Reciprocally Reconstructive Dialogos Between Neoplatonism and Science with Sevilla King

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Oct 13, 2023

Dr. John Vervaeke and Sevilla King discuss the meaning crisis and secular humanism. They explore neoplatonism as a grounding philosophy, contrast normalism with Platonism, and debate the relationship between science and Platonism. They also delve into the role of the body in participatory knowing.

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INSIGHT

Secular Humanism's Shortcomings

Secular humanism, despite aiming for well-being and equality, hasn't solved the meaning crisis.
Australia, a secular humanist 'paradise,' has suicide rates surpassing COVID deaths.

INSIGHT

Subject-Object Metaphysics and Fragmentation

Subject-object metaphysics, with its focus on rationality, leads to a desire for certainty but also boredom.
This fragmented spiritual attention towards lesser goals, causing division and hindering worldview updates.

INSIGHT

Neoplatonism as a Foundation

Neoplatonism offers a potential foundation for a 'religion that's not a religion' to address the meaning crisis.
It needs to be revisited to consider modern understandings of embodiment and incorporate post-nominalist ideas of the dynamic sacred.

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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.