đđŹđ¸ď¸ 218 - Neil Theise on Complexity & Nonduality
Apr 2, 2024
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Neil Theise, discoverer of a new human organ, discusses complexity, nonduality, and interconnectedness of life. Topics include burnout, emergent behaviors, funding challenges in research/art, scientism, and the impact of modern computing pioneers on society. The conversation bridges science and spirituality, urging listeners to stay present and engaged with reality.
Blurring self-boundaries through spiritual realization, merging science and emptiness experiences.
Emphasizing intuitive insights in complexity theory, intertwining cellular self-organization with quantum physics.
Challenging scientism by valuing intuitive epiphanies, questioning empirical science limitations post-World War II.
Deep dives
Exploration of Self and the Convergence of Science and Spiritual Practice
The podcast delves into a deep personal reflection where the speaker shares a profound moment of realization. While observing dust motes and the transformation of incense into smoke, the speaker experiences a visceral understanding of emptiness and inherent existence, blurring the boundaries between self and the external world. This moment marks the convergence of the speaker's scientific and spiritual practices, highlighting how they are different paths exploring the same fundamental truths.
Journey Through Complexity Theory and Consciousness Studies
The podcast further explores the speaker's journey into complexity theory and consciousness studies. Starting from a multidisciplinary conversation with an artist, the speaker delves into cellular self-organization, aligning with principles of complexity in nature. The discussion extends to quantum physics, Godel's incompleteness theorem, and the limitations of empirical science, emphasizing intuitive insights and the non-linear nature of scientific discovery.
Process of Insight and Integration of Intuitive Epiphanies
The podcast reveals the speaker's process of insight, highlighting how scientific discoveries often stem from intuitive experiences. By oscillating between gathering data and meditative reflection, the speaker uncovers profound insights in the scientific realm. This approach challenges traditional scientific methodologies, emphasizing the value of intuitive epiphanies and the interconnectedness of personal contemplation and professional research.
The Evolution of Scientism and Fundamentalism in Science
The podcast delves into the evolution of scientism and fundamentalism in science, tracing it back to the Vienna Circle after World War II. The episode explores how the collapse of religious orthodoxy post-war led to a focus on empirical science and mathematical formal logic, dismissing metaphysical concepts. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by GĂśdel's incompleteness theorem and quantum physics, questioning the limitations of empiricism and the separation between subject and object.
Complexity Theory and its Applications to Society
The podcast discusses complexity theory and its implications for societal systems and interactions. It emphasizes the importance of negative feedback loops, bottom-up interactions, and balanced randomness within systems. The conversation extends to the concept of the adjacent possible, reflecting the constraints and unpredictability of complex systems. The episode advocates for applying complexity theory principles to address challenges such as mass extinction events and sustainable creativity in modern society.
Iâm honored to share a profound and soulful conversation on science and spirituality with Neil Theise, professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discoverer of a new human organ (the interstitium), lifelong Zen meditator, and author of the superb book, Notes on Complexity.
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