Matthew David Segall – Science, Religion, Eco-Philosophy, Etheric Imagination, Psychedelic Eucharist, Ecological Crisis and more...
Feb 24, 2015
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In this vibrant discussion, Matthew David Segall, a doctoral candidate in philosophy and religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies, dives into the intersections of science, religion, and ecology. He recounts his fascinating journey from atheism to Buddhist influences and Western Esoteric Hermetic Christianity. Topics include the concept of 'etheric imagination,' the impacts of psychedelics on consciousness, and the urgent need for a more interconnected understanding of our world to combat ecological crises. A thought-provoking exploration of spirituality and philosophy awaits!
The podcast explores how the interplay between science and spirituality, as illuminated by philosophers like Whitehead, reveals a continuity in humanity's quest for understanding beyond mere secularism.
It discusses the significance of imagination, particularly etheric imagination, as a vital tool in unifying scientific inquiry with spiritual experience to foster a deeper understanding of consciousness and ecological interconnectedness.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
The podcast discusses the rich interplay between science and spirituality, specifically through the lens of various philosophers such as Whitehead and Schelling. It highlights the significance of understanding the historical context of religious thought, emphasizing how the church, despite its faults, served to preserve ancient knowledge throughout Western history. This preservation created a framework in which secularism and modern science could eventually emerge, suggesting that the transition from religious frameworks to scientific inquiry wasn't a rejection, but rather a continuation of humanity's quest for understanding. Engaging with both scientific and spiritual dimensions allows for a holistic exploration of human experience and consciousness.
The Role of Imagination in Understanding Reality
Imagination is positioned as a crucial tool in understanding and interpreting reality, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and spiritual experience. The discussion follows how prominent thinkers like Goethe utilized imaginative reasoning to deepen their understanding of the natural world, particularly in the study of plants. It posits that a decline in the recognition of imagination within science has led to a fragmented view of reality, leading to a potential reconceptualization of how we approach scientific observation. By recognizing the role of imagination, primarily through the concept of etheric imagination, one can cultivate a more comprehensive understanding of existence.
Psychedelics and the Expansive Nature of Consciousness
The podcast examines the relationship between psychedelics and the extended mind theory, suggesting that consciousness cannot be contained merely within the human skull but is influenced by external biological entities. It argues that humanity's co-evolution with psychedelic plants and fungi shapes our consciousness, enabling deeper connections with our environment. This perspective invites contemplation on how psychedelic experiences can reveal previously hidden associations with nature and foster a profound sense of interconnectedness. By integrating psychedelics into modern discourse, there is potential for a renaissance in understanding the mind and our place in the ecological fabric of life.
Critiquing Modernity through Whitehead's Lens
The discussion critiques modernity through the framework of Whitehead's philosophy, challenging the prevailing mechanistic view of life that has developed since the Enlightenment. It underscores the idea that this mechanistic perspective reduces human beings and nature to mere objects in a capitalist system, perpetuating alienation and ecological degradation. By reimagining humanity's connection to the natural world, advocates aim to promote an understanding in which all life possesses agency and interiority, leading toward a more sustainable relationship with the planet. This perspective encourages a shift away from purely profit-driven motivations in our societal pursuits, advocating for a more integrated and harmonious existence.
Matthew is a a doctoral candidate in philosophy and religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA. His knowledge of the history of philosophy is expansive and the synthetic approach exemplified in his work is imperative and extremely valuable.
We cover a ton of topics including Matthew's spiritual and philosophical influences/background, his transition from scientistic atheism to Buddhism to Western Esoteric Hermetic Christianity, his understanding of the relationship between science, philosophy and religion in the west, his interest in Carl Jung, Whitehead, Schelling, and esoteric thinker Rudolph Steiner and how they exhibit what Matt calls "etheric imagination." We also talk about science and art, psychedelics, consciousnesses and Eucharist, capitalism and the ecological crisis and the talk he'll be giving at the upcoming Whitehead conference in Claremont this summer.
