Paradigm Shifts and the Adjacent Possible

John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall engage in a profound discussion on the nature and impact of paradigm shifts in contemporary times, exploring how these shifts are not just led by theoretical changes but also by randomness and technical advancements. They delve into the role of anomalies, experimentation, and the concept of the "imaginal" in facilitating these shifts. Highlighting historical examples, such as Einstein and Heisenberg, they discuss how philosophical and cross-cultural explorations contribute to new ways of thinking. The conversation further explores the necessity of breaking existing structures and disciplines for new explorations, with the metaphor of individuals gathering diverse tools without initially understanding their collective purpose. This comprehensive dialogue underscores the complexity of paradigm shifts, intertwining technical, individual, collective, and socio-cultural dynamics.

Glossary of Terms

Paradigm Shift: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

Anomalies: Unexpected or unusual occurrences that challenge existing theories or paradigms.

Resources and References:

Dr. John Vervaeke: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook

Jordan Hall: YouTube | Medium | X 

The Vervaeke Foundation

John Vervaeke YouTube

Awakening from the Meaning Crisis

The Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show

Books, Articles, and Publications

Hyperobjects: Philosophy and Ecology after the End of the World - Timothy Morton

Gilles Deleuze - Postscript on the Societies of Control

Postscript on Societies of Control. Deleuze, G. (1995). In M. Joughin (Trans.), Negotiations (pp. 177-182). Columbia University Press. (Original work published 1990).

Quotes

"The hypothesis of paradigm shifts in the contemporary era is led by a combination of randomness and changes in the technical layer." - Jordan Hall

"The movement of paradigm shifts involves individuals leaping from the old theoretical milieu into the new." - Jordan Hall

"The new paradigm is emerging from a stretched rubber band of tension between old and new assumptions." - Jordan Hall

"Anomalies in paradigm shifts are initially marginalized, then later become central." - John Vervaeke

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the concept of paradigm shifts and their influence by technical changes and new theories.

[00:03:04] - Perspective on paradigm shifts, emphasizing philosophical aspects influencing scientists like Einstein and Heisenberg.

[00:06:01] - Discussion on the process of paradigm shifts, comparing it to discovering and utilizing new tools like a screwdriver.

[00:09:12] - Exploration of the role of imagination in paradigm shifts, with references to historical figures like Galileo.

[00:12:01] - Analysis of the interplay between the possible, the adjacent possible, and the imaginal in the context of paradigm shifts.

[00:15:06] - Elaboration on the concept of 'recollecting' oneself during paradigm shifts. 

[00:18:42] - Questioning how people recognize and adopt new paradigms, focusing on the role of anomalies.

[00:21:21] - Discussion of the impact of societal changes and cultural anomalies on individuals' experiences and perceptions.

[00:24:53] - Connection of Timothy Morton's concept of hyperobjects with Piaget's work on developmental change, relating it to paradigm shifts.

[00:30:12] - Discussion of the adjacent possible and its relation to paradigm shifts, using personal experiences as examples.

[00:33:12] - Delving into the idea of distributed cognition in relation to grasping complex concepts like hyperobjects.

[00:37:53] - Emphasis that in every paradigm shift, new problems are resolved, opportunities emerge, and new problems arise. 

[00:42:44] - Analysis of the emergence of democracy from the Protestant Reformation, linking it to changes brought by the printing press.

[00:46:35] - Description of how digital identities and services could be modulated based on social credit scores in a future paradigm.

[00:51:50] - Prediction of the future potential of fully implemented social credit systems and their impact on everyday life. 

[00:56:57] - Discussion on the potential of new technologies to cause paradigmatic shifts, similar to alphabetic literacy and the printing press, and how these shifts might engender new ways of thinking and being beyond their immediate, apparent effects.

[01:00:08] - Analysis of the potential outcomes and limitations of China's AI-controlled social credit system, exploring its evolutionary impact within the constraints of paradigm space.

[01:06:29] - Conclusion: Deliberation on the potential of rapid paradigm shifts to either disrupt human connection to timeless values or enhance understanding, emphasizing the need for discernment.