Living Beyond the Blind Spot with Philosopher Evan Thompson
Jan 1, 2025
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Philosopher Evan Thompson, renowned for his insights on embodied cognition, discusses his co-authored work 'The Blind Spot'. He explores how idealized scientific models distort our understanding of reality and the interconnectedness of all living things. The conversation highlights the urgent need for integrating arts and humanities within STEM to navigate ecological crises. Topics include the mind-body connection, the limitations of technology in grasping human experience, and the role of love and personal narratives in the pursuit of knowledge.
Evan Thompson highlights the 'blind spot' in scientific understanding, emphasizing the disconnect between abstract models and experiential reality in our relationship with nature.
The podcast addresses a 'meaning crisis' emerging from an overly industrial worldview that neglects lived experiences, urging a reconceptualization of knowledge integration across disciplines.
Thompson reflects on the influential intellectual environment of his upbringing, stressing the importance of inclusive dialogue to navigate and address contemporary ecological and philosophical challenges.
Deep dives
Understanding the Blind Spot
The discussion highlights the concept of the 'blind spot' in our understanding of science and nature, emphasizing that while the planet itself may endure through human activity, the ecological crisis represents a crisis for humanity and other species. This blind spot originates from confusing scientific models and abstractions with tangible reality, leading to a lack of awareness about our experiential connection to nature. Philosophers have pointed out this fallacy of misplaced concreteness, where mathematical representations are mistakenly seen as the essence of nature rather than as tools created by human cognition. Addressing this blind spot is crucial, as it tends to obscure the depth of our relationship with nature, which includes subjective human experiences alongside objective facts.
The Crisis of Meaning
A significant theme discussed is the 'meaning crisis' arising from modern scientific methods that emphasize an abstracted view of the world at the expense of lived human experiences. Influential thinkers have pointed to this crisis, which has manifested in the current climate emergency, suggesting that our worldview has been overly shaped by industrial and materialistic perspectives. This reductionist approach may diminish the value of human cognition, experience, and the arts, leading to a disconnection from the natural world. Understanding and redefining the value we assign to various forms of knowledge—be it art, science, or spirituality—is essential to overcoming this crisis and forging a more integrated worldview.
Relational Thinking and Systems Science
The conversation delves into the need for adopting relational frameworks, which emphasize interactions within complex systems rather than rigid dichotomies. Scholars advocate for complex systems science as a means to explore the intricate relationships between different phenomena, positioning humans as active participants in these networks. This approach counters the traditional tendency to treat objects of study in isolation, fostering a deeper appreciation of interdependence and shared processes. Such a perspective encourages a shift in how we pursue knowledge, integrating insights from various disciplines to create a richer understanding of existence.
Personal Influence and Cultural Traditions
The influence of prominent thinkers and the cultural milieu of the 70s and 80s is acknowledged as foundational to the speaker's approach to philosophy and science. Growing up amidst an environment that encouraged dialogue among diverse intellectuals shaped perspectives around understanding the world and our place within it. This rich exchange of ideas included insights from well-respected figures in various fields, fostering a spirit of exploration and interdisciplinarity. The speaker reflects on how this history underscores the importance of keeping conversations open and inclusive to address the complexities of contemporary issues.
The Role of Love and Connection in Knowledge
The conversation emphasizes that love and concern for the world have driven many of the significant thinkers mentioned, connecting their intellectual pursuits to a wider context of empathy and awareness. This connection illustrates that true knowledge-making is deeply rooted in our experiences and our relationships with others. By acknowledging the emotional dimensions of wisdom, we can cultivate a more holistic understanding of both human experience and the natural world. Ultimately, the pursuit of knowledge should be compassion-driven, aiming to balance rational inquiry with heartfelt engagement in the complexities we navigate as a society.
Happy 2025 ❤️ everyone. Philosopher Evan Thompson discusses 'The Blind Spot' which delves into the complexities of human perception, science, and the interconnectedness of nature. Together Andrea Hiott and Evan Thompson explore themes such as the impact of idealized scientific models on our understanding of reality, the importance of integrating arts and humanities with STEM disciplines, and the urgency of addressing ecological and meaning crises. The episode also touches on the historical context and influences behind Thompson's work, including his upbringing around pioneering thinkers like Lynn Margulis, Francisco Varela and Gregory Bateson. Evan wrote The Blind Spot with astrophysicist Adam Frank and theoretical physicist Marcelo Gleiser.
00:00 Understanding the Crisis: Human Impact on the Planet 02:25 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 02:46 Interview with Philosopher Evan Thompson 03:02 Exploring Evan Thompson's Background and Influences 04:36 Discussing 'The Blind Spot' and Its Themes 05:32 The Concept of Crisis and Its Philosophical Roots 06:18 The Parable of Temperature and Scientific Abstraction 21:40 The Bifurcation of Nature and Its Implications 35:19 Philosophical Practices and Cognitive Humility 41:06 Philosophers with a Scientific Background 41:35 The Crisis of Meaning in Science 42:26 Science Triumph and Denial 44:36 Educational Emphasis on STEM 45:36 Technology and Scientific Models 47:02 Atoms, Electrons, and Reality 50:07 Large Language Models and Understanding 56:53 The Evolution of Cognitive Science 01:00:24 The Influence of Heterodox Thinkers 01:14:31 The Importance of Love in Knowledge 01:17:17 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections