The Dangers of Idolizing Heroes: Embracing Intellectual Sovereignty

In this episode of Cosmosis, Kelly Chase and Jay Christopher King are joined by philosopher James Madden, author of Unidentified Flying Hyperobject: UFOs, Philosophy, and the End of the World. Jim has been part of this journey with us from the very beginning, appearing on The UFO Rabbit Hole podcast and in our docuseries Cosmosis: UFOs & A New Reality.

Together, we take a hard look at the state of ufology and how belief, ideology, and language shape the way we think about the phenomenon. We ask tough questions: Has ufology become a kind of religion? What does it mean to practice good “epistemic hygiene” in a field so vulnerable to disinformation and self-deception? How can we avoid falling into old patterns of certainty while still honoring the mystery?

This is a conversation about curiosity, responsibility, and the courage to sit with the unknown. Whether you’re new to the field or a long-time experiencer, Jim’s insights cut through the noise and remind us that sometimes the most important thing isn’t finding the answer—but learning to ask better questions.

Music for Cosmosis is by Michael Rubino. The show is brought to you by SpectreVision Radio.

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Resources & References

• James D. Madden, Unidentified Flying Hyperobject: UFOs, Philosophy, and the End of the World: https://a.co/d/4F2Tpcl

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TIMESTAMPS

04:57 The Evolution of Ufology: A Personal Perspective

07:37 Ufology as a Religion: Belief and Skepticism

14:15 The Hero's Journey in Ufology

29:59 Challenges in Ufology: Secrecy and Belonging

34:43 Navigating Blind Spots in Public Discourse

36:32 The Illusion of Ease in Public Engagement

37:42 The Trap of Daily Grind and Outrage Cycles

40:02 Questioning the UFO Narrative

44:13 Skepticism and Authority in the UFO Community

46:33 The Role of Media and Public Perception

54:02 Positive Aspects of Ufology

56:15 The Power of Unanswerable Questions

59:05 Maintaining Intellectual Sovereignty

01:04:31 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

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