Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and author known for his hemispheric hypothesis, and Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher and scientist focused on metaphysical idealism, dive into the mysteries of consciousness and reality. They discuss the nature of truth as life’s core, examine individual experiences' significance in a purposeful universe, and explore the balance of love and rationality. Their insights challenge conventional perceptions of God and highlight the intricate connections between intelligence and human existence, all while advocating for deeper understanding and meaning.
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insights INSIGHT
Nature of Consciousness
Consciousness is a fundamental, field-like, relational process.
Experience arises from an encounter between internal and external consciousness.
insights INSIGHT
Analytical Idealism
Analytical Idealism posits that the external world exists but is also mental.
Matter is a cognitive representation of external mental states impinging on us.
insights INSIGHT
Experience vs. Representation
We experience the real deal, not just representations, according to Iain McGilchrist.
Matter is a manifestation of consciousness, providing resistance and permanence.
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The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World
Iain McGilchrist
This book argues that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, allowing for two incompatible versions of the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity. McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from ancient to modern times. He argues that the increasing dominance of the left hemisphere in today’s world has potentially disastrous consequences.
The Matter with Things
Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World
Iain Mcgilchrist
In 'The Matter with Things', Iain McGilchrist delves into the neuroscience, epistemology, and metaphysics of the brain's hemispheres and their impact on human perception and understanding. The book is divided into two volumes: 'The Ways to Truth' and 'What Then is True?'. McGilchrist argues that the left hemisphere's dominance has led to a skewed perception of the world, neglecting the vital role of the right hemisphere in integrating science, reason, intuition, and imagination. He explores topics such as attention, perception, judgement, and the nature of reality, including concepts like time, space, consciousness, and the sacred. The book is a call to re-enchant the world and ourselves by recognizing the deeper, more holistic understanding provided by the right hemisphere[1][3][4].
In this interview, I’m joined by two leading thinkers who are helping to reshape our understanding of consciousness, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of meaning in life: Dr Iain McGilchrist and Dr Bernardo Kastrup.
Iain is a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, author, and philosopher perhaps most well known for his Hemispheric Hypothesis and his books: The Master and his Emissary and The Matter with Things.
Bernardo is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental.
In this conversation, we explore:
— Their views on what consciousness is, the common ground in their thinking, and the differences
— The extent to Iain and Bernardo believe we live in a purposeful and intelligent universe, and their perspectives on the question of God
— Why they both consider truth to be the most important thing in life
— Where they see human life fitting into the larger whole and what case can be made that each of our individual subjective experiences do matter.
I hope you get as much from this fascinating discussion as I did from recording it. You can learn more about Iain’s work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com, and Bernardo’s at https://www.bernardokastrup.com.
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Dr Iain McGilchrist is a Psychiatrist and Writer. He is committed to the idea that the mind and brain can be understood only by seeing them in the broadest possible context, that of the whole of our physical and spiritual existence, and of the wider human culture in which they arise – the culture which helps to mould, and in turn is moulded by, our minds and brains. He was formerly a Consultant Psychiatrist of the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley NHS Trust in London, where he was Clinical Director of their southern sector Acute Mental Health Services.
Dr McGilchrist has published original research and contributed chapters to books on a wide range of subjects, as well as original articles in papers and journals, including the British Journal of Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, The Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He has taken part in many radio and TV programmes, documentaries, and numerous podcasts, and interviews on YouTube, among them dialogues with Jordan Peterson, David Fuller of Rebel Wisdom, and philosopher Tim Freke. His books include Against Criticism, The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning, and Ways of Attending. He published his latest book: The Matter With Things, a book of epistemology and metaphysics. You can keep up to date with his work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com.
Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com.
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Interview Links:
— Dr McGilchirst's website - https://channelmcgilchrist.com
— Dr Kastrup's website - https://www.bernardokastrup.com
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