The Relationship Between Science and Platonism

Dr. John Vervaeke and Sevilla King delve into intricate topics that cut across philosophy, psychology, and science. The conversation commences with an in-depth exploration of the "meaning crisis" and secular humanism. Sevilla King tackles the limitations of subject-object metaphysics, while Dr. Vervaeke expounds upon nominalism and its implications for understanding the world's patterns. They discuss Neoplatonism as a potential grounding philosophy for a "religion that's not a religion," and contrast it with the complexities of modern thought. As the conversation evolves, they engage in vibrant debates about embodiment, rationality, the potential and pitfalls of scientific inquiry, and the nature of love and truth. Dr. Vervaeke uses illustrative analogies, and Sevilla King emphasizes the role of mindset and the cultural implications of scientific paradigms. Each moment in the discussion serves as an intellectual milestone, pointing toward new conceptual territories and the endless horizon of human understanding.

Resources:

Sevilla King : Website | Substack | Blog | X

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

The Vervaeke Foundation

Books

• Ennead, I: Porphyry on the Life of Plotinus. Ennead I

• The Unknown God: Negative Theology in the Platonic Tradition: Plato to Eriugena - Deirdre Carabine

• John Scottus Eriugena - Deirdre Carabine

• The Catholicity of Reason - D.C. Schindler

• The View From Nowhere - Thomas Nagel

• Spinoza's Religion: A New Reading of the Ethics - Clare Carlisle 

• The Eternal Law: Ancient Greek Philosophy, Modern Physics, and Ultimate Reality - John H Spencer

Time Codes

00:00:00 — John Vervaeke expresses his excitement for an intellectual exchange with Sevilla King.

00:01:00 — Sevilla King delves into the "meaning crisis" and secular humanism's shortcomings.

00:03:40 — King probes into Neoplatonism as a potential grounding philosophy.

00:07:00 — Challenges to Platonism through nominalism are explained by Vervaeke.

00:09:03 — The reliance of science on real patterns is counterpointed.

00:15:17 — Sevilla King explores social patterns and their properties.

00:18:12 — The interconnectedness of different states of consciousness is emphasized by Vervaeke.

00:24:13 — King defends Persig's view of reason.

00:30:24 — Pursuing a lesser good versus a greater good is discussed.

00:33:27 — Vervaeke counters the idea of relativism.

00:38:00 — Sevilla King discusses the politicization of science.

00:42:00 — King quotes Plotinus on going beyond knowing.

00:46:49 — The expression of love as a total involvement of one's being is talked about by Vervaeke.

00:55:15 — The quantum argument of smaller particles is questioned.

00:58:40 — Advocacy for a transformation of consciousness in sciences is made by Sevilla King.

01:02:20 — The disruption of the one for manifestation is discussed.

01:06:20 — Vervaeke uses a personal analogy to explain the knowable and unknowable.

01:08:40 — Perspectives of scientists opposing religion are debated.

01:09:20 — The talk shifts to reconciling quantum physics with relativity.

01:10:19 — King and Vervaeke see opportunity in science's current instability.

01:18:20 — The host discusses Neoplatonism enhancing Christianity.

01:23:47 — King introduces Eriugena's God concept, resonating with Vervaeke.

01:30:21 — Vervaeke assures ongoing involvement in his online community.