In 'Transformative Experience', L.A. Paul argues that certain life choices, such as deciding to become a parent, converting to a religion, or medically altering one's physical and mental capacities, are transformative experiences that cannot be assessed in advance. These experiences change the person in both epistemic and personal ways, making it impossible to make fully informed decisions based on current preferences and values. Paul uses classic philosophical examples and recent work in decision theory, cognitive science, and the philosophy of mind to develop a rigorous account of how we should understand and approach such transformative decisions.
Ignatius of Loyola's "Spiritual Exercises" is a classic text on spiritual formation and discernment. It guides individuals through a process of reflection and prayer to deepen their relationship with God. The Exercises emphasize the importance of self-awareness, detachment from worldly desires, and a focus on God's will. They are widely used by individuals and groups seeking spiritual growth and guidance. The Exercises have had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and beyond.
In 'Philosophy as a Way of Life,' Pierre Hadot argues that ancient philosophy was not merely a theoretical discipline but an art of living aimed at relieving suffering and transforming the self. The book delves into 'spiritual exercises' such as self-control, meditation, and the view from above, which were central to the practices of Socrates, Stoicism, and Epicureanism. Hadot's work emphasizes the importance of these exercises in achieving wisdom and living a fulfilling life, and it highlights the distinction between ancient philosophical practices and the more abstract, theoretical approach of modern philosophy[2][4][5].
Proper Proportions & The Right Mode. In this episode, John Vervaeke delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Stoicism and its connections with both ancient and modern practices, while also emphasizing the importance of serious play and aspiration in rationality. Vervaeke begins by discussing the Stoic philosophy, which was founded by Zeno of Citium and focuses on achieving goodness and peace of mind through living a virtuous life in accordance with nature.
The episode then addresses the modern disjunction between value and fact, leading to the misunderstanding of the roles of meaning and event in our lives. The concept of cognitive behavioral therapy is introduced, highlighting the influential ideas of Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher who believed in the importance of rigorous self-discipline.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the topic of modal confusion, which occurs when individuals use the wrong mode for their needs. This can result in problems such as spiritual bypassing, where individuals avoid addressing their issues by seeking a false sense of enlightenment.
Vervaeke introduces Michael J. Apter's reversal theory, which explores the difference between the telic mode (goal-oriented) and the paratelic mode (activity-oriented) in human behavior. The concept of serious play is then discussed, emphasizing its importance in engaging with perspectival and participatory knowing without committing fully to an activity or experience.
The episode also covers aspirational practices, as discussed by Agnes Callard, which are central to rationality and enable transformative experiences in our lives. These practices involve a combination of proleptic rationality and the imaginal, allowing individuals to envision and strive for their goals.
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You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos.
You can find more information, and register, here:
https://circlinginstitute.com/circlin...
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After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.
Dr. John Vervaeke 
