.com Join our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comBooks, Articles, and PublicationsRoutledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746XA Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control―52 Week-by-Week Lessons - Gregory Lopez, Massimo Pigliucci amazon.com/Handbook-New-Stoics-Week-Week/dp/1615195335Quotes"But meditating in Stoicism is a kind of activity that is very much philosophical in nature... But it's most certainly is a type of philosophizing." - Massimo Pigliucci [00:11:11]"This is a place where it's converging with sort of cutting edge CogSci, which is the importance of attention to being reasonable that the training of attention is as important as the training of argumentation." - John Vervaeke [00:20:40]"What can I do better the next time? Again, the idea being your mind needs to be prepared. If you're prepared, you're going to react better the next time around." - Massimo Pigliucci [00:53:15]Chapters[00:00:00] - Introduction to the Episode by John Vervaeke[00:01:21] - Massimo Pigliucci's Background and Journey to Stoicism[00:04:44] - Pigliucci’s Current Work and Philosophical Interests[00:08:03] - Discussing the Philosophy of Meditation[00:14:47] - Exploration of Stoic Principles: Physics, Logic, and Ethics[00:17:00] - Massimo Pigliucci Discusses the Broader Understanding of Ethics in Stoicism[00:24:40] - Stoic Perspectives on Choice, Good and Evil, and Social Relationships[00:31:09] - Comparing and Contrasting Buddhism and Stoicism[00:43:30] - Massimo's Personal Stoic Meditative Practices[00:53:15] - Massimo Pigliucci's Closing Thoughts on Practical Philosophy
How the Light Gets In: “Solving the Meaning Crisis” John Vervaeke 2024-02-07 | In this episode, John Vervaeke takes us on a journey through the complexities of the modern meaning crisis. From the loneliness epidemic and the rise of secular living to the cultural fascination with zombies and the misuse of mindfulness, Vervaeke unpacks the myriad ways in which our search for meaning has become convoluted and elusive. Through a critical examination of societal trends and psychological phenomena, he sheds light on the deep-seated issues that drive our collective existential unease and offers insights into navigating the path toward a more meaningful existence. For a deeper dive into how we can navigate our way through the meaning crisis, leveraging the wisdom and philosophical traditions that underpin our quest for purpose, explore John Vervaeke's insights further at: iai.tv/video/solving-the-meaning-crisis-john-vervaekeWatch the full lecture here: iai.tv/video/solving-the-meaning-crisis-john-vervaeke?_auid=2020Glossary of TermsMeaning Crisis: A societal condition characterized by a widespread perception of life as meaningless, driven by factors like loneliness, secularization, and disconnection from communal and sacred aspects of life.Secularization: The process by which religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance.Nihilism: The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.Mindfulness: A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comYouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohnJoin our new Patreonpatreon.com/johnvervaekeThe Vervaeke Foundation - vervaekefoundation.orgAwaken to Meaning - awakentomeaning.comSolving the Meaning Crisis - iai.tv/video/solving-the-meaning-crisis-john-vervaekeBooks, Articles, Publications, and VideosBeyond the Trip: How Psychedelics Are Shaping Our Worldview, with Alexander Beiner youtube.com/watch?v=G1pNqzvhbyI&t=6sHow the West Really Lost God: A New Theory of Secularization - Mary Eberstadt amazon.com/How-West-Really-Lost-Secularization/dp/1599474662Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis - John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Filip Miscevic amazon.com/Zombies-Western-Culture-Twenty-First-Century/dp/178374328On Bullshit - Harry G. Frankfurt amazon.com/Bullshit-Harry-G-Frankfurt/dp/0691122946The Bigger Picture: How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the World - Alexander Beiner amazon.com/Bigger-Picture-Psychedelics-Sense-World/dp/140197189XMeaning in Life and Why It Matters - Susan Wolf amazon.com/Meaning-Matters-University-Center-Values/dp/0691154503 [Addictive behaviour]. World Health Organization (2019, May 28). https://www.who.int/health-topics/addictive-behaviour#tab=tab_1Quotes“The thing about anxiety is it doesn't have a focused object because it generally points to a fundamental sense of disconnection. The coupling between the agent and the arena of the world is not properly in place for you.” - John Vervaeke [00:03:57]“Two things that people are commenting a lot on… epidemic narcissism and nihilism, and they're actually just two sides of the same coin. Nihilism emphasizes the objective sense of a lack of meaning, and narcissism is the subjective.” - John Vervaeke [00:05:08]"Zombies are a mythological expression of the meaning crisis. They're not supernatural; they are us, decayed. They're in groups, but they're not communal. They drift... They have an insatiable desire to consume... They often want to consume the organ of meaning-making, brains... The zombies are us. We are them. And they're the meaning crisis." - John Vervaeke [00:06:10]Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction to the Meaning Crisis[00:01:00] - The Loneliness Epidemic and Social Isolation [00:02:00] - Secularization and the Loss of the Sacred [00:03:20] - Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health [00:05:00] - Narcissism, Nihilism, and Cultural Phenomena [00:06:00] - The Zombie Myth as a Metaphor [00:12:20] - Mindfulness and Stoicism Today [00:15:00] - Psychedelic Experiences [00:16:20] - The Metaphor of Meaning.
