Join John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist focused on meaning and philosophy, and Christopher Mastropietro, known for simplifying complex ideas, as they unpack their work on the 'Awakening from the Meaning Crisis' project. They explore the delicate balance between accessible language and intellectual depth, stressing the power of narrative in understanding philosophical concepts. Their discussion touches on the impact of their video series on academic dialogue, the communal nature of meaning, and the transformative power of art and experiences.
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Unexpected Academic Impact
John Vervaeke's meaning crisis series unexpectedly increased his academic work.
It led to more collaborations and higher productivity than ever before.
insights INSIGHT
Shifting Academic Landscape
Academics are now more open to public engagement, potentially due to changing perceptions of credibility.
Vervaeke's work demonstrates the increasing acceptance of YouTube as a platform for intellectual discussion.
insights INSIGHT
Passionate Scholarship
Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson's impassioned teaching style contrasts with the typical segregation of academic and personal life.
Their passion and vocation-driven approach revitalized interest in philosophy.
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A Deeper Understanding of Meaning and the Meaning Crisis
John Vervaeke
In "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis," John Vervaeke explores the pervasive sense of meaninglessness in modern society. He delves into the cognitive and philosophical roots of this crisis, examining how our understanding of the world contributes to feelings of emptiness and disconnection. Vervaeke offers a framework for understanding meaning, proposing that it's not a singular entity but a multifaceted concept encompassing purpose, significance, and mattering. He challenges readers to re-evaluate their values and find meaning in their lives through self-reflection and engagement with the world. The book provides a blend of philosophical insights and scientific research, offering a comprehensive approach to navigating the meaning crisis.
In this conversation with John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro we discuss their collaborative work on the 'Awakening from the Meaning Crisis' project, exploring the dynamics of their partnership, the impact of their ideas on contemporary discourse, and the challenges of making complex concepts accessible. They delve into the importance of narrative in understanding philosophical ideas, the role of dialogical reasoning in writing, and the surprising effects of their video series on academic engagement.
Buy their book: Awakening From the Meaning Crisis: Part One: Origins: https://www.amazon.co.za/Awakening-Meaning-Crisis-Part-Origins/dp/1645011003
John Vervaeke's course on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-cognitive-science-of-ritual
Daily Wire Plus: The Gospels seminar: https://www.dailywire.com/show/the-gospels
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Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:39 - Intro music 01:03 - Introduction 01:42 - Working together 06:23 - Coming to terms with John's vocabulary 11:26 - Getting feedback 14:27 - Telling a story 18:36 - A dialogical process 22:25 - Change in academia 26:48 - John Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson at UofT 29:21 - Cross-disciplinary 36:01 - Cognitive science 40:14 - Making woo acceptable 45:06 - John and John teaching 52:33 - What was the Gospels seminar like for Jonathan 00:15 - John's experience 03:23 - The strangeness of Christianity 08:19 - Hope for the book's reception
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