Alexander Bard part 4

8 snips

Jun 15, 2025

In the latest discussion, philosopher Alexander Bard delves into his upcoming book, compellingly exploring mysticism, transcendence, and the philosophy of time. He argues that pure experience and consciousness can't be reduced to mere computation. Bard contrasts Eastern and Western spiritual practices while emphasizing the importance of navigating ecstatic experiences without losing one's self. The conversation also touches on the nuances of addiction, drawing connections to childhood and personal transformation, advocating for a deeper understanding of mystical experiences.

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INSIGHT

Primacy of Phenomenology in Philosophy

Phenomenology precedes epistemology and ontology, forming the foundation of philosophy.
Mistaking this order leads to poor understanding of mysticism and consciousness.

INSIGHT

Two States of Mystic Experience

Pure experience and the infinite now are two extreme, subjectless mystical states.
The self dissolves in these states, revealing profound transformations of consciousness.

ADVICE

Integrate Bliss for Transformation

To truly transform, learn to climb down from ecstatic or blissful states.
Integration of these experiences into your self is essential for growth.

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My fourth conversation with the philosopher Alexander Bard, on his new book project on mysticism, bliss, the importance of phenomenology, the philosophy of time, transcendence, and transformation.

Related episodes:

https://youtu.be/Y8cuqy6y0fo Alexander Bard part 1: sex, Zoroastrianism, embodied philosophy

https://youtu.be/eASbv9WA-TQ Alexander Bard part 2: tantric sex, sex and spirituality, men's work

https://youtu.be/3eAwktR3S3s Alexander Bard part 3: anthropology and AI

Bard on Sweeney, discussing the book project on mysticism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFU0ot5daog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtaDAqbAE3A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxlQyzDwTfo

00:00:00 Intro: making philosophy.

00:03:33 Why mysticism? Transcendence and transformation. The philosophy of time.

00:14:53 The right order: phenomenology -> epistemology -> ontology of mysticism. Pathos-mythos-logos and subconscious/conscious. Only present exists. The past subsists and the future absists. The past is determinate, the future is indeterminate, the present is transdeterminate.

00:26:08 Animal philosophy.

00:28:51 Phenomenology of mysticism. Dancing myself unconscious. Varayana Buddhism. The two subjectless extreme states: pure experience and the infinite now. You can't do science of consciousness.

00:37:47 The historical and sociological context: pillar saints and boy pharaohs, sutra/tantra. The infinite now and orgasm.

00:49:41 Pure experience and the other-world dualism. The psychoanalytical view: neurosis and psychosis. Mamilla and embodiment.

01:01:24 Mysticism is minimalism. The job of philosophy to kill axioms. Mysticism is practiced philosophy. Mysticism kills fantasies about how the world works. The importance of integration.

01:09:42 The problem with western existentialism is that it assumes the subject is constant.

01:10:17 Why go mystic? Why you? Why now? How? The birth of a child: instant bliss. Go deeper?

01:14:22 The first thing the mystic says: there is no purpose to this. The phenomenology-epistemology loop has been ignored by philosophers.

I, scientist blog: https://balazskegl.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/balazskegl

Artwork: DALL-E

Music: Bea Palya https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDp3qcFZdU1yoWIRpMSaZw

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