What Relates Creates with life & computer scientist Richard Watson (from the archive)

Send a love message Love, Science, and the Dynamics of Change: From the ArchiveThis is a replay of an earlier conversation with Richard Watson (which was already an unpublished conversation we'd had earlier, so there's lots of nesting here). Initially focusing on Universal Darwinism and its limitations, the discussion evolves into a broader examination of alternative mechanisms like learning and mutual transformative change. Andrea and Richard delve into nuanced definitions of individuality and agency, challenging the reductionist view in favor of a more integrative approach. They explore the intersection of science and subjectivity, positing that love, characterized as 'deeply vulnerable mutual knowing,' plays a critical role in understanding relationships and evolutionary processes. This thought-provoking dialogue highlights the dynamic interplay of biological systems and the potential for a more compassionate and creative understanding of life's complexity.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:27 Andrea's Reflections and Richard Watson's Work00:56 Defining Individual and Body01:14 Evolutionary Units and Mutual Transformative Change01:41 Academic Ideas on Evolution and Cognition03:27 Richard Watson's Background and Research05:22 Natural Selection and Adaptation12:02 Learning Processes vs. Natural Selection21:08 Cooperation and Competition in Biology28:53 Individuality and Agency in Living Systems39:20 Bioelectricity and Gene Expression40:51 The Bidirectional Relationship of Cells and Genes41:34 The Limits of Natural Selection42:55 Love as a Scientific Concept47:06 Evolutionary Algorithms and Their Shortcomings50:00 The Evolution of Cooperation and Individuality54:09 The Role of Love in Evolution59:25 The Dance of Relationships and Resonance01:07:33 The Creative Process of Evolution01:18:01 The Balance of Love and FearRichard WatsonWhat's Love Got To Do with ItFull 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.