Owen Flanagan, a philosopher and neurobiologist from Duke University, dives deep into his 20-year struggle with addiction and its implications on consciousness. He shares personal anecdotes, linking them to his research, highlighting the intricate relationship between neuroscience and philosophical thought. The discussion touches on drug legalization debates, the importance of storytelling in recovery, and the complexities of addiction as a disease. Flanagan also examines how ancient philosophies and modern science intertwine in understanding human behavior.
Owen Flanagan emphasizes that addiction reflects deeper internal conflicts, showcasing the significance of personal storytelling in recovery journeys.
Exploring consciousness, Flanagan argues that subjective mental experiences provide crucial insights into understanding individual perceptions of reality.
The podcast discusses the complexities of drug legalization, emphasizing the need for harm reduction strategies in addressing societal implications of addiction.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Addiction
Addiction is explored as a multifaceted issue that intertwines biological, psychological, and philosophical dimensions. The guest, Owen Flanagan, shares his unique perspective as a former addict, highlighting the laborious struggle he faced while managing his addiction to alcohol and drugs. Flanagan acknowledges that the notion of addiction extends beyond mere substance use; it reflects profound internal conflicts and dysfunctions in personal life. His years of addiction inspired him to investigate and articulate the experiences of others, illustrating the significance of storytelling in recovery.
Consciousness and Emotional Experience
The podcast delves into the philosophy of consciousness and emotions, illustrating how personal mental experiences shape one's perception of reality. Flanagan asserts that the private thoughts and ruminations that reside within individuals are central to understanding their consciousness. He stresses that traditional studies of behavior often overlook the nuanced, internal experiences that inform one’s sense of meaning and purpose. This focus on subjective experience suggests that the true essence of consciousness cannot be fully captured by external behaviors alone.
Buddhism vs. Western Philosophy
The discussion highlights the contrasting views between Buddhism and Western philosophy regarding metaphysics and ethics. While Abrahamic religions assert the existence of a creator God, Buddhism presents a more atheistic view, focusing on the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth without a singular origin. Flanagan addresses how many philosophies, including Buddhism, share a common goal in aiming to alleviate suffering while promoting ethical living. The conversation touches on the challenge of reconciling ancient beliefs with modern scientific understandings, creating a framework for philosophical naturalism.
The Disease Model of Addiction
Flanagan discusses the prevailing belief that addiction is a disease rather than merely a character flaw, noting its implications for treatment and understanding. He reflects on his battle with addiction, emphasizing that although the disease model has validity, it might oversimplify the complexity of addiction as a lived experience. The podcast stresses the importance of personal accountability in recovery, advocating for a nuanced view that recognizes both biological predispositions and individual choices in shaping one’s addiction journey. Flanagan proposes that effective recovery necessitates acknowledging the emotional turmoil and behavioral patterns tied to addiction.
Legalization and Dependency Dynamics
The conversation explores the controversial topic of drug legalization, referencing the contrasting outcomes observed in places like Portugal and Oregon that have attempted decriminalization. Flanagan notes that while legalization could offer potential benefits, the complexities of addiction and its societal implications complicate the landscape. The discussion includes considerations about the long-term effects of substance use, particularly in understanding the distinction between recreational use and addiction's destructive impact. Ultimately, Flanagan conveys a cautious optimism for harm reduction strategies that could support responsible use while addressing public health concerns.
Owen Flanagan's newest book details his 20-year dependence on alcohol and pills — and outlines his research on what addiction can tell us about the nature of consciousness.
SOURCES:
Owen Flanagan, philosopher, neurobiologist, and professor emeritus at Duke University.
Against Happiness,by Owen Flanagan, Joseph E. LeDoux, Bobby Bingle, Daniel M. Haybron, Batja Mesquita, Michele Moody-Adams, Songyao Ren, Anna Sun, and Yolonda Y. Wilson. (2023).
