The Nature and Power of Love with DC Schindler and Ken Lowry | Voices with Vervaeke
Jul 8, 2023
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Philosopher DC Schindler and relationship expert Ken Lowry join John Vervaeke to discuss the nature of love, exploring topics such as Heidegger's concept of fatigue, Dionysius' understanding of causality, and the paradoxical nature of love. They also delve into the connection between love and transcendence, highlighting the transformative power of certain experiences like changing a baby's diaper. The urgency of integrating the iconic tradition into current challenges is emphasized.
Transcendence goes beyond force transmission and includes generosity, allowing things to emerge.
Embracing both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of transcendence enhances understanding of love and causality.
Wonder, insight, and beauty are interconnected and cultivate a richer engagement with the world.
Deep dives
Transcending through Generosity and Causality
The podcast delves into the concept of transcendence and causality, challenging the common understanding of God as a supreme being and exploring a deeper notion of causation. The discussion highlights that causation goes beyond the mere transmission of force and includes a sense of generosity and allowing things to emerge. It emphasizes that every causal event in the cosmos, regardless of its nature, is an expression of the original causal generosity at the root of all things. The conversation also touches on the intertwining of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of transcendence, highlighting the importance of embracing both the ascent towards the divine and the grounding of the earthly. By doing so, a richer understanding of transcendence and causality can be achieved, enhancing our experience of wonder, insight, and beauty.
Embracing the Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions
The podcast explores the idea of embracing both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of transcendence, challenging the notion that the ascent towards the divine is the sole path of realization. It discusses how Christian Neoplatonism emphasizes the interplay between the ascent and descent, highlighting the importance of grounding oneself in the earthly while reaching towards the divine. The conversation acknowledges that both dimensions are essential for a holistic understanding of transcendence and love. It emphasizes that the transcendent love is not exclusive to the upward movement, but also permeates our everyday experiences, including mundane tasks. By recognizing the mutual interpenetration of the vertical and horizontal dimensions, a more comprehensive understanding of transcendence can be attained.
The Intertwining of Wonder, Insight, and Beauty
The podcast discusses the deep connection between wonder, insight, and beauty. It highlights how wonder arises from the encounter with the unexpected, leading to a sense of awe and reverence. The conversation explores how insight involves the simultaneous discovery and remembrance of something that was always present but newly recognized. It emphasizes that beauty discloses itself in a surprising yet intelligible manner, unfolding its meaning and deepening our understanding of reality. The discussion also highlights the reciprocal opening and self-transcendence experienced through beauty. By appreciating the intertwining of wonder, insight, and beauty, individuals can cultivate a richer and more meaningful engagement with the world.
The Measurement Problem and the Importance of a Measuring Device
The speaker discusses the measurement problem and emphasizes the need for a measuring device that exists at a different ontological level than the object being measured. This device should have permanence and constancy to accurately measure quantum phenomena. The measurement problem is seen as pivotal in understanding scientific processes, as every active measurement presupposes the existence of a reliable measuring device.
Causality, Beauty, and Love in Dionysius' Philosophy
The podcast delves into the contribution of Dionysius and his views on causality. Dionysius recognizes causality as inherent in everything, but he goes beyond the traditional Aristotelian causes. He sees causality as an expression of goodness and beauty, asserting that every cause ultimately stems from goodness and beauty. This perspective implies that everything in the cosmos, even non-living things, is an expression of love. Dionysius' philosophy deepens the understanding of causality and reinforces the interconnectedness of goodness, beauty, and love.