#68: Loving, Knowing and Participatory Sense-making with philosopher Hanne De Jaegher

Send a love messageGiveSupport with a Subscription4e philosopher of cognitive science Hanne De Jaegher discusses the profound relationship between loving and knowing as intertwined processes. The first in what we hope to be many conversations about this inspirational work. With Andrea, Hanne explores the idea that thinking and feeling emerge from the same fundamental act of sense-making, which is rooted in our basic, biological existence. De Jaegher shares her personal experiences and how they led to her academic journey studying cognitive science, and then to her work on participatory sense-making. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing both oneness and difference in relationships and the conversation discusses the critical role of noticing and relational awareness. Through various explorations, De Jaegher illustrates how love is an ongoing relational activity that ‘shares a core with knowing’ and that can foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.00:00 The Nature of Love and Sense Making01:18 Exploring Cognitive Science and Social Cognition02:58 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:52 Hanne’s Academic Journey and Dissertation05:37 The Philosophy of Love and Knowing09:38 Personal Reflections on Love and Language11:48 The Interconnection of Loving, Knowing, and Being22:26 The Role of Noticing in Relationships25:36 Philosophical Insights on Ontology and Epistemology30:03 The Dynamics of Relationships and Sense Making34:42 The Importance of Holding Tension in Understanding40:53 The Impact of Loving and Knowing on Personal Growth47:17 Exploring Abstract Patterns and Sensory Experiences48:25 Understanding Social Cognition and Autism56:10 Bridging Cognitive Science and Sociology58:14 Motivations and Challenges in Academic Life01:01:15 The Role of Love in Research and Life01:06:27 Navigating Academic and Personal Challenges01:18:27 Holding Space and Embracing Multiplicity01:24:47 Concluding Thoughts on Love and UnderstandingFrancisco VarelaLoving and Knowing: reflections for an engaged epistemologyParadoxical Practices (2025) with Elena Cuffari and Rika PreiserParticipatory Sense-Making with Ezequiel Di PaoloSense Making (Maturana & Varela)Living Ways of Sense Making by Evan ThompsonAndy ClarkHanne’s website and publication listSupport the showFull 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.