Resolving the Meta-Crisis: Oppenheimer Effects and the Exponential Growth of Technology

Dr. John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and Jordan Hall delve into the complexities of human language, spirituality, and the future of artificial intelligence. Vervaeke introduces the show by touching upon predictive processing and relevance realization theory, setting the stage for Henriques to discuss transcendent naturalism and its capacity to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. Jordan Hall introduces several groundbreaking concepts, including the transformation of language and the essence of digital media. This conversation covers the meta-crisis and even the theological underpinnings of future technology. From understanding different modes of language to the implications of large language models, this episode offers insights that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. 

Jordan Hall (@jgreenhall) is a visionary entrepreneur and technologist whose work has left an indelible impact on various industries. With academic roots at Texas A&M and Harvard University, Jordan was among the first employees at MP3.com, revolutionizing the music industry by democratizing access to popular music. Jordan has continued to drive innovation and social change, and his multifaceted career illustrates a relentless commitment to leveraging technology for societal betterment. 

Resources:

Jordan Hall: Medium | YouTube | X

Gregg Henriques: Website | Facebook | X

John Vervaeke: Website | Facebook | X

Books:

Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief - Dr. Jordan Peterson

A New Synthesis for Solving the Problem of Psychology: Addressing the Enlightenment Gap - Gregg Henriques

Publications:

Predictive processing and relevance realization: exploring convergent solutions to the frame problem - Brett P. Andersen, Mark Miller & John Vervaeke 

The Fifth Joint Point - Gregg Henriques

John Vervaeke YouTube:

The Future of Governance Part 1 | Jordan Hall and John Vervaeke

The Civium and the religion that is not a religion w/ Jordan Hall

Towards a Metapsychology that is true to Transformation w/ Gregg Henriques and Zachary Stein

John Vervaeke: Artificial Intelligence, The Meaning Crisis, & The Future of Humanity

Brett Andersen:

Intimations of a New Worldview - YouTube

Consciousness Emerges at the Border Between Order and Chaos

Intimations of a New Worldview

Movies

Oppenheimer (2023) - IMDb

People:

Brendan Graham Dempsey

Read Montague, Ph.D.

Paul Tillich

Nicholas of Cusa 

Timecodes:

[00:00:00] Dr. Vervaeke opens the episode by introducing the guest, Jordan Hall, and co-host Gregg Henriques.

[00:03:00] Gregg Henriques expounds on transcendent naturalism, offering a conceptual bridge between scientific rationality and spiritual wisdom.

[00:07:35] Jordan Hall lays out his take on transcendent naturalism and situates it within the 'arc of big history.'

[00:11:45] Hall presents two key technological concepts that are at our societal threshold.

[00:15:13] The discussion moves into differentiating between trade and sacred languages, with an emphasis on the importance of communicative attunement.

[00:18:20] Jordan Hall posits the role of large language models as game-changers in transcending the limitations of trade language.

[00:24:11] Dr. Vervaeke discusses the concept of mutual modeling and introduces the complex sensitivity of family language, adding layers to the existing discussion.

[00:30:40] Jordan Hall outlines the real-world challenges of exponential growth, from resource management to societal structure.

[00:32:00] Hall brings up the concept of strong transhumanism, igniting conversations around human evolution and technological integration.

[00:36:45] The dialogue expands to digital media's unique potential for facilitating diverse mental models.

[00:44:30] Gregg Henriques discusses the possibilities and inherent risks of reaching the fifth joint point.

[00:48:00] Henriques shifts the focus inward, reminding us of the human need to be recognized and valued in authentic relationships.

[00:51:38] Jordan Hall frames the internet as the ultimate culmination of media, setting the stage for a new understanding of our interconnected world.

[00:54:00] Dr. Vervaeke challenges traditional distinctions between medium and intelligence, implying a more integrated future landscape.

[00:58:20] Jordan Hall reconnects the conversation to transcendent naturalism, offering a comprehensive framework that ties together the episode's numerous threads.

[01:05:00] Dr. Vervaeke introduces the intriguing idea of a chirotic decision point, adding moral and spiritual dimensions to our technological considerations.

[01:09:45] Dr. Vervaeke brings historical philosophy into play, citing Neoplatonism's relevance to the conversation.

[01:13:06] - Jordan Hall clarifies his position, stating that he does not claim to be rigorous or original, but rather aims to provoke thought and discussion.

[01:16:32] Jordan Hall discusses a metaphor of waves and cliffs, suggesting we must find and ride the waves moving in the right direction, which took 2000 years to work out the implications.

[01:18:00] Vervaeke talks about the potential for Zen and Neoplatonism to harmoniously coexist with modern scientific understanding.

[01:19:00] Gregg Henriques discusses the digital identity problem and the need for rotation on our identities to generate a digital identity solution.

[01:21:00] Jordan Hall leaves the audience with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the importance of digesting the complex conversation to fuel future dialogue.