Love & Philosophy

Send a love messageWhat Marks our Movement through life?Andrea Hiott interviews A.A. Kostas, a Singapore-based lawyer and writer who runs the Substack Way Markers, blending poetry, fiction, and essays. They discuss how moving through different places shaped his writing and his interest in avoiding simplistic binaries through discernment—first identifying what kind of decision is in front of you—using hiking metaphors of many paths versus a narrow ridge. Alex cites Into the Wild as a cautionary way marker about seeking truth without rejecting human connection, and describes a Cradle Mountain hike where his wife had to find her own route. They explore how technology reinforces binary thinking, why poetry and music hold meanings beneath prose, and the value of humility from engaging Western and Eastern traditions (including Merton and Suzuki). They examine care as uncomfortable attention, the importance of embodied presence, and Alex’s experience of fatherhood as immediate responsibility and obligation where love grows.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:21 Becoming a Writer03:51 Growing Up Everywhere05:15 What Is Way Markers07:12 Pilgrimage and Substack10:29 Into the Wild Lessons14:29 Beyond Binary Thinking18:49 Cradle Mountain Metaphor22:36 Discernment and Ridge Lines25:20 Tech Shapes Our Minds27:00 Why Braid Genres31:04 Music and Poetry Under Language34:12 Law as Applied Philosophy37:41 Zen Meets Catholic Mysticism43:00 Humility and Unknowing46:48 Craving Oneness Safely48:19 Mystical Moments Explained50:20 Flow State With Meaning51:00 Desire Points to God52:25 You Cant Conjure Awe56:14 Care In Writing58:36 Audience Capture Trap59:27 Pamphlets Off The Internet01:02:40 Love Is Uncomfortable01:17:58 Fellow Travelers And Faith01:24:28 Humor Holds Paradox01:28:34 Fatherhood And Obligation01:32:18 Closing ReflectionsSee the Substack for links to the books mentioned.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.

Send a love messageB. Scot Rousse (“B”)'s substack, "Without Why," focuses on what it means to be alive in an age of intelligent machines. He is philosopher in residence at Topos Institute and visiting scholar in Philosophy at Berkeley. He also drums in 3 punk bands.To support us, please sign up for the newsletter or Give any amount.Andrea Hiott has a conversation with philosopher B. Scot Rousse (“B”). B is an Oakland-based, Berkeley-affiliated Heidegger and phenomenology scholar focused on AI’s effects on our capacities to care. He is also a Topos Institute affiliate and a punk drummer. Andrea and B discuss Heidegger’s care as living in “meaningful differences,” embodied affordances, moods, and existential orientation. They explore how AI risks compulsive optimization and an overly narrow picture of the role of language in human life. B argues that technologies design ways of being human, urges users and designers to ask “for the sake of what,” articulates punk’s embodied, communal, joyful “controlled chaos” as an antidote to technological nihilism, and celebrates love and care in their visceral, pluralistic, and risky uncontrollability. Along the way, B traces a path from growing up Hare Krishna in Florida, to an encounter with a philosophy teacher who encouraged his transfer to UC Berkeley where he came under the mentorship of Hubert Dreyfus, whose teaching and critiques of symbolic AI shaped B’s work. B also shares about his work with philosopher-entrepreneur Fernando Flores (thanks to an introduction by Dreyfus), who applies philosophy to organizational “networks of conversations” that coordinate commitments and care for customer concerns, drawing on his experience in Chilean political history and ontological reinterpretation of entrepreneurship. In all of these experiences, B focuses on an abiding and urgent question: How do we protect our capacity to care in an age of optimization? How can you create, in your life, your version of the worldly joy and shared meaning of being in a punk band?B’s substack is Without Why. He currently drums in the bands Realistic, Vexxyl, and Wildfire.Here is the piece on Hubert Drefyus that Andrea mentions.Subscribe to B’s YouTube channel here. Support the Hubert Dreyfus Audio Archive Project here.ShareSubscribe now00:00 Welcome and Care Question00:36 Meet B Scot Rousse04:31 Highlights and Themes07:08 B Introduces Himself08:14 From Krishna Roots to Philosophy10:27 Teacher to Berkeley and Dreyfus12:01 Ambassadors of Possibility13:16 Dreyfus Mentorship Years14:52 Fernando Flores and Careful Organizations18:40 Heideggerian Care Meets AI23:56 Care and Agency in Analytic Ethics30:04Support 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.

Send a love messageThe Great Psychology Delusion: Why the Mean Misleads and Pluralism MattersRead the book here.This is an academic psychology-focused episode with lecturer Marek McGann, whose work spans enactive cognitive science, embodiment, politics, feminist philosophy, and STS. Andrea and Marek discuss his co-authored book The Great Psychology Delusion with Craig Speelman. McGann explains why “delusion” fits psychology’s persistence in treating long-critiqued assumptions as valid, especially the aggregation delusion: averaging group data and applying it to individuals despite human non-interchangeability and change over time, linked to the ergodic assumption and ergodic theorem conditions rarely met in human behavior. They discuss how averaging can create misleading “laws” (e.g., power law of learning), the research–practice gap in clinical work, psychology’s history and method-driven identity, and the need for disciplined, pluralistic, scale-aware science that better integrates perspectives and practitioner expertise.00:00 Show Intro And Guest01:23 Book Thesis And Stakes02:24 Aggregation Delusion Explained03:54 Research Practice Gap04:49 More Detailed Book Summary07:47 Averaging Artifacts And Ergodicity09:29 Careful Critique Not Anti Psychology11:06 Warm Reorientation Sendoff11:51 Conversation Begins15:17 Why Call It Delusion20:11 How Psychology Became Method Led31:08 Aggregation Delusion Deep Dive33:35 Ergodic Fallacy in Humans35:21 Scale Slippage and Delusion37:59 Research Practice Gap Explained41:01 Clinician Code Switching42:46 Many Scales of Mind43:57 MRI Averaging Pitfalls48:32 Method Silos and Identities52:43 Care, Careers, and Canalization55:27 GPS Model for Pluralism01:00:33 Pluralism Not Relativism01:02:58 Why Marek Cares01:06:06 Psychology’s Moment of Change01:06:56 Closing Thanks and WrapMarek McGann has been a lecturer in the Department of Psychology since 2005. His principal research is theoretical work on the enactive approach to cognitive science, which examines the mind more as something we do rather than something we have. This is also related to ecological approaches to psychology, which explore how behaviour and mental life can be examined by looking at what your head is in, rather than what is in your head. He also has a related interest in critical considerations of theory and scientific practice in psychology more broadly.Marek co-convenes the ENSO Seminars, a series of online seminars with researchers from enactive and ecological cognitive science.The paper Andrea mentions: Facing LifeBuy Holding Paradox: The Navigational Approach to Mind and Consciousness by Andrea HiottSign up for 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.

Send a love messageThis is an impromptu bonus episode previewing the NYC premiere of Sophie Fiennes’s documentary film Acting, which follows the celebrated theatre company Cheek by Jowl through their production of Macbeth. Andrea is speaking with her this week in NYC.Andrea introduces the ideas of director Declan Donnellan, whose book The Actor in the Space (2024) helps us get some insight into the film. Subjects: the philosophy of performance to spatial cognition, presence, and what it means to be truly alive on stage — or anywhere.Perhaps this is a good moment to revisit the themes of Macbeth.Come Saturday April 11th at 6:45pm for the film and Q &A with Sophie Fiennes (and Andrea): ️tickets at https://quadcinema.com/film/acting/Declan Donnellan: "Human beings are actors. It is hardwired into our DNA — from toddlers playing make-believe to old-age pensioners sharing jokes in the pub. We need to perform. It’s an essential part of being human. Acting starts early. We use it to develop our relationship with our mothers. We watch her and wonder, mirror her smiling, repeat the sounds she makes. We learn things by performing for her, and she performs for us. Does that mean we are lying to each other? Of course not. Performance is woven into the fabric of our lives. It’s as natural and important to us as breathing. Performance is not merely a habit that humans keep repeating across millennia, languages and cultures. It is more fundamental than that. Performance is what it is to be human. It is the operating system for life."The episode previews a bonus conversation with filmmaker Sophie Fiennes ahead of a screening of her film "Acting," about the London theater company Cheek by Jowl, co-founded by director Declan Donnellan and designer Nick Ormerod. Andrea introduces Donnellan’s ideas from his books "The Actor and the Target" and "The Actor in the Space," emphasizing that performance is fundamental to being human and that acting depends on creating the conditions—especially the space and context—where a character can exist and feel alive, rather than forcing meaning or emotion. The script contrasts older, space-oriented filmmaking with faster kinetic editing, highlights the importance of giving audiences room for their own cognition, and includes clips from Macbeth rehearsal discussing dread, avoidance, and the challenge of convincing the audience. It ends with details about attending the New York screening and future posting of a longer conversation. All links to books and notes are here.00:00 Love and Dread00:11 Macbeth in Fragments01:00 Creative Risk and Space02:59 Audience Cognition and Care03:55 Art Beyond Meaning04:58 Bonus Episode Intro06:39 Performing Everyday Life08:11 Who Is Declan Donnellan10:25 Performance as Human OS12:12 Why Acting Is Hard14:20 Alive in Rehearsal16:24 Space That Supports Life18:30 Care and Plugging In21:43 Avoidance and Reacting24:44 Philosophy and Presence26:34 Macbeth Actor DialogueSupport 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.

Send a love message Holding Paradox Through Serious Play: Can serious play be a portal to wisdom? This is an episode about puzzles and care. Andrea has a conversation with puzzle maker Jason Robillard (StumpCraft) about how puzzles cultivate new ways of being and seeing, holding paradox by repeatedly joining opposites only to realize they were never quite opposites but mirror-like pieces of a coherent whole. Robillard describes his wooden, laser-cut puzzles built from Canadian fine art, with uniquely drawn organic pieces, symbolic elements, sensory “shock,” and sometimes multiple valid placements that challenge assumptions of a single solution. He connects puzzling to embodied experience, attention, OODA loops, cognitive biases, and navigating complexity through “alternating base camps” and Goldilocks destabilization, the metamodern idea of 'serious play', relating this to career upheavals and identity change. The conversation emphasizes care as community glue and highlights values embedded in his work—curiosity, creativity, integrity, and generosity—plus a resonance with David Whyte’s poem “Start Close In.”00:00 Paradox Through Play02:36 Podcast Intro Puzzles Theme07:54 Meet Jason And His Work09:20 Puzzles Holding Paradox11:38 Designing Artful Wooden Puzzles14:47 Embodied Senses And Touch16:58 Career Shift Into Puzzles23:24 Serious Play And Homo Ludens25:50 Moving Childhood And Safety31:57 Base Camps And Destabilization34:30 Polarity Recipes Beyond Flatland38:47 Designing Paradox Puzzles39:48 Many Solutions Mindset42:54 Puzzles as Conversation47:53 Liminal Times Need Puzzles56:00 Sensemaking and OODA Loops01:00:22 Home Gifts and Community01:03:17 Four Values in Design01:11:29 Start Closer In Practice01:13:39 Care Belonging and Vulnerability01:18:52 Where to Find Jason01:19:57 Closing Poem ReadingStumpCraft Amazing Instagram Photos and Videos of GamesJasen’s writings: Releasing the MuseJasen on LinkedInMetamodern influences: Serious PlayOODA loop (observe, orient, decide, act)Homo LudensJasen Robillard was always a closet creative who long denied the creative muses, focusing instead on a “secure” engineering career until it dried up in 2017. As is often the case, necessity proved to be the mother of invention… In 2016, Jasen started designing and prototyping his whimsical puzzles which were inspired by other wooden laser-cut puzzles he had enjoyed years earlier. He noted a lack of wooden puzzle availability in Canada, as well as a severe lack of deliberate focus on Canadian fine art. After a year of playful prototyping and a clear end to his engineering-focused career, Jasen decided to launch StuSupport 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.

Send a love messageFacing Reality with Clear Eyes but without Desperation: Scilla Elworthy on Listening with the Heart to Transform Conflict Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Scilla Elworthy reflects on 70 years of work with conflict and war, beginning at age 12 after seeing tanks in Budapest and being sent to help concentration camp survivors. She describes how others’ suffering “hit” her heart and led her to action in Algeria, the Congo, and South Africa, where she worked on starvation relief, shipped milk powder, and supported education, noting the central role of women in community resilience. Elworthy emphasizes “listening with the heart” to discern what people truly need beyond narratives, and explains how turning to the heart helps release harsh self-criticism. She also shares practical self-nourishment through nature and gardening, and recounts using humanizing, vulnerable moments—like discussing children—to soften high-stakes meetings, including military dialogues in China, as a way to build connection and “power with” others."Triple nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with Oxford Research Group to develop effective dialogue between nuclear weapons policy-makers worldwide and their critics from 1983-2003. Founded Peace Direct in 2002, awarded the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003, the Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2020, the GOI Peace Award in 2023. Founded The Business Plan for Peace  based on her latest books - The Business Plan for Peace: Building a World Without War (2017), The Mighty Heart: how to transform conflict (2020), and The Mighty Heart in Action (2022)."Find all Scilla's work here.Kyla Scanlon's post mentioned here00:00 Why We Still Kill00:55 Action Over Apathy01:07 Heart As Guide01:39 Inner Critic Quieted03:23 Podcast Introduction07:03 Meet Scilla Elworthy08:17 Tanks In Budapest11:32 Early War Witnessing14:33 Africa Conflict Journeys17:47 Women Leading Change19:52 Listening With Heart22:29 Defining The Heart25:31 Nature As Nourishment29:35 Self Inspection To Embodiment32:41 Taming The Inner Critic34:04 Heart Led Self Compassion35:54 Daring Diplomacy With Generals36:49 Breaking The Ice With Humanness42:48 Power With Vulnerability47:24 Courage In The Moment51:07 Love In The Garden53:03 Closing Thanks And Future Fears53:55 Listener Note And NYC EventSupport 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.

Send a love message Janet Levin on Physicalism, Zombies, and Changing Minds Andrea hosts philosopher Janet Levin, newly retired after 40 years at USC and the department’s first tenure-track woman hire, to discuss a life in analytic philosophy and debates about mind and consciousness. Levin recounts stumbling into philosophy at the University of Chicago with Ted Cohen and later studying at MIT amid figures like Jerry Fodor, Noam Chomsky, and advisor Ned Block, and writing the Stanford Encyclopedia entry on functionalism. They contrast dualism and physicalism, explain metaphysics as inquiry into what exists and what is possible, and examine thought experiments such as Descartes’ arguments, Jackson’s knowledge argument, and Chalmers’ zombie case. Levin holds that our feelings and experiences are nothing over and above physical processes in the body, primarily the brain and central nervous system. The conversation closes on teaching, women in philosophy, and how openness, identity, and social forces affect willingness to change one’s mind and pursue truth.The Road Taken APA TalkJanet LevinTime Stamps:00:00 Big Questions on Mind Change01:47 Consciousness and Zombies02:11 Welcome and Season Setup03:22 Meet Janet Levin07:31 Stumbling Into Philosophy08:25 Why Minds Change Slowly11:10 Synthetic Hippocampus and Extended Mind12:57 Chicago Origins With Ted Cohen18:02 MIT Era and Cognitive Revolution22:01 From Behaviorism to Functionalism26:17 Defining Physicalism and Supervenience29:23 What Is the Mind Really34:46 Cognitive Phenomenology Debate37:31 What Metaphysics Studies40:02 Classic Metaphysics Puzzles43:15 Free Will and Determinism46:34 Descartes and the Self51:41 Conceivability and Zombie Arguments58:40 Dualism’s Causation Problem01:11:40 Type B Physicalism and Phenomenal Concepts01:22:46 Water Lightning Mind01:24:15 Identity Theory Pushback01:27:51 Physicalism Explained Broadly01:30:05 Phenomenal Concepts Introspection01:32:17 Introspection As Skill01:34:44 Defending Armchair Philosophy01:37:22 Armchair Near Window01:39:10 How Minds Change01:43:55 Bias Identity And Windows01:45:35 Women In Philosophy Shifts01:50:28 Grad Training Mentorship01:54:43 Teaching Confidence Bloomers01:57:42 Love Retirement Future Questions02:02:12 Host Outro WaymakingGiving PageLonger Show Notes and PDF of APA talkJanet Levin is Professor Emerita of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, where she was a longtime faculty member in the School of Philosophy. Her research focuses on epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy from MIT and her B.A. from the University of Chicago. Much of her work engages with one of the hardest problems in philosophy: how to account for the subjective, felt quality of conscious expeSupport 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.

Send a love messageLove and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy: Way Making, Care, and a New SeasonAndrea Hiott introduces Love and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy and reflects on how a late-2023 research project became a podcast shaped by the guiding question of “way making”: how we find our way and how our way makes us. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, urban planning, ecology, biology, and navigability heuristics, she reframes life’s most crucial action as care, challenging fixed separations like ontology, epistemology, and axiology and emphasizing “constellation” or kaleidoscopic thinking over either/or dichotomies. She previews more rigorous work addressing questions about consciousness, representation, agency, self, mind, and technology through the lens of care, and mentions an upcoming book, Holding Paradox. A new season begins tomorrow March 17 with philosopher Janet Levine, releasing monthly episodes on the 17th, with show notes summarizing key ideas from the past two years.Give here: https://loveandphilosophy.com/giving-pageHere is a link to the free Love & Philosophy Field Guide which comes to your email: https://making-ways.kit.com/01025445f6orfind it here: https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/p/focusing-on-care-field-notes-and00:00 Welcome and Project Update00:27 Waymaking as Core Question01:03 Care as Life’s Foundation03:48 Beyond Either Or Thinking04:49 Books and Rigorous Philosophy Ahead06:38 New Season Schedule and Thanks07:15 Support the Work07:43 The Hard Parts and Staying in Care08:31 Show Notes Summary and Closing Good WishesField Notes at https://making-ways.kit.com/01025445f6Support 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.

Send a love messageFrom the archive.Giving PageAndrea introduces an archive episode of Love and Philosophy featuring Perry Zurn, provost and associate professor of philosophy at American University about the book Curious Minds, coauthored with Dani Bassett. The intro previews an upcoming season launch with Janet Levin. In the following conversation, Perry links curiosity to desire and love, arguing love can guide curiosity away from appropriative or objectifying inquiry. Zurn reframes curiosity not as an individual desire to fill information gaps but as a social practice and a “capacity to connect,” drawing on network science, complexity, and ecological aesthetics through the idea of “edge work.” Andrea and Perry discuss diverse styles of curiosity (busy body, hunter, dancer), curiosity’s role in shifting knowledge networks and methods, interdisciplinary resistance, and how breaking “edges” or “cracks” can be both destructive and creative, relating curiosity to hope and to more-than-human ecologies. Perry also describes the book’s artwork by Poonam Mistry and the dedication to children who ask whether things must be this way.Perry Zurn's websiteCurious Minds: Buy the book00:00 Archive Season Preview00:56 Why Curiosity Matters03:19 Support And Welcome03:53 Love And Curiosity06:28 Origins Of Curious Minds08:51 Curiosity As Practice11:24 Edge Work Explained15:18 Pioneering And Ethics17:39 Complexity And The Brain21:27 Styles Of Curiosity26:08 Curiosity Across Divides30:12 Walking As Knowing32:31 Methods As Paths36:34 Why New Paths Threaten39:38 Dead Ends And Branching40:33 Connectional Curiosity42:48 More Than Human Curiosity47:29 Cracks Hope And Destruction51:35 Daring To Disturb53:47 Art And Dedication56:45 Closing ReflectionsSupport 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.

Send a love message From the archive. First aired in Jan of 2025. A conversation about Hegel. Andrea talks with Karen Ng, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. The discussion delves into Hegel's ideas on contradiction, self-consciousness, life, and love, revealing how these notions are intricately intertwined in his work. Karen Ng brings forward her insights from her award-winning book 'Hegel's Concept of Life,' highlighting the radical nature of Hegel's thought and its relevance in modern contexts. Together, they explore deeply challenging philosophical concepts, making connections to contemporary issues in philosophy, environmental science, and cognitive theory. Join us as we navigate through Hegel’s complex ideas and uncover their enduring significance.00:00 Hegel's Contradictory Philosophy00:47 The Machine Model vs. Organic Unity02:55 Introduction to Karen Ng and Her Work06:40 Karen Ng's Journey with Hegel16:17 Kant's Influence and the Copernican Turn24:57 The Concept of Life and Internal Purposiveness39:55 Exploring the Conditions for Intelligibility40:27 Hegel's Radical Thought on Life and Meaning41:44 Primitive and Sophisticated Sense-Making42:09 Self-Conscious Forms of Life42:37 Hegel's Connection Between Life and Meaning43:56 The Speculative Identity Thesis44:41 The Shock of Hegel's Absolute Idea45:53 Thinking and Corporeality47:51 The Radical Nature of Self-Conscious Life48:52 Challenging Cartesian Dualism49:38 Kant's Dualism and Moral Philosophy50:37 The Speculative Identity Thesis and Cognition52:42 The Radical Connection Between Life and Cognition53:05 Contemporary Philosophers on Life and Mind53:32 Hegel's Influence on Modern Thought01:06:06 The Importance of Teaching Philosophy01:07:46 Hegel's Thoughts on Love and Life01:09:12 The Concept of Free Love01:10:03 The Role of Love in Hegelian Philosophy01:13:26 Concluding Thoughts on Hegel and LoveSupport 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.

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 ItSupport 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.

Send a love messageTrust, Agency, and the Art of Games with C. Thi NguyenRevisting a conversation from late 2023 with philosopher C Thi Nguyen. The discussion delves into the philosophical aspects of games, how they shape our agency, and the profound impact they have on our cognition and perception of reality. Thi explores the intersection of love, trust, and philosophical inquiry, highlighting the intricate ways games influence our societal interactions and personal experiences. The episode also touches on how games can be a lens for understanding broader human behaviors and the nature of agency itself. Join us as we navigate these complex ideas and reflect on the role of games in our lives.00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy00:54 Navigational Mind and Upcoming Conversations01:36 Revisiting the Conversation with C Thi Nguyen01:49 Games and Sculpted Agency03:03 Trust and Agency in Games07:39 Philosophy, Writing, and Personal Journey21:16 Games as Art and Medium of Agency30:57 Art, Porn, and Sentimental Art36:08 The Role of Games and Art in Emotional Release36:29 Aesthetic Approaches and Viewer Attitudes37:10 Games as Tools for Different Experiences38:02 Personal Reflections on Sports and Dance39:46 Agency and Game Design41:10 The Power and Danger of Games45:06 Virtual Reality and Games46:58 The Concept of Play vs. Games56:08 Games and Trust59:09 The Impact of Games on Perception and Behavior01:04:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections01:05:17 Support and FarewellTrust and Anti-trustGames, Agency as ArtThe ScoreSupport 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.

Send a love messageAI, Suffering, Remedy and Love as the voluntary suspension of habitual responses into awareness: This episode is with philosopher and cognitive scientist Thomas Metzinger, a Professor Emeritus at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz and a member of the German National Academy Leopoldina. He has worked mainly in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and applied ethics, particularly focusing on neurotechnology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores a wide range of topics including the critical intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, meditation, and artificial intelligence. Metzinger shares his skepticism about separating deep philosophical inquiries from meditation and psychedelics, and the dialogue touches upon the impact of AI on human cognition, the concept of suffering in both humans and machines, and the responsibility of philosophers in an age of epistemic crisis. The discussion underscores the need for a balanced and multifaceted approach to understanding consciousness and suggests that new paradigms may emerge from current technological and philosophical shifts. This episode aims to foster an expansive and hopeful outlook as we move into the new year. The idea of pure consciousness as used in phenomenology via Husserl is to be discussed later.00:00 Introduction to Fundamental Issues and Meditation00:44 Epistemic Crisis and AI Concerns01:15 Buddhism and Suffering02:09 Philosophical Insights on Suffering and Awareness04:47 Welcome to Love and Philosophy05:43 Introducing Thomas Metzinger07:43 Thomas Metzinger's Contributions to Philosophy and AI09:53 Exploring Minimal Phenomenal Experience (MPE)13:49 Narrative and Pure Awareness22:09 Philosophical and Scientific Exploration of Consciousness29:30 Thomas Metzinger's Personal Journey in Philosophy56:11 Criticism and Meditation56:55 Epistemic Authority and Consciousness59:27 Embodiment in AI and Philosophy01:01:52 Challenges in Academia01:05:31 AI, Critical Thinking, and Future Concerns01:15:29 The Nature of Suffering01:22:50 Compassion and Love01:44:12 Closing Thoughts and Reflections01:44:30 A Poetic FarewellThomas Metzingerphenomenology of 'pure' consciousnessLink to Elephant and the Blind full bookNew book BewusstseinkulturMPE discussion mentioned in IntroMPE projectPhilosophy BabbleSupport 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.

Send a love message with philosopher Esther Lightcap Meek, Professor of Philosophy emerita at Geneva College, in Western Pennsylvaniaexploring from-to fractals, Michael Polanyi, Meek's Indeterminate Future Manifestations, the difference between information and knowledge, epistemological therapy... and all with some laughter and good cheerHappy holidays! These conversations are part of research: to skip the research ramble, go to 26:30. This episode explores the intricate relationships between knowledge, information, reality, and love with guest Esther Lightcap Meek. Building on the ideas of Michael Polanyi, Esther and Andrea delve into the concept of ‘subsidiary focal integration’ and its implications for how we understand reality. The conversation addresses the limitations of viewing knowledge merely as information, the importance of bodily cognition, and how love and communion with the real are fundamental to genuine knowing. It shows how philosophy can be understood as therapeutic, a dynamic process that connects us deeply with ourselves, each other, and the world.00:00 Introduction to the Concept of Reality and Information01:46 The Role of Subsidiary Focal Integration03:36 Exploring Covenant Epistemology04:54 Understanding Bodily Cognition06:44 Introducing Esther Lightcap Meek08:50 The Journey of a Philosopher10:46 The Importance of Subsidiary Focal Integration13:02 Practical Applications and Everyday Philosophy16:40 The Role of Philosophy in Real Life26:31 A Conversation with Esther Lightcap Meek49:34 Integrative Knowledge and Liberation50:25 Epistemological Therapy and Embodied Cognition52:37 The Role of Subsidiary Focal Integration54:58 Daisy of Dichotomies and Modernity57:54 The Interpersonal Nature of Knowledge01:11:20 Covenant Epistemology in Education01:18:35 AI, Tools, and the Real01:29:14 The Role of Love in Knowing A professional philosopher, author and speaker, Esther offers her own distinctive, down-to-earth, approach to the philosophical matters that ground and permeate our lives: humanness, meaning, reality, knowing. The book Andrea and Esther discuss here is Loving to Know.Link here to Esther’s work and books: https://www.estherlightcapmeek.comTacit KnowledgeMichael PolanyiSupport us if you can.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.

Send a love messageMaybe memory is a way we communicate with ourselves and the world at various layers, a bridging experience of what we call time and space.In this episode, Andrea Hiott and Lynn Nadel continue their ongoing talks about memory. This time they explore the intricate workings of the hippocampus, focusing on its role in bridging spatial and temporal gaps. They delve into how memory, navigation, and cognitive maps are interconnected, challenging traditional views and opening up discussions on the dynamic nature of memory. Lynn shares insights from this paper, discusses how past research has evolved, touching upon philosophical perspectives from Kant and modern neuroscience findings. The conversation also briefly touches on the broader implications, including how understanding the hippocampus might extend to broader cognitive functions and societal interactions. There’s an in-depth ‘research ramble’ from Andrea at the beginning for those interested in the wider themes of this whole project, but you can also skip past that and go to the main conversation if you wish.The main paper discussed here is The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a DistanceLynn Nadel is an American psychologist who is the Regents’ Professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. Nadel specializes in memory, and has investigated the role of the hippocampus in memory formation. Together with John O’Keefe, he coauthored the influential 1978 book The Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map.00:00 Introduction to Hippocampal Function02:07 The Role of Memory and Space11:38 Philosophical Insights on Space and Time15:50 Quantum Entanglement and Memory28:48 Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map43:43 Encouragement and Introduction to Lynn Nadel44:30 Discussing the Paper: The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance44:55 Linking Time and Space: The Role of the Hippocampus47:21 Memory and Cognitive Maps49:59 The Evolution of Cognitive Map Theory51:34 Intertwining Memory and Navigation01:04:30 Philosophical Perspectives on Space and Time01:09:37 Innate Structures and Evolutionary Adaptations01:16:08 Plant Cognition and Tropisms01:16:59 The Importance of Memory01:17:39 Cognitive Maps in Animals01:17:57 Symposium and Research Updates01:19:08 Locomotion and Cognitive Needs01:20:54 Internal Models and Memory01:23:27 Temporal Contiguity vs. Contingency01:29:26 Dynamics of Memory01:35:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans01:36:34 Hippocampus and Social InteractionsPrevious conversations with Lynn and AndreaSupport the showThe Hippocampal Formation and Action at a DistancePlease rate and review with lovSupport 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.

Send a love message Hey everybody. This podcast is about seemingly impossible combinations and this one is the doozy of love and power. It’s about the politics of care. Or love in politics. Can you hold those words at once? Can we? We might be surprised by ourselves.Jamie Bristow has spent the last fifteen years bringing mindfulness and contemplative practices into the British Parliament, the UN, and halls of power around the world. And now he’s decided love is the only answer. But what happens when you bring the language of love into spaces where we typically speak only of power via politics?This episode, hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Andrea Hiott, delves into the intersection of love and power in political and personal realms. Guest Jamie Bristow, with his extensive experience in the British Parliament and the UN, explores how mindfulness, consciousness, and inner transformation can reshape politics and society. Through discussing concepts like Eros, resilience, and ontological meta modernism, the conversation examines how personal and societal change can be navigated, holding love and power together to create meaningful transformation. The episode also touches on Jamie's journey from a corporate advertising executive to a 'legitimizing agent' for contemplative practices in politics, highlighting the role of faith, trust, and the evolving nature of consciousness.Jamie is a policy advisor working at the intersection of inner & outer transformation, resilience and sustainabilityFind Jamie and his work here*Also the episode with Fotis and Johannes that also touches on themes of metamodernism00:00 The Sacred Nature of Power02:05 Introduction to Love and Philosophy02:25 Exploring Love and Power in Politics03:14 Jamie Bristow's Journey08:41 Mindfulness in Parliament18:38 The Intersection of Inner and Outer Worlds31:51 The Role of Love and Power in Society43:45 Exploring the Concept of Eros44:23 The Broader Implications of Eros46:33 Love as a Cosmic Force47:43 Resilience and the Role of Love52:51 Trust and Faith in Personal Growth55:43 The Politics of Love01:14:06 Navigating Modernity and Postmodernity01:19:18 The Middle Way and Superposition01:27:50 Closing Reflections on Love and PhilosophyThe System Within: addressing the inner dimensions of sustainability and systems transformationMindfulness in Westminster: Reflections from UK Politicians Reconnection: Meeting the Climate Crisis Inside OutThe Conscious Food Systems Alliance (UNDP) Power & Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam KahanePolitical Emotions: Why Love Matters for Justice - Martha NussbaumSupport 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.

Send a love messageThis episode, hosted by philosopher Andrea Hiott, explores the concept of embracing paradox with Lisa Maroski, author of 'Embracing Paradox, Evolving Language.' The discussion delves into how our language separates concepts, leading to binary thinking, and how questioning and reexamining these linguistic habits can foster a deeper understanding of interconnectedness. Using the metaphor of the Mobius Strip, Lisa explains the importance of holding multiple truths simultaneously and the potential for transforming our worldview. They touch on various topics, including the influence of language on culture, the need for a new way of thinking to address global crises, and the role of love and trust in fostering connection. The conversation encourages listeners to see beyond binary choices and embrace a more integrated, kaleidoscopic approach to understanding and caring for the world.www.lisamaroski.com00:00 Introduction to Paradoxical Thinking02:54 Welcome to Love and Philosophy03:23 Exploring Language and Cognitive Boundaries04:08 Introducing Lisa and Her Book05:21 The Mobius Strip Metaphor06:03 The Complexity of Language and Culture26:20 Dynamic Processes and Biological Insights28:48 The Existential Motivation for Change32:15 Exploring New Ways of Being33:54 Interconnectedness and Environmental Awareness38:35 The Power of Questions48:40 Learning from Different Perspectives51:45 Language and Collective Change58:27 Embracing Paradox and Wholeness01:00:40 Final Thoughts and Book RecommendationsL.E. (Lisa) Maroski didn’t intend to become an editor, it just so happened that she was good at helping people say what they really wanted to say, not what they wrote. After years of doing that for others, she turned her trade on herself, publishing a novel, The One That Is Both, in 2006 and Embracing Paradox, Evolving Language in 2024. Both books derive from a deep desire for language to be able to “do more.” A third book that continues this theme is in development. Having studied philosophy and psychology but working in medical editing and writing, she considers herself a generalist, one who likes to make connections between ideas. An avid dancer, she balances mind with motion, lofty thoughts with high kicks. You might find her dancing tango somewhere…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.

Send a love messageRethinking Everyday Care with Jérome Denis and David PontilleIn this episode of Love and Philosophy, host Andrea explores the often overlooked but essential realm of maintenance and care, diving into its philosophical, social, and political dimensions. Joined by guests Jérome Denis and David Pontille, accomplished scholars from France, the discussion delves into how maintenance connects with the theories of care, the work of influential figures like Bruno Latour, and the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). They unpack the intricate relationship between humans and objects, examining concepts like fragility, multisensory engagement, and the distinction between maintenance and repair. Highlighting the everyday labor involved in maintaining objects and environments—from subway signs to classic cars—the conversation underscores the need to recognize and value the unseen work that sustains our daily lives. The episode draws on rich examples, including the upkeep of the Paris Metro and the care of classic Mustangs, to illustrate the profound impact of maintenance on our understanding of relationships, both material and social.The book is available in English and French from all major booksellers:The Care of Things: Ethics and Politics of Maintenance00:00 Introduction to Maintenance and Care00:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy00:56 Exploring Science and Technology Studies (STS)01:40 Bruno Latour and Actor-Network Theory03:45 The Care of Things: Introducing the Guests04:43 The Paris Metro Signage Study05:08 The Philosophy of Maintenance06:09 The Role of Maintenance Workers07:34 Fragility and the Importance of Care11:08 Multisensory Engagement in Maintenance12:56 The Mundane Expertise of Maintenance42:19 The Drama of Maintenance42:50 Maintenance vs. Repair: A Philosophical Dive44:08 The Heroism in Repair46:59 John Oliver's Take on Infrastructure49:10 Classic Mustang Maintenance54:17 The Ambiguities of Maintenance57:17 Care as Work: A Feminist Perspective59:28 The Cost of Maintenance59:58 The Myth of Autonomy in Technology01:03:25 Personal Reflections on Maintenance01:20:16 The Role of Love in MaintenanceJohn Oliver Infrastructure ClipJérome Denis is Director of the Centre de sociologie de l'innovation at Mines Paris-PSL.David Pontille is Director of Research at Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) in Paris.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.

Send a love message Buy L&P its first coffeeNeuroscience, Geometric Hyperscanning, and Real Time RelationAndrea welcomes Nicolás to discuss the cutting-edge neuroscience technique of hyperscanning, which records brain activity from two or more individuals simultaneously during social interactions. They dive into how hyperscanning reveals brain synchronization reflecting shared attention, empathy, and effective communication. The conversation highlights the broader applications, from studying parent-child bonding and social disorders to advancing mental health interventions. The discussion also touches on integrating philosophical insights to better understand social interactions, emphasizing the importance of holding scientific paradoxes and envisioning a more holistic approach to studying human connection.Watch Nicolás Hinrich's Active Inference Institute recorded talk hereGeometric Hyperscanning of Affect under Active InferenceOn a Geometry of Interbrain NetworksNico's homepageWatch on YouTubeRead more about this on SubstackThe Art of Asynchrony00:00 Welcome to Love and Philosophy01:03 Introduction to Hyperscanning01:37 Mechanics and Applications of Hyperscanning03:16 Neural Synchrony and Its Implications04:36 Exploring Jung's Synchronicity07:52 Active Inference and Social Synchrony13:50 Practical Considerations and Future Directions38:47 Introduction to Prisma and Hyper Scanning39:28 Extending Prisma Methodology40:55 Philosophy and Neuroscience Integration41:51 Participatory Sense Making and Hyper Scanning43:01 Holding Paradoxes in Research46:51 Geometric Thinking in Hyper Scanning52:26 Temporal Aiming and Synchrony59:30 Neuroprotective Rituals and Mental Health01:07:23 Balancing Science and Art in Research01:16:04 Concluding Thoughts on Hyper Scanning and CareGive in any amount here to support thisSupport 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.

Send a love messageMoving Beyond Binaries in Education - A Conversation with Tim LoganThis bonus episode features a conversation with Tim Logan from his podcast The Future Learning Design. In this episode, Tim and Andrea are discussing advancements and challenges in education. They explore themes such as the limitations of traditional education frameworks, the emerging insights from 4E cognitive science, and the importance of embodied, relational and ecological approaches to cognition. They also discuss the disorienting yet exciting potential of understanding education as a living, dynamic process. Through it all, the conversation emphasizes the importance of love, attention, and awareness in reshaping educational paradigms. Check out Tim Logan's work with Good Impact Labs and connect with him on LinkedIn.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:49 Starting the Podcast Episode02:43 Exploring Cognitive Science05:16 The Role of Education08:52 Challenges in Education Systems13:19 The Future of Learning and Technology22:38 Navigating Educational Metrics30:54 Exploring the Teacher-Student Dynamic32:13 Implicit vs Explicit Learning35:33 The Importance of Context in Education36:32 The Third Entity in Education40:56 Sensing and Cognition48:49 The Relational Process of Educating53:47 Concluding Thoughts on Education and LoveTim Logan is an education leader, connector and facilitator. Tim moves projects from innovative learning design to effectively executing ideas on the ground, swiftly. Bringing his extensive learnings and insights from a global career in youth work, teaching, school leadership and consultancy, Tim has worked with prominent clients around the world to develop new and innovative approaches to learning, well-being and youth engagement. He has most recently worked with International Baccalaureate, Nordic Bildung and Nora Bateson’s team at International Bateson Institute. Tim is also host/producer of the Future Learning Design podcast.Tim on LinkedInSupport 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.

Send a love message Buy L&P a Coffee or Give DirectlyJoin the NewsletterNavigating the Depths of Voice, Authenticity, and Love with Tim AdalinIn this episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' philosopher host Andrea Hiott engages in a profound conversation with Tim Adalin, founder of the Voicecraft Project in Australia and a philosopher and facilitator of philosophical events. They explore various themes such as the importance of voice, the distinction between holding and sharing space, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in today's complex social landscapes. The discussion also delves into the nuanced dynamics of relationships, the transformative power of silence and presence, and the impact of technology on communication. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, Tim and Andrea highlight the necessity of genuine connection and the cultivation of trust in relational contexts.00:00 The Essence of Voice and Presence00:58 The Generativity of Relationships05:23 Introduction to Love and Philosophy06:44 Thought Collectives and Communicative Patterns09:29 Voice Craft and Authentic Expression10:36 Holding and Sharing Space24:42 Navigating Modern Contexts and Leadership56:24 The Role of Masks and Maps in Expression01:08:16 Introduction to the Magic Flight Light Box01:08:36 Openness to Potentiality and Relationship01:10:35 Skepticism in Love and Leadership01:14:23 Navigating Digital Communication and Integrity01:25:49 The Role of Language and Technology02:08:26 The Importance of Silence and Presence02:20:08 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude02:22:05 Final Poem: Of Many Worlds in this WorldVoicecraftTim AdalinLudwig FleckJoin the NewsletterWaymakingLove & PhilosophyYouTube ChannelSupport 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.

Send a love message Decoding the Brain: Representation and Relational Memory in Cognitive NeuroscienceGiveSupport with a SubscriptionThis episode of 'Love and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy,' hosted by Andrea Hiott, features a deep dive with Lynn Nadel into the complexities of representation in the brain. The discussion explores how thoughts and memories are formed and represented, beginning with a child's understanding and extending to advanced theories in neuroscience. Central themes include population coding, the relational nature of brain functions, and the embodied cognition approach. They also touch on historical perspectives from key figures like Tolman and Eichenbaum, the idea of cognitive maps in the hippocampus, and the role of pre-wiring and experience in shaping brain functions. The episode highlights ongoing debates and innovations in understanding cognitive processes and how the brain models reality.Slides are hereFull conversations (1-5) with Andrea and Lynn00:00 Introduction to Thought and Representation01:48 Exploring the Concept of Representation04:07 The Hippocampus and Cognitive Mapping08:50 The Mind-Body Problem and Cognitive Neuroscience29:30 Topographic Maps and Brain Representation32:21 Understanding the Somatic Brain32:50 Face Systems and Brain Localization33:26 Sensory and Motor Systems34:21 Mapping the Brain and Body Connection35:01 Historical Insights: Penfield and Milner35:50 Topographic Maps and Computational Advantages38:11 Hippocampus and Non-Topographical Maps39:44 Representation and Meaning in the Brain48:20 Associative Learning and Memory01:00:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future DiscussionsLynn is in Trondheim during this discussion attending the Kavli Prize week. This is the third conversation with Andrea and Lynn.Exploring the Cognitive Neuroscience of Representation: Past, Present, and Future#representation #lynnnadel #neuroscience #hippocampus #representationdebateA Research Discussion with Lynn Nadel, part Three. In this (talk three) Andrea & Lynn discuss how we have thoughts and memories and what this means a la representation.First talkSecond talkRadical paper from AndreaSupport 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.

Send a love message Exploring Life's ParadoxesGiveSupport with a SubscriptionIn this deeply reflective episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' philosopher host Andrea Hiott converses with Parker Palmer, the founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal, about the profound truths of life. They discuss the struggles of depression, the essence of living a life of paradox, and the significance of integrating soul with role. Palmer also shares transformative insights on the nature of love, community, and solitude, and reads a poignant poem that captures the essence of enduring life's hardships. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that explores the complexities and mysteries of human existence.00:00 Understanding the Depths of Depression02:54 Introduction to Love and Philosophy08:48 Parker Palmer's Inspirational Journey13:46 The Concept of Paradox in Life19:20 The Role of Gratitude and Privilege22:51 Exploring the Connection to Nature26:52 The Power of Poetry and Paradox40:00 Navigating Individuality and Community41:52 Exploring Community and Solitude43:24 The Wisdom of Paradox45:47 The Cure in the Disease49:28 A Poetic Reflection on Depression55:45 Embracing Humility and Wholeness01:08:06 The Role of Love in Healing01:17:10 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsParker Palmer's BooksCenter for Courage and RenewalParker on SubstackSupport 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.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a SubscriptionA poetic conversation at the intersection of literature, science, and technology with Katherine Hayles, a distinguished research professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Hayles discusses her ideas from her books 'How We Became Posthuman' and 'Bacteria to AI,' focusing on the need to rethink cognition and decouple it from consciousness. She describes the concept of non-conscious cognition and emphasizes the importance of understanding the integrated cognitive framework, which includes biological organisms, synthetic intelligences, and their symbiotic relationships with humans. The discussion extends to planetary ecology, the risks and potentials of advancing AI, and the overarching need for humanity’s care for the planet and each other.00:00 What I really meant by posthumanism00:27 The Concept of Human Transformation00:54 Scientific and Ecological Perspectives01:38 The Role of Machines and Symbiosis02:31 Understanding Synthetic Intelligence02:52 Widening the Circle of Care03:40 Introduction to Catherine Hales by philosopher Andrea Hiott04:01 Catherine Hales' Academic Background04:19 Books by Catherine Hales08:30 The Importance of Fiction in Science09:55 Consciousness vs. Cognition17:42 The Integrated Cognitive Framework18:37 Non-Conscious Cognition33:01 Meaning Making in Organisms35:28 Understanding Different Umwelts38:42 Understanding AI's Conceptual Umwelt40:13 Embodiment and Ontology in AI45:51 Symbiosis: From Biology to AI58:08 The Role of Narrative in Science and Literature01:10:06 Planetary Cognition and Future Challenges01:18:48 The Importance of Accurate Information and EducationSupport 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.

Send a love messageGiveSupport with a SubscriptionThis episode features esteemed philosopher Lucius Outlaw, professor emeritus of Vanderbilt University. In this thought-provoking conversation, Outlaw shares his remarkable journey from growing up in segregated Mississippi to becoming a respected philosophy professor, closely acquainted with influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Eric Fromm. The discussion weaves through topics like double consciousness, agape love, the philosophy of Hegel, and the transformational power of language. Outlaw also reflects on how shared experiences, dialogue, and love can create a more inclusive, understanding world. Tune in to explore how philosophical insights can shape and nurture community and personal growth.00:00 Introduction to Hermeneutic Justice01:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy01:39 Lucius Outlaw's Journey02:04 Exploring Double Consciousness03:43 Phenomenology and Du Bois07:49 Challenges in Recording the Episode10:38 Lucius Outlaw's Early Life in Mississippi36:01 Academic Struggles and Determination37:03 Intellectual Growth and Honors Program37:16 Gender Dynamics and Respect for Women38:24 Choosing Fisk and Academic Rigor40:45 Dartmouth Experience and Scholarship Offer42:38 Return to Fisk and Black Power Movement48:33 Student Government and SNCC Chapter52:14 Graduate School and Intellectual Influences01:02:01 Hegel, Marcuse, and Dialectical Thinking01:07:07 The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual01:12:00 Reclaiming Negative Terms: From Black to Queer01:14:17 The Struggle of Identity and Language01:16:29 Navigating Predominantly White Institutions01:19:33 Rehabilitating Whiteness: A Controversial Notion01:23:52 The Role of Dialogue in Understanding01:25:23 The Legacy of Reverend James Morris Lawson, Jr.01:40:50 The Power of Nonviolence and Love01:47:30 Final Reflections and Continuing the Legacyhttps://youtube.com/shorts/SioQ7I5N6Sg?si=jJLtNrBEViVu0KlPLucius at Vanderbilt University: https://as.vanderbilt.edu/philosophy/bio/lucius-outlawjr/W.E.B. Du BoisJames Morris Lawson Jr.Lucius with Angela Davis: https://swarthmorephoenix.com/2024/12/05/angela-davis-in-conversation-with-lucius-outlaw-a-critical-conversation-on-contemporary-crises/Photo from HBCU Radio Preservation Project: watch https://youtu.be/z5ikVSHL3ZM?si=g9QfRlI9wDhsaSLiLucius is the W. Alton Jones Chair, Emeritus Profeessor at Vanderbilt.His research Areas are: "racial matters in socio-political life, in the United States in particular, and in legacies and practices of European and Euro-American Philosophy; Social and Political Philosophy; Africana Philosophy (African; African American, for example, Martin Delany, W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, among others); American Philosophy.SpecializationsASupport 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.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a SubscriptionMichael Garfield is a futurist polymath who has worked everywhere from the KU Natural History Museum to the Sante Fe Institute to Mozilla to the Long Now. He’s currently with the AI Capabilities and Alignment Consensus Project. Oh, and he also has twenty years experience as an artist and musician. This conversation is a bit of a song exploder, looking into one of Michael’s songs (the Big Machine) through the kaleidoscope of his other more academic interests.Summary: A deep, multifaceted conversation with Michael Garfield, known for his contributions to the Complexity podcast at the Santa Fe Institute, Future Fossils, and Humans on the Loop. This discussion with Andrea & Michael traverses various terrains including Michael’s journey from paleontology to music, his insights on complexity science, and the intriguing idea of the 'Fractal Rubik's Cube.' The entire conversation song explodes the themes behind Michael's song 'Big Machine,' tackling how love, mysticism, and science intersect in our complex world. Throughout, Michael shares his nuanced understanding of information, attention, and what it means to explore beyond traditional academic and scientific boundaries.Check out Michael's latest essay for AeonListen to the song Big MachineComplexityMichael's SubstackLove and Philosophy NewsletterThinking in Systems00:00 Introduction to Michael Garfield01:37 Exploring Michael's Multifaceted Talents02:48 Unpacking the Song 'Big Machine'05:19 Michael's Journey and Inspirations06:06 The Evolution of Michael's Musical Path10:46 Complexity Science and Personal Growth23:24 Challenges in Academia and Complexity54:34 The Role of Psychedelics and Language58:14 The Importance of Communication and Curation01:00:18 The Evolution of Social Media and Podcasts01:02:08 The Importance of Internal Culture in Organizations01:05:59 Navigating Modern Uncertainty and Strategic Thinking01:07:21 The Role of Games in Understanding Complexity01:09:33 The Intersection of AI, Podcasting, and Education01:10:24 The Concept of Future Fossils and Precognition01:13:06 The Philosophy of Finite and Infinite Games01:17:17 The Age of Entanglement and Emergent Engineering01:24:55 The Practice of Noticing and Consciousness01:41:39 Love, Synchronicity, and the Future of WorkAnd here is a short talk Michael gave at DISI last month:https://michaelgarfield.substack.com/foragingSupport 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.

Send a love messageGiveA first person exploration of the philosophy of bioregionalism, inspired by the complexity science of Donnella Meadow, with Felix de Rosen, a landscape architect and gardener. Felix shares his fascinating journey from studying political science at Harvard to his passion for the natural world and Bioregionalism. Andrea and Felix explore the philosophy of organizing human societies around naturally defined areas, discussing complex systems and the importance of finding community. This conversation is an exploration of the intersections of ecology, culture, and personal growth through Felix's experiences and insights on creating sustainable and meaningful connections with the land and each other.00:00 Introduction to Bioregionalism00:43 Félix de Rosen's Background and Journey01:30 Complex Systems and Community02:53 Felix's Personal Reflections05:21 The Importance of Place and People21:34 Discovering Landscape Architecture26:37 Understanding Bio Regionalism30:11 Exploring Systems Thinking and Worldview31:38 The Intersection of Gardens and Worldviews36:06 Frustrations and Realizations in Landscape Architecture39:45 The Importance of Systems Thinking42:54 Bio Regionalism and Community Building48:01 Bridging Political Divides through Bio Regionalism52:25 International Bio Regional Projects54:37 The Role of Love and Connection to Earth01:00:30 Agency Deficit Disorder and Hope for the Future01:01:28 Conclusion and Ways to ConnectLinks:A Garden’s PurposeThe BioFi ProjectPolycultura: Planetary Design and CommunicationA talk from Felix at the Harvard commencementSupport 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.

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 showSupport 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.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a Subscription Andrea shares a deeply reflective conversation with renowned journalist Shoma Chaudhury. Originally recorded over a year ago for the Synapse conference, this episode offers an intimate look into Shoma's thought process and career journey. Shoma discusses her approach to holding nuanced, meaningful conversations with a wide variety of people, including some of the most famous figures globally. The episode delves into Shoma's personal experiences of navigating public scrutiny and professional hardships. Through the lens of her experiences, Shoma elaborates on themes of curiosity, compassion, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions and interactions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where people with opposing viewpoints can have honest dialogue and the valuable lessons that come from challenging life events. Both Shoma and Andrea explore the role of wonder, love, and respect in developing a more nuanced understanding of the world and ourselves.00:00 Introduction and Context01:04 Meet Shoma Chaudry02:31 The Art of Holding Nuance03:46 Evolving Perspectives in Journalism06:44 Navigating Polarized Conversations09:05 Personal Accountability and Growth17:02 Respect and Understanding in Conflict34:39 Spiritual Practices and Personal Resilience50:48 Exploring Curiosity and Neuroscience51:48 Influence of Parents and Nature53:23 The Power of Genuine Curiosity56:14 The Role of Wonder and Joy57:49 Navigating a Public Scandal01:02:21 Lessons from a Media Storm01:06:41 Finding Peace and Resilience01:14:42 The Importance of Love and Support01:17:28 The Healing Power of Conversations01:19:40 Final Reflections and GratitudeSynapse Deck: https://tinyurl.com/5eaf2sdbAnd a short video: https://tinyurl.com/3rcstp93Watch the VideoSupport 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.

Send a love messageAfter Andrea’s introduction, Mirko Prokop talks to Ezequiel Di Paolo about the enactive approach in cognitive science and its roots in Francisco Varela’s work on biological autonomy. They explore the ideas of autonomy and autopoiesis, the deeper meaning of enaction, how biological, sensorimotor and social dimensions of embodiment drive the ongoing, creative process that is human becoming, and what this implies about the meaning of love, authenticity, and the importance of staying true to your questions.GiveSupport with a paid subscriptionEzequiel is a Research Professor at Ikerbasque, the Basque Science Foundation and member of the IAS-Research Centre for Life, Mind and Society at the University of the Basque Country as well as the Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics at the University of Sussex. He is known for key developments of the enactive approach and has published numerous articles and books on this and related topics in cognitive science and philosophy. Most recently, together with Evan Thompson he has reedited the new, annotated edition of Francisco Varela’s book Principles of Biological Autonomy, first published in 1979.00:00 Intro by Andrea05:02 Varela’s Principles of Biological Autonomy: From First Encounter to New Edition11:25 Autopoiesis and Autonomy19:20 Enaction: Bringing Forth a World26:38 The Co-Construction of Organism and Environment33:46 Dimensions of Embodiment38:35 Enactive Becoming43:57 The Primordial Tension of Participatory Sense-Making52:32 What’s Love Got to Do With It?1:00:36 Authentic Becoming1:04:40 Staying True to Your QuestionsLinks to mentioned work by Varela & Co:Principles of Biological Autonomy (Varela, F., E. Di Paolo and E. Thompson (eds.), 1979/2025, MIT Press)The Embodied Mind (Thompson, E. Varela, F., and Rosch, E. 1991/2018, MIT Press)Organism: A Meshwork of Selfless Selves (Varela, F., 1991)Patterns of Life: Intertwining Identity and Cognition (Varela, F., 1997)Life after Kant: Natural Purposes and the autopoietic foundations of biological individuality (Weber, A. and Varela, F., 2002)Autopoiesis, Adaptivity, Teleology, Agency (Di Paolo, E., 2005)Participatory sense-making: An enactive approach to social cognition (De Jaegher, H., and Di Paolo, E., 2007)Sensorimotor Life (Di Paolo, E., Buhrmann, T., Barandiaran, X., 2017, OUP)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.

Send a love message This show is about harmonizing the Dao and embracing the world's weirdness at once. Our guest is Eric Schwitzgebel, an analytic philosopher and professor at the University of California Riverside. As they unfold the Dao and the world’s weirdness, Andrea and Eric explore everything from robot consciousness, the love darts of snails, triads, axiology, and the philosophy of opening. Eric shares his journey into classical Chinese philosophy, how we understands harmonizing with the Dao, some of his writings about consciousness, and the importance of appreciating the world's inherent weirdness. This conversation offers a delightful blend of profound ideas and joyous reflections, encouraging us to see weird as a way into new perspectives and perhaps even into love. Hosted by philosopher Andrea HiottGive00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy00:20 Meet Eric Schwitzgebel: Philosopher and Author01:37 Exploring the Concept of Harmonizing the Dao01:52 Journey into Classical Chinese Philosophy03:59 The Tension Between Analytic and Chinese Philosophy06:22 Understanding the Dao and Harmony11:16 The Weird and Wonderful World of Zhuangzi17:40 The Value of Diversity and Conflict33:14 The Consciousness of Garden Snails41:57 Exploring Relationality and Consciousness43:50 The Consciousness of Plants and Robots46:52 Philosophical Perspectives on Consciousness55:38 The Philosophy of Opening vs. Closing01:10:06 Ethics and Moral Behavior of Ethicists01:17:43 Love, Marriage, and Harmonizing with the Dao01:22:16 Final Thoughts and FarewellThe Book we discuss:The Weirdness of the WorldWritings we discuss:Harmonizing the DaoImagining Yourself in Another’s Shoes versus Extending Your Concern: Empirical & Ethical DifferencesA Robot Lover's Sociological Argument for Robot ConsciousnessBorderline ConsciousnessSupport 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.

Send a love message Julian Kiverstein is a senior professor at Amsterdam Medical. He's co-authored various papers about the importance of play as it relates to predictive processing, active learning, intimacy and embodied cognition.Andrea Hiott is a philosopher at Universität Heidelberg.Sometimes we get stuck in attractor states. Play is a form of disruption that may be able to help us get unstuck. Play seems to be far from algorithmic.This conversation explores how playfulness is crucial for meaning and flourishing, and how building safe spaces for play (such as museums and parks) are crucial for healthy societies.Active inference and predictive processing are discussed as tools that might help us better model and understand this ‘sweet spot’ towards finding ways to create spaces where we can explore uncertainty and risk without danger.Drawing from his extensive work in phenomenology, embodied cognition, and predictive processing, Julian offers fresh perspectives on how play connects to mental health and wellbeing. Some key ideas from this episode:• Play requires safety yet involves taking risks—a paradoxical relationship that enables personal growth• Adults often lose the curious openness of childhood as we become fixated on seriousness and habitual patterns• Love shares qualities with play as both involve transcendence beyond the self and openness to fresh experiences• Active inference and predictive processing provide frameworks for understanding both mental illness and flourishing• Breaking out of "attractor states" or fixed patterns requires disruption that playful activities can provide• Creating safe spaces for play becomes essential for development, creativity, and meaning-makingGive00:00 The Role of Play in Well-being01:50 Introduction to Love and Philosophy02:45 Exploring Active Inference and Predictive Processing05:24 The Importance of Play in Development09:58 Julian's Journey into Mind Studies12:11 Understanding Mental Illness through Predictive Processing21:57 The Concept of Play and Its Cognitive Benefits30:27 Intrinsic Motivation and the Value of Play44:12 Play as a Disruptive Force in Mental Health45:09 Understanding Mental Illness and Uncertainty46:13 The Role of Play in Mental Health47:38 Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Regulation49:05 Exploration vs. Exploitation in Learning52:03 The Importance of Play in Adulthood53:35 Art, Literature, and Emotional Engagement56:55 The Need for Play in Academia01:20:50 Balancing Exploration and Familiarity01:23:37 Final Thoughts on Play and Well-beingPlay in Predictive MindsIntimate Places: Playgrounds for self-explorationPlayfulness and the meaningful life with Mark MillerMore of 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.

Send a love message Give Sabina Leonelli (hosted live here by Fotis Tsiroukis) is a philosopher of science and technology renowned for pioneering work in the philosophy of data & open science. As a professor at the Technical University ofMunich (TUM), she directs the Ethical Data Initiative and leads the PHIL_OS project, which develops empirically grounded frameworks for open science in under-resourced research environments. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges high theory with participatory, on-the-ground research—exemplified by her ethnographic collaborations with biologists and data scientists.In this episode, host Fotis engages in a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Sabina Leonelli. They explore the intersections between philosophy, science, and society, discussing topics like complementary science, the role of qualitative and quantitative methods in research, the challenges of interdisciplinary work, and the ethical implications of AI and data-driven technologies. Sabina urges us to not fear inconvenience—embracing complexity and discomfort in intellectual and social pursuits. The conversation touches on the necessity of love, vulnerability & collective agency in navigating the modern world, offering profound insights into how we can rethink knowledge production, technology, and politics.Sabina Leonelli[00:00:00] Highlights & Introduction[00:10:41] Interview Begins[00:11:13] Sabina's Journey[00:14:17] Fascination with Boundary-Disrespecting Thinkers[00:16:20] Early Influences & Education[00:19:21] Challenges of Interdisciplinary Work[00:20:39] Mentors & Inspirations[00:23:54] The Approach of Complementary Science[00:28:37] Collaborating with Scientists as a Philosopher[00:32:26] Philosophy of Data[00:36:00] Questions Left Out of Biology[00:37:40] Coming to terms with Social Epistemology[00:40:05] Choices & Assumptions in Scientific Research[00:40:05] Willingness to Engage with the Social Nature of Science[00:44:05] Willingness to Use Different Methods[00:48:05] Acknowledging the Role of Quantification[00:50:27] Knowledge Hierarchies[00:55:00] Mixed Methods for Global Issues[00:57:00] Limits of AI: The Case of Medical Expertise[00:58:52] AI as Complement to Expert Knowledge[01:02:01] Cultural Obsession with Control & Convenience[01:03:45] Social Media & Digital Divide[01:07:20] Regaining Agency Through Politics[01:12:30] Collective Action & Social Relationships[01:15:00] Need for Political Engagement[01:17:20] Contemporary Disillusionment[01:19:40] Love as a Teacher[01:22:20] Vulnerability & Human Experience[01:25:50] Caring as Leverage for EngagementPHIL_OS ProjectEthical Data Initiative (EDI)(Book, Open AccesSupport 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.

Send a love message Andrea in conversation with fellow cognitive scientist Mark Michael James, highlighting his journey from understanding patterns of being to shaping habits and realigning health. Mark shares his experiences from Ireland, his academic pursuits, and his present work at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. This episode delves into synchronicity, embodied cognition, and the philosophies and practices of the arising 'school of way' of practice and philosophy which includes 'wayshaping' and 'waymaking' and pertains to a paper Mark has recently written with Mushfiqa Jamaluddin, Tom Froese, Aisha Belhadi, Anna Panagiotou, and Dave Snowden. It all ties back to practical applications in health, navigating complexity, and striving for a dynamic balance in life. Mark's personal stories and reflections make this a must-watch for anyone interested in cognitive science, philosophy, and the art of living well.00:00 Introduction to Unexpected Contributions00:35 Exploring the Concept of 'Craic'00:56 Welcome to Love and Philosophy01:02 Introducing Mark Michael James and His Work02:23 Discussion on Synchronicity and Relevance Realization06:47 Mark's Journey to Okinawa12:39 Navigating Personal and Social Patterns51:23 Health Challenges and Personal Stories55:06 Sensory Irregularities and Scripts56:21 Breaching Experiments and Sociological Insights57:13 Cultural Patterns and the Irish Concept of 'The Crack'01:03:26 Health, Habits, and Personal Transformation01:08:05 Philosophical Reflections and Practical Applications01:19:49 Wayshaping Framework and Multiscale Health01:27:57 Personal Reflections and Future DirectionsWayshaping paperWaymakingOISTMark's websiteAlso, have a look at this book about Mindshaping by Michelle Maiese.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.

Send a love message support with a subscriptionTRAILER: Bringing care into public discourse alongside critical thinking.Hello, everyone. In today's world, we're often pushed into choosing sides and thinking in absolutes. But what if there was another way? Or rather, what if there were many other ways? Welcome to to Love and Philosophy. This is a cumulative philosophy project where we practice kaleidoscopic thinking, moving beyond either/or scenarios to embrace the complexity of existence.Andrea Hiott, together with other hosts and contributors, gathers philosophers, scientists, and people from all walks of life to explore the intricate connections between love, knowledge, and the patterns that shape our world. Every conversation is deeply researched and spoken from the heart, yet mostly unscripted. This approach allows us to engage in real dialogue, where ideas surprise us, and where it's okay to be messy. As long as we're moving towards what truly matters. Bringing care into public discourse alongside critical thinking.We delve into the many layers, dimensions, and possibilities of cognition and consciousness. What is the purpose of the body? What does it mean to be sensual? What are the implications of all this life, space, and time around us? We're not only observing these aspects but also taking part in their creation.Invitation for Contribution or send relevant work or ideas towrite to [email protected] any of these ideas resonate with you—thinking beyond dichotomy, planetary and constellatory thinking, or kaleidoscopic cognition—we want to hear from you! Do you have a conversation or idea from your life or work that you'd love to share? We're on a collective journey, exploring the world through the eyes of various beings around us, human and otherwise. If you know of any poems that relate to these themes, please send them our way. We warmly welcome poetry as a means of expression and connection.Let's embrace the complexity and share our kaleidoscopic turnings.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.

Send a love messageJessica Böhme is a sustainability scientist, transformation researcher, and founder of the Institute for Practical Eco Philosophy. Jessica shares her journey of exploring the connection between inner transformation and outer change, and how this quest has influenced her personal and professional life. Andrea and Jessica delve into the concept of living philosophically, the role of relational philosophies, and how they impact sustainability. They also discuss the challenges Jessica faced in academia, the significance of personal practices, and her innovative idea of 'philosophy gyms' aimed at integrating philosophy into everyday life for better ecological and business practices in the engineering world. Jessica also talks about her unique lifestyle choices, her artwork, and the broader implications of living a thoughtful, engaged life.00:00 Introduction to Inner and Outer Change00:29 Philosophy as a Way of Life01:59 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:04 Introducing Jessica Böhme02:37 Exploring Relational Philosophy03:28 Philosophy Gyms and Ecological Love04:21 The Knowledge-Action Gap06:50 Jessica's Academic Journey09:42 Inner Transformation and Sustainability10:01 Mechanistic vs. Relational Worldview12:34 Challenges in Sustainability Science13:39 The Complexity of Relational Thinking32:05 Philosophy as a Living Process37:13 The Paradox of Science and Health38:13 Personal and Planetary Health39:43 Patterns in Health and Consumption40:47 The Role of Awareness and Choice42:28 Practical Eco Philosophy44:04 Micro Habits and Daily Practices48:34 Living Philosophically59:44 The Concept of Wild01:01:04 Art and Expression01:04:51 Philosophy Gyms and Experiments01:08:59 Final Thoughts and FarewellJessica's BlogInstitute for Practical ekoPhilosophyPierre Hadot: Philosophy as a Way of LifeKaren BaradSupport 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.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a SubscriptionThe line between a psychotic break and success is not quite as clear as it once was, nor is the question of what medication, therapy, or practice is best, or in what amount. This conversation tries to unpack that liminal space with a man who knows it well and has been able to stay connected to the love in it.In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Morgan, exploring the complexities of love, philosophy, and personal transformation. They discuss the challenging balance between high-functioning careers and spiritual pursuits, the misconceptions around self-sacrifice and service, and the importance of community in navigating life transitions. Tom shares his personal journey from a high-stress finance career through an awakening experience, detailing his struggles with mental health, the role of psychiatric medication, and the lessons he's learned about integrating holistic and scientific perspectives. This episode delves into the nuanced intersections of mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, offering invaluable insights for anyone on a similar path.00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy00:06 Exploring the Concept of Love01:06 Introducing Tom Morgan01:57 Tom's Journey from Finance to Philosophy03:28 Balancing Wealth and Well-being05:42 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality08:28 Tom's Personal Awakening13:54 Navigating the Hero's Journey20:10 Challenges of Spiritual Integration23:10 Holding the Tension Between Worlds43:54 The Choice to Change45:38 The Struggle with Identity and Career47:07 Understanding Self-Sacrifice vs. Service47:46 The Paradox of Complexity51:01 The Role of Ketamine and Mental Health58:56 Integrating Spiritual and Physical Health01:06:45 The Importance of Community Support01:09:58 Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety01:17:23 Embracing Love and Contribution01:22:50 The Future of Consciousness and SocietyProfessional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.)The Leading EdgeTom's SubstackAndrea's SubstackHero's JourneyJill Bolte TaylorVictor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.'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.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a SubscriptionA heart-meets-mind discussion about complexity science and its suprising relation to Daoism, with physicist Jean Boulton. The conversation explores how stability and change are part of a reflexive interweaving of relationships, the importance of actions and behaviors in co-creating the future, and the role of compassion and love in fostering resilience. We also touch on the profound influence of spiritual practices such as Taoism and Buddhism on understanding complexity. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of integrating heart and mind, and how seemingly small, compassionate acts can create significant shifts. Whether you're interested in spiritual traditions, scientific perspectives, or personal development, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights to inspire and guide you.Visit Jean's websiteBuy the booksLinkedInGiving pageSign up here00:00 Introduction to Change and the Dao00:33 The Interconnectedness of Actions and Behaviors01:11 Embracing Complexity and Wider Perspectives01:43 Guest Introduction: Jean's Background and Interests01:50 Understanding Complexity in Science and Everyday Life04:03 The Mechanistic Worldview vs. Complexity Science06:29 Personal Journey: From Physics to Philosophy08:09 The Influence of Family and Early Philosophical Interests11:14 Process Complexity and the Dao11:41 The Paradox of Stability and Change13:31 The Role of Context and History in Shaping Patterns14:11 Discovering Daoism and Its Connection to Complexity15:47 The Nuances of Daoism in Understanding Complexity19:21 The Importance of Actions, Intentions, and Purpose26:13 The Role of Attention and Noticing in Complexity27:55 Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Complexity Science33:23 The Embodied Experience of Complexity35:02 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Complexity36:04 Meditation and Embodiment37:19 Tibetan Yoga and Compassion40:16 Childhood and Personal Growth42:42 Societal Wounds and AddictionsLoving & KnowingSupport 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.

Send a love message(Kaufmann Neworks are Boolean: see here if you want to know more, but you don't need to know anything about them to understand this episode)Please sign up for the newsletter here.Embracing Uncertainty: Barry O'Reilly on Software Architecture and PhilosophyIn this episode of Love and Philosophy, we sit down with Barry O'Reilly, a seasoned software architect with a deep background in pure mathematics and experience at top companies like Microsoft. He discusses his innovative concept, Residuality Theory, which introduces complexity theory into software development for the first time. Barry explains how traditional linear thinking in coding often leads to rigid and brittle constructs that fail to adapt to the constantly changing business environments. By embracing paradoxes and uncertainties using theories from philosophy and complexity sciences, Barry offers a new perspective on software architecture that combines the logical rigor of code with the adaptability required for real-world human systems. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between coding and philosophy, and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to more resilient and flexible software solutions.00:00 The Rigidity of Software vs. The Chaos of Business00:46 The Philosophical Roots of Computer Science01:28 The Architect's Paradox: Linear Thinking vs. Human Systems02:20 Introducing Residue: Adapting to Change03:16 The Relief of Embracing Uncertainty04:16 Welcome to Love and Philosophy11:34 Meet Barry O'Reilly: From Math to Software Architecture16:02 The Journey to Complexity Theory21:25 Handling Uncertainty in Software Projects26:47 The Evolution of Software Engineering31:42 The Birth of Residue and Ity Theory38:17 The Need for a New Philosophical Approach43:36 The Immaturity of Software Engineering46:03 Personal Frustrations and Philosophical Pursuits46:40 The Reflective Practitioner and Instinctive Problem Solving47:13 Linear Thinking vs. Embracing Uncertainty49:34 Philosophical Foundations in Software Engineering01:05:03 Hyper Liminality and System Resilience01:13:45 The Role of Play and Forgiveness in Software Development01:19:16 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsArchitect's Paradox: Uncertainty and the Philosophy of Software ArchitectureResidues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture.You Tube Talks:Residuality TheoryArchitect's ParadoxSupport 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.

Send a love messageAndrea sits down with Kevin Kelly, a true pioneer in the world of technology and futurism. Known for his foundational work with Whole Earth, Wired Magazine and definitive pieces like '1000 True Fans,' Kelly shares insights from his early fascination with science fiction to his groundbreaking contributions in understanding and shaping the digital age and technological ideas. They discuss the profound influence of science fiction on technological advancements, the humanizing impact of the internet, and the vital importance of travel and curiosity for finding meaning. Kelly explains the nuanced continuum between biology and technology, the concept of 'hill making' versus 'hill climbing' in innovation, and how love and community remain central to his work. As they delve into Kelly's latest book 'Excellent Advice for Living,' this conversation offers rich perspectives on maintaining creativity, embracing complexity, and fostering an optimistic outlook in an ever-evolving world.00:00 Introduction and Early Influences00:05 The Role of Science Fiction in Shaping Technology01:58 Discovering the Internet as a New Frontier04:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy04:36 Kevin Kelly's Background and Achievements09:30 Early Encounters with Computers14:28 The Humanizing Effect of the Internet17:42 Meeting Stewart Brand and the Whole Earth Catalog28:01 The Importance of Travel and Broader Perspectives33:38 The Transformative Power of Travel34:37 Embracing Unique Paths in Life35:47 The Value of Time Over Money40:16 The Birth of Artificial Life and Wired Magazine46:34 The Paradox of Progress and Creativity53:38 The Importance of Noticing and Small Steps01:01:33 Hill Making vs. Hill Climbing01:02:59 Final Thoughts on Love and LifeExcellent Advice for LivingKevin Kelly on Substackhttps://kk.org/Stewart BrandWhole Earth Catalogue and Whole Earth Reviewthe WELLWIRED MagazineSign up for the NewsletterLinkedInSupport 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.

Send a love messageParticipatory sense-making is a term coined by Hanne De Jaegher & Ezequiel Di Paolo. Both these philosophers will be featured in upcoming episodes.Andrea Hiott hosts Rebecca Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire explore intricate themes of participatory sensemaking, the concept of the 'third entity,' and the impact of trauma and love on interpersonal relationships. The discussion delves into how the body acts as a data-gathering device, how sensory inputs shape our understanding of the world, and the importance of mutual sense-making in a highly complex and often overwhelming environment. Each speaker shares their unique perspectives and experiences, from cognitive neuroscience to ethical interactions, ultimately highlighting the significance of staying connected both with others and oneself. This conversation is intellectually stimulating and emotionally enriching, drawing on neuroscience, philosophy, and mental health to offer fresh insights into navigating the complexities of human interaction.00:00 Introduction to the Body as a Data Gathering Device00:57 The Futility of Communication and Social Media02:35 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:52 Participatory Sense Making and Social Cognition04:46 Meet the Three: Beck Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire05:46 Rebecca Todd: Cognitive Neuroscience and Life Experience08:13 Penijean Gracefire: Neurotechnology and Human Function12:21 Shay Welch: Philosophy, Public Art, and Participatory Sensemaking15:50 Exploring the Concept of the Body23:09 The Role of EEG in Understanding the Brain52:36 The Impact of Trauma on Sensemaking53:25 Introduction to Anchors and Interactions54:14 Effortful Sense Making Shaped by Love55:16 Individual Differences in Sensory Systems56:24 Neuromodulation and Sense Making59:24 Visualization and Communication Challenges01:03:07 Complexity Fatigue and Bandwidth01:14:11 Neuromodulation Device Experiment01:20:35 Participatory Sense Making with the More-than-Human World01:29:34 Challenges of Virtual Interaction01:36:48 The Futility and Hope of CommunicationL&P NewsletterPSM PaperA Multiplicity of WorldsWhat is Participatory Sense-making and Why Should We Care?Steve Paxton, originator of the practice of contact improvisation, himself says:  “The reason it’s called contact improvisation is because there is a third entity that arises in the state – it is the state of agreement between the two of you that neither one is leading. It doesn’t become leaderless, the two of you are leading.” 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.

Send a love messageAndrea and Fotis (a guest host of L&P) explore the intricate world of podcasting. Fotis, returning from a previous episode and getting ready to do his second podcast for L&P, asks Andrea about the podcast's growth. In this unplanned chat, the two talk a bit about what podcasts mean to them, Game B, the intersection of various disciplines, and the broader impact of podcasting as a medium. They discuss the research and connective side of podcasting and reflect on this new journey, sharing insights on authenticity, community-building, and the challenges of navigating complex topics. Tune in for a quick half-hour chat that delves into their motivations, the evolution of their podcast, and the significance of having meaningful, open-hearted conversations that come from a place of love, even when they are challenging.01:13 Discussing Podcast Growth and Community02:02 The Philosophy Behind Podcasting05:25 Challenges and Responsibilities of Content Creation07:30 Interconnectedness and Network Building11:15 The Unique Nature of Podcasts12:14 Exploring Diverse Podcast Communities26:02 Future Directions and Personal Reflections34:31 Concluding Thoughts and Next Stepshttps://lovephilosophy.substack.com/Game B animationWaymakingSign up for newsletter: https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/Giving Page: https://loveandphilosophy.com/giving-pagehttps://www.facebook.com/waymaking/https://bsky.app/profile/lovephilosophy.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/waymaking23/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-at-ecological-orientation/LinkedIn FotisSupport 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.

Send a love messageRitournelle is a concept created by Gilles Deleuze & Felix Guattari for A Thousand Plateaus (1987.) It's the main subject of 11th plateau 1837: Of the refrain. In this episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' host Andrea Hiott engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with philosopher, psychologist, and poet Bayo Akomolafe. They discuss the transformative power of love, the complexities beyond binary categorizations, and the idea of life as a process filled with relational tensions and incompleteness. The discussion covers Bayo's personal journey, including reflections on his father and his book 'These Wilds Beyond Our Fences.' They explore themes of care, disruption, and the radical incompleteness of reality, providing listeners with insights into how we can embrace the multiplicities of being human. Host of this episode is philosopher Andrea Hiott.Give here to Support the show and sign up here for the newsletter.Bayo Akomolafehttps://www.bayoakomolafe.net/These Wilds Beyond Our Fences00:00 Introduction to Categories and Relational Tensions02:20 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:43 Introducing Bayo Akomolafe03:19 Themes of the Podcast and Bayo's Background05:36 Binaries and Relationality09:11 Personal Reflections and Philosophical Insights09:46 The Concept of Retournello and Repetition10:56 Navigating Categories and Structures12:22 The Story of Bayo's Daughter14:17 Philosophical Reflections on Life and Death23:05 The Role of Trauma and Healing32:11 The Pandemic and Societal Reflections36:42 Love as Radical Incompleteness38:27 Conclusion and Farewellhost and philosopher Andrea HiottLove and Philosophy in VideoSupport 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.

Send a love messageLife is not built by blocks but by lines woven together according to Tim Ingold, emeritus professor of anthropology at the University of Aberdeen and a leading thinker in anthropology and philosophy. Tim Ingold and Andrea Hiott explore key themes from Tim's influential works, such as 'Anthropology: Why It Matters' and 'Lines,' discussing how life is a continuous journey along interwoven threads and traces shaped by our every action. Building on Gibson, Deleuze,  Hallowell, Merleau-Ponty, and others, Ingold's idea of 'wayfaring' as our fundamental mode of being challenges traditional distinctions between nature and culture, mind and body, and forces us out of block-mind and into traces and threads of life interwoven. This enriching dialogue touches on the importance of awareness, attention, and responsibility, offering insights into how these ideas can help us navigate toward a world where love and respect for life are central. Whether it's through storytelling, music, or everyday actions, learn how our paths shape our humanity and influence the futures we create. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on how we should live together in a world full of possibility, a world we love enough to take responsibility for together.00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy00:05 Introducing Tim Ingold and His Work00:43 The Concept of Lines in Life01:43 Wayfaring and Life as a Process02:54 The Importance of Awareness and Responsibility04:18 Tim Ingold's Influences and Philosophical Approach10:28 Tim Ingold's Early Life and Inspirations17:26 Fieldwork and Anthropology25:16 Challenging Traditional Divisions in Science and Humanities32:07 The Evolution of Tim Ingold's Thought48:47 Revisiting Nature and Culture51:48 Anthropology as a Conversation54:46 The Anthropological Conversation56:12 Subject and Object in Anthropology57:58 The Middle Voice of the Verb59:39 Crafting and Teaching01:06:38 The Concept of Lines01:13:24 Embodiment and Attention01:27:42 The Future of Technology and Education01:39:52 Hope for the Futurehttps://www.timingold.com/Lines, the bookAnthropology, why it matters‘For we are made of lines. We are not only referring to lines of writing. Lines of writing conjugate with other lines, life lines, lines of luck or misfortune, lines productive of the variation of the line of writing itself, lines that are between the lines of writing.’— Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, A Thousand PlateausA great interview with Tim Ingold by Juan Loaiza for ENSO.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.

Send a love message "If a thing loves, it is infinite" William Blake: In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages with Clive Grinyer, a renowned industrial and service designer and the director of Project Love. The discussion centers around how design can be a catalyst for fostering love, empathy, and compassion in society, and how this is a form of collective cognition. They explore various innovative projects, including a conversational bench, a heat map app, and a secular gravestone for natural beauty spots. The conversation delves into the philosophy behind design and how it influences our daily interactions and emotions. Grinyer shares insights from his extensive experience and highlights the transformative impact of design thinking in both personal and societal contexts.Watch the video with powerpoint here.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Design01:17 Welcome to Love and Philosophy01:43 Introducing Clive Grinyer and Project Love06:19 Exploring Love Through Design07:17 Defining Love and Design21:39 Innovative Projects and Concepts28:59 Community and Societal Impact35:47 The Social Impact of Design35:51 Designing for Sustainability and Economic Viability36:01 The Complexity and Perception of Design36:19 The Role of AI in Design36:59 Technology and Human Experience37:19 Design in Everyday Life38:16 The Evolution of Technology Design39:22 Emotional Design and User Experience40:25 Project Love: Designing for Compassion01:02:00 Empathy in Design01:04:39 Future Directions and Community BuildingProject Lovehttps://www.theprojectlove.com/Sign up here for the newsletter and writingsSupport the show here.About Clive:"Clive Grinyer is an internationally renowned designer who has led global design teams at Samsung, Cisco, Orange and Barclays, worked at design consultancy IDEO, and was co-founder of the design company Tangerine. Starting as a product designer he has moved across digital, customer experience and service design and was Director of Design for the UK Design Council. As Head of Service Design at the Royal College of Art, he pioneered design as a tool for social impact, shaping how we respond to the environmental crisis and develop life services including financial and healthcare. He is an advisor and delivers executive training to companies including Bosch, the Dorchester Collection of hotels, and the Bank of England. Clive was a trustee of the Royal Society of Arts, Chair of the Design Business Association Effectiveness awards and visiting professor at the Glasgow School of Art. He is currently based in London."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.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a Subscription'Needful Freedom' comes from the work of philosopher Hans Jonas and though this podcast is not about Jonas, Andrea and Mike discuss this term towards understanding the skill of the future.Mike's bio: "Ex-tech exec, now a reluctant Cassandra. Penning dispatches from democracy's peril at notesfromthecircus.com. Unmasking the unholy alliance of Silicon Valley and aspiring despots. 2+2=4, even when power insists otherwise."Cognitive Revolution: Mike Brock on Love, Truth, and the Future of Democracy:In this deep and thought-provoking episode, Mike Brock, an ex-tech executive and renowned writer, dives into the essence of human flourishing, liberal philosophy, and the crises we face today. With a powerful call for a cognitive revolution, Brock explores the balance between freedom and obligation, the pitfalls of technology, and the importance of love and shared understanding in navigating uncertainty. This conversation spans from historical insights to current events, offering a nuanced perspective on what it means to stay human in a rapidly changing world.Notes From the CircusThe Manifesto of the Cognitive RevolutionThe Matrix as an ExamplePhenomenon of Life by Hans Jonas (Di Paolo)00:00 Introduction to Human Flourishing and Liberalism02:11 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:23 Introducing Mike Brock03:16 The Cognitive Revolution and Love05:31 The Role of Algorithms and Technology06:41 The Grand Praxis and Emotional Honesty32:44 Exploring Liberalism and Its Tensions45:20 The Problem with Marxism and Liberalism47:24 The Liberal Frontier and Welfare State50:02 Debating Bias and Neutrality01:14:35 The Crisis of Epistemic Fragmentation01:18:39 The Role of Technology in Human Experience01:30:18 The Fear of Asking Questions01:30:54 Tech Oligarchs and Social Media Impact01:33:44 The Cognitive Revolution01:36:31 Praxis and Emotional Connection01:37:40 The Role of a Prosecutor in Memetic Warfare01:41:03 The Importance of Intellectual Honesty01:41:46 The Intersection of Love and Philosophy01:56:16 The Tension Between Creation and Chaos01:57:16 The Legacy of Thinkers: Sagan and Hitchens02:12:26 The Necessity of Intellectual Gatekeeping02:14:31 The Importance of Understanding and Dialogue02:15:37 Path Dependency and Shared Experiences02:16:41 Frustrations with Social Justice Activism02:17:48 The Role of Persuasion in Social Progress02:21:32 AI Governance and Democratic Values02:23:03 The Dangers of Algorithmic Thinking02:31:06 Elon Musk and the Temptation of Efficiency02:41:54 The Call for a Cognitive Revolution02:53:25 Final Thoughts and AdvSupport 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.

Send a love message#paradox of #love and #agency Yogi aka. Johannes Jaeger like to fashion himself as a natural philosopher. After having his own lab and being the director of an institute in Vienna he left academia for pursuing intellectual production independently. He is part of an science-art collective in Vienna called The Zone. His focus has been primarily focused on his book, Beyond the Age of #Machines, which he had been publishing incrementally in digital form. Fotis Tsiroukis is a cross-disciplinary researcher interested in the intersection between humanities, science and new media. Also a cyborg...Please join the Substack or Support us directly.Johannes JaegerThe ZoneLinkedIn FotisResearch FotisGiving PageIn this episode of the Love & Philosophy Podcast, host Fotis engages in a deep andthought-provoking conversation with Johannes "Yogi" Jaeger, a freelance scholar and biologist-turned-philosopher. Yogi critiques the dominant "machine worldview" that has shaped modernity, arguing that it has led human civilization to a dangerous "cliff edge". He advocates for a shift towards a process-oriented, relational metaphysics that emphasizes the interconnectedness of living systems and the limitations of computational models. Yogi also discusses the pitfalls of AI, the dangers of technological hubris, and the need for a new kind of science that reconnects us with reality. The conversation touches on themes of agency, the limitations of a computationalist worldview and the importance of tough love in guiding humanity towards a more sustainable and meaningful future.#computationalism1. [00:00:00] Snippets2. [00:02:10] Introduction (by Fotis)3. [00:10:00] Yogi as a Natural Philosopher4. [00:13:00] Critique of Modern Science5. [00:14:30] Yogi’s Journey of Dissilusionment: from Molecular Biologist to FreelanceTheorist6. [00:20:00] The Problem with the Academic System7. [00:25:00] The Need for a New Metaphysics8. [00:28:00] Getting Back in Touch with Reality9. [00:32:00] Postmodernism & Metamodernism10. [00:36:00] The Danger of Technological Hubris11. [00:40:00] Complexity Science and the Pitfalls of the Computationalist Wordlview12. [00:45:00] The Illusion of Total Control13. [00:49:00] The Misuse of AI14. [00:54:00] Preping for the Collapse of this Civilization15. [00:57:00] AI "Agents" aren't Real Agents16. [01:05:00] The Illusion of AI Sentience17. [01:10:00] The Free Energy Principle and Reductionism18. [01:20:00] The Importance of Relevance Realization19. [01:25:00] The Role of Relationality and Connection20. [01:30:00] Tough Love for Humanity21. [01:35:00] Closing ThoughtsSupport 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.

Send a love message Elena Clare Cuffari is a Professor at Franklin and Marshall College. Shay Welch is a professor at Spelman College in Atlanta. In this episode, they discuss embodied cognition and participatory sensemaking in relation to marginalized body epistemologies. They share insights from a recent conference that brought together diverse perspectives on how embodied cognition intersects with issues of race, gender, and activism. Welch emphasizes that she never separates her scholarship from her personal life, seeing philosophy as inherently connected to her lived experience. Cuffari highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of her work with colleagues, which seeks to challenge traditional philosophical boundaries. They address the challenges of integrating marginalized voices into academic fields and the importance of recognizing the body's knowledge. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that arises in both academic and social contexts when established norms are challenged, and how this requires responsibility beyond blame.  00:00 Building a Community for Philosophical Dialogue 02:02 Introduction to Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking 02:22 Exploring Personal Philosophical Interests 04:11 Defining Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking 08:08 The Roots and Relevance of Embodied Cognition 15:14 Challenges in Academia and Marginalized Philosophies 28:51 The Concept of Normalcy in Philosophy and Society 37:17 Addressing Misunderstandings in Philosophy 39:34 Inclusivity and Change in Philosophy 43:18 Discomfort and Openness in Philosophical Inquiry 49:44 Marginalized Body Epistemologies 01:01:43 The Intersection of Philosophy and Personal Experience 01:05:57 Reflections on the Conference and Future DirectionsClick to Substack page here for references and more.Shay Welch: https://spelman.academia.edu/shaywelchRead Rebecca Todd's post about Shay Elena Cuffari: https://www.elenaclarecuffari.com/Women in embodied Cognition: https://women-4e.com/Oxford Handbook of 4E CognitionWhat is Feminist Phenomenology?The Phenomenology of a Performative Knowledge System: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-04936-2#bibliographic-informationLinguistic Bodies: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547864/linguistic-bodies/Shay interviewElena motivationThe quote Shay reads is cSupport 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.

Send a love messageSupport the showIn this episode, which was recorded in the autumn of 2024, Andrea Hiott talks with environmental philosopher and public intellectual Rupert Read. They delve into Read's realization that 'this civilization is finished,' his engagement with Wittgenstein's philosophy (especially the book he edited with Alice Crary), his subsequent involvement with Extinction Rebellion, how he has come to understand crisis as inflections of love, and the 'moving forward' work of the Climate Majority Project. The conversation explores themes of crisis, consciousness, intergenerational solidarity, and the liberating power of love and truth in the face of existential challenges. Read shares insights from his academic and activist career, emphasizing the importance of inner work, eco-spirituality, and the collective struggle for a better future.00:00 A Shocking Revelation00:20 Philosophy and Freedom01:02 Wittgenstein's Wonderful Life01:20 Embracing Difficult Emotions02:29 Introduction to the Interview02:33 Rupert Reed's Background04:21 Philosophy as Therapy05:06 Love as Action07:51 Rupert Reed's Crisis09:50 Philosophy and Personal Crisis11:33 Wittgenstein's Liberatory Philosophy23:28 Spiritual Practices and Eco-Spirituality37:05 Climate Courage Campaign39:16 The Importance of Truth44:07 The Path to Truthfulness44:55 The Revelation: Civilization is Finished46:49 Engaging with Students and Public Reaction47:54 Joining Extinction Rebellion48:50 The Challenge of Facing Hard Realities51:18 The Importance of Paradox and Love55:21 The Role of Anxiety and Dreams57:48 Extinction Rebellion's Evolution01:01:49 The Climate Majority Project01:10:51 Intergenerational Solidarity and Responsibility01:17:24 Embracing Difficult Emotions01:22:50 Final Thoughts and Invitation to ActionLinks to what we discuss:New Wittgenstein book with Alice CraryCora DiamondCivil DisobedienceLove in the time of CoronaNew Statesmen ArticleJoanna MacyFoucault Rupert on Politics Livehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5oAr9q277g https://dark-mountain.net/the-deluge/https://www.parentsforafuture.org/ Thrutopia https://youtu.be/b1trbea-BkU?si=YlhO13yioSupport 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.

Send a love message Decoding the Empowerment Measurement in AI and Robotics with Dari Trendafilov. Dari has a PhD in Computing Science from the University of Glasgow, UK. His research interests are situated at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Human–Computer Interaction. He specialized in probabilistic information-theoretic modelling of complex systems and analysis of computational and interactive cognitive systems in the context of social and human–robot interaction. Towards his aim of establishing the fundamental information processing principles driving decision-making in living organisms, he has developed information-theoretic models and tools for the study of human sensorimotor dynamics, robotic and simulated systems, based on behavioural and physiological sensing and analysis.In this episode, Andrea and Dari explore the concept of empowerment in the context of artificial intelligence and robotics. The discussion covers Claude Shannon's information theory, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and the application of these theories in human-computer interaction and swarm robotics. Dari shares insights from his research on swarm intelligence and the use of evolutionary algorithms for collective decision-making. The episode also touches on the broader implications of modeling intelligence and the dynamic interaction between agents and their environments.00:00 Welcome to Love and Philosophy00:11 Understanding Empowerment and Information Theory01:41 Empowerment in Artificial Intelligence04:43 Robotics and Human Interaction06:56 Exploring the Concept of Empowerment19:29 Swarm Robotics and Collective Intelligence33:59 Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation40:36 Modeling Nature Through Robotics42:38 The Journey to Empowerment Research43:28 Challenges in Human-Computer Interaction44:04 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Usability44:50 Usability Engineering and Market Demands45:30 Formal Models and Theories in HCI47:20 Understanding Empowerment in HCI51:01 The Role of Affordances52:33 Introduction to Empowerment53:07 Empowerment in Practice53:33 Empowerment as a Measure01:00:56 Applications and Implications of Empowerment01:08:11 Swarm Robotics and Collective Intelligence01:14:16 Modeling Intelligence and Future DirectionsEmpowerment papershttps://arxiv.org/pdf/1201.6583https://arxiv.org/pdf/2003.08158https://arxiv.org/pdf/2203.03355https://arxiv.org/pdf/1710.05101https://arxiv.org/pdf/1509.08731https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801531/Empowerment PaperSupport 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.