Being, Philosophy, and Contemplation with Adam Robbert
May 7, 2025
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Adam Robbert, the mind behind The Side View and author of 'Practice in Still Life,' dives into the realms of philosophy as a way of life. He sheds light on the importance of making complex ideas accessible and critiques the disconnect between academic philosophy and real-life experiences. The conversation touches on the quest for authenticity, the transformative power of practices, and the value of community in philosophical discussions. Adam also shares insights from his writing journey, emphasizing the need for reader engagement in exploring these profound concepts.
The podcast emphasizes the concept of givenness in phenomenology, revealing its profound connection to our perception and existence in the world.
Adam Robbert's book seeks to make complex philosophical ideas accessible, encouraging broader engagement through varied writing formats beyond academic confines.
Authenticity crucially shapes individual identity, urging listeners to continually reflect on their philosophical beliefs and practices in a morally conscious manner.
Deep dives
Exploring Givenness and Being
The discussion centers on the concept of givenness in the phenomenological tradition, emphasizing how it relates to perception and being. This philosophical exploration captures voices from various influences, including saints, mystics, and philosophers, reflecting on what it means to exist and engage with one's environment. The book aims to bridge complex philosophical ideas with accessible language, inviting readers to contemplate their own relationship to being and the fundamental questions surrounding existence. By navigating through different perspectives, the work encourages a deeper inquiry into the nature of reality and our role within it.
Diverse Approaches to Philosophy
The collection presents a range of written pieces, from essays to lectures, each enriching the reader’s understanding of philosophical practices. It aims to attract an audience beyond the conventional academic realm, offering alternative methods to engage with philosophical texts. The author highlights the importance of connecting with intellectually curious individuals who may not be familiar with the academic discourse typically surrounding these themes. By presenting philosophical ideas in varied formats, the work seeks to invite broader participation and critical engagement with the subject matter.
The Role of Practice in Philosophy
Significant emphasis is placed on the role of practice, or 'ascesis,' in philosophical inquiry. This involves developing skills that allow for a deeper engagement with concepts of perception, being, and truth, ultimately fostering a more profound understanding of reality. The conversation addresses how traditional philosophical methods can sometimes obscure rather than reveal meaning, advocating for a practice-oriented approach that invites vulnerability and genuine self-reflection. Engaging with different practices allows individuals to break free from the confines of rigid definitions, leading to transformative experiences in both thought and life.
Community and Institutional Forms
The dialogue explores the significance of community in philosophical practices and the potential for new institutional forms that foster deeper engagement. The book reflects on the historical context of philosophical traditions and stresses the importance of maintaining fidelity to these lineages while making room for innovation. It raises questions about the collective dimensions of philosophy and how communal practices can influence individual perspectives. By valuing in-person interactions, the insights gathered suggest that shared experiences and physical presence can enhance understanding far beyond online or isolated learning environments.
Authenticity and the Search for Truth
Authenticity emerges as a central theme tied to the subjective experience of engagement with truth and reality. It highlights the complexities of individual choice, moral implications, and the inherent solicitation that arises from attention to being. The conversation emphasizes that exploring one’s horizons of perception is not devoid of moral weight; what one chooses to focus on shapes their identity and reality. Ultimately, the pursuit of authenticity encourages a commitment to continually questioning and evaluating one’s philosophies and practices, aligning them with a deeper sense of purpose.
Adam Robbert runs The Side View, and writes on topics such as a philosophy as a way of life and askēsis. In this episode we discuss his new book Practice in Still Life: Fragments, Essays, and Lectures.Adam's site: https://aerobbert.com/Book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4G32C1B?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_HVM84VQ736JVWX0R50VZ---Become part of the Hermitix community:Hermitix Twitter - / hermitixpodcast Support Hermitix:Patreon - www.patreon.com/hermitix Donations: - https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpodHermitix Merchandise - http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLKEthereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74
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