#47: Love Beyond Subject and Object with therapist & neuroscientist Mark Solms

Send a love message GiveSupport with a Subscription Mark Solms | Part 2 | Can love bring us beyond traditional divides?Mark Solms is a professor in the Department of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town: "My early research focused on the brain mechanisms of sleep and dreaming led to an interest in consciousness, which is currently my major focus. My emphasis is on brainstem mechanisms of consciousness and the foundational role of affect, emotional affect in particular. This work has included applications to various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anosognosia and confabulatory amnesia, and, more recently, depression and addiction."In this episode, Andrea and Mark discuss the intricate dimensions of love and consciousness. Solms and Hiott explore the various elements that constitute love, including romantic love, attachment, and care. Solms highlights the complexities of human emotions and how they integrate into love and relationships. Solms also discusses the concepts of narcissism, object love, and how the integration of different emotional drives forms advanced states of mind. The conversation touches on the importance of subjectivity in neuroscience, the development of self-awareness, and Freud's contribution to understanding human nature. The episode provides a nuanced look at how feelings are fundamental to conscious experience and the obligation of science to incorporate subjectivity into its worldview.00:00 Understanding Consciousness and Self-Awareness00:55 The Complexity of Love and Relationships02:47 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest04:48 Exploring the Concept of Love05:40 The Components of Romantic Love08:20 Attachment and Care in Relationships11:56 Balancing Emotions in Love17:18 The Role of Feelings in Human Nature29:05 Exploring the Nature of Love in Mammals30:33 Philosophical Love: The Quest for Knowledge31:25 Lust and Its Complex Relationship with Love32:42 Freud's Concept of Narcissism35:22 Integrating Lust and Attachment43:36 The Evolution of Consciousness51:28 Freud's Scientific Project and Subjectivity57:05 Balancing Objective and Subjective Realities01:00:08 Concluding Thoughts on Love and ConsciousnessMark SolmsHidden SpringLove and Its Place in NaturePlease join in supportFull intro and notes here.Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it.Support the showBuy Holding Paradox: The Navigational Approach to Mind and Consciousness by Andrea HiottSign up for Making Ways newsletter and projects.Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.