Love & Philosophy #37: Our Entanglement: Striving with problems (in a good way) with philosopher Alva Noë
Nov 7, 2024
Alva Noë, a renowned Professor of Philosophy at UC Berkeley, dives into a thought-provoking dialogue on self-awareness and identity. He explores the profound connection between love and personal growth, emphasizing the evolving nature of relationships. The conversation highlights the interplay of consciousness, art, and perception, challenging traditional views on sensory experiences. From the dynamics of mass gatherings to the importance of expressing self through art, Noë invites listeners to rethink how they navigate existence, bridging philosophy and lived experience.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Challenge of Presence: Love and Intimacy in Daily Life
02:20 • 2min
Embracing the Self: A Poetic Reflection
04:43 • 2min
Self-Discovery Through Writing and Observation
06:50 • 11min
The Dance of Presence and Identity
18:09 • 14min
Exploring Problems in Philosophy, Art, and Science
32:06 • 16min
Rethinking Perception: Beyond Sight
48:29 • 18min
The Collective Experience: Emotions in Mass Gatherings
01:06:49 • 2min
Navigating Life through Philosophy and Art
01:08:55 • 22min
Vico
Giambattista Vico
Leon Pompa
Giambattista Vico, an 18th-century Italian philosopher, is celebrated for his profound insights into the nature of knowledge, language, and culture. His work challenges the rationalist tradition, emphasizing the role of imagination, rhetoric, and poetic expression in shaping human understanding. Vico's concept of "verum factum"—truth made—suggests that knowledge is not merely discovered but actively constructed through human experience. He explored the cyclical nature of history and the importance of understanding cultural contexts in interpreting human actions and beliefs. Vico's ideas have had a lasting influence on various fields, including literary theory, anthropology, and historical studies.
Discourse on the origin of inequality
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Mankind" is a seminal work in political philosophy. Rousseau explores the nature of inequality, tracing its origins from the state of nature to the development of society. He argues that inequality is not inherent to human nature but is a product of social institutions and conventions. Rousseau's critique of civilization and his emphasis on the importance of individual freedom and self-governance have had a profound impact on political thought. The discourse remains a significant contribution to political philosophy, its themes of inequality, freedom, and the social contract continue to be debated and discussed today.
Love and its place in nature
Jonathan Lear
Jonathan Lear's "Love and Its Place in Nature" delves into the complexities of love, exploring its philosophical and psychological dimensions. Lear examines how love shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world, challenging traditional notions of selfhood and relationships. The book draws on psychoanalytic theory to illuminate the dynamics of love, exploring themes of attachment, loss, and the search for meaning. Lear's insightful analysis offers a nuanced perspective on the human experience of love, highlighting its transformative power and its capacity to both heal and wound. Ultimately, the book invites readers to reconsider their own understanding of love and its profound impact on their lives.
Action in perception
Action in perception
Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "Action in Perception" is a groundbreaking work in the philosophy of perception. Noë challenges the traditional view that perception is a passive process of receiving sensory information, arguing instead that perception is an active process of skillful engagement with the world. He emphasizes the role of the body and its actions in shaping our perceptual experiences. Noë's work draws on insights from various fields, including neuroscience, psychology, and art, to develop a comprehensive account of perception. The book has had a significant impact on the field of philosophy of mind, its ideas continue to be debated and discussed today.
Tony O'Henry
Tony O'Henry
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O. Henry
While the exact title "Tony O'Henry" isn't a known work by O. Henry, it's likely a misremembered or slightly altered title referencing one of his many short stories. O. Henry, whose real name was William Sydney Porter, was a master of the short story form, known for his witty and often ironic narratives. His stories typically feature surprise endings and focus on everyday life in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. O. Henry's stories often explore themes of love, loss, and the unexpected twists and turns of fate. His work is characterized by its engaging plots, memorable characters, and its ability to capture the essence of human nature with both humor and pathos.
Out of Our Heads: Why You Are Not Your Brain and Other Lessons from the Biology of Consciousness
Out of Our Heads: Why You Are Not Your Brain and Other Lessons from the Biology of Consciousness
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Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "Out of Our Heads: Why You Are Not Your Brain and Other Lessons from the Biology of Consciousness" challenges the widely held belief that consciousness is solely a product of brain activity. Noë argues that consciousness is an active process of engagement with the world, shaped by our bodies, our actions, and our environment. He draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to develop a comprehensive account of consciousness. The book is a significant contribution to the philosophy of mind, its ideas have had a profound impact on the field.
The Entanglement: How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are
The Entanglement: How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are
How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are
Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "The Entanglement: How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are" explores the profound connections between art, philosophy, and human experience. Noë argues that art and philosophy are not separate domains but are deeply intertwined, shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world. He examines how artistic practices, such as painting, dance, and writing, reveal the nature of consciousness and perception. Noë's work challenges traditional notions of representation and subjectivity, emphasizing the dynamic and embodied nature of human experience. The book offers a compelling and insightful perspective on the role of art and philosophy in shaping human identity and understanding.
Learning To Look: Dispatches from the Art World
Learning To Look: Dispatches from the Art World
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Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "Learning to Look: Dispatches from the Art World" offers a unique perspective on the experience of art, combining philosophical insights with personal observations from the art world. Noë explores the nature of artistic creation, the role of the viewer, and the ways in which art shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. He challenges traditional approaches to art criticism, emphasizing the importance of embodied experience and active engagement with artworks. The book is a compelling read for anyone interested in art, philosophy, or the intersection of the two.
Varieties of Presence
Varieties of Presence
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Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "Varieties of Presence" delves into the multifaceted nature of presence, exploring its philosophical, psychological, and artistic dimensions. Noë examines how presence is not a static state but a dynamic process of engagement with the world. He draws on insights from various fields to develop a nuanced understanding of presence, highlighting its significance in shaping our experiences and relationships. The book is a significant contribution to the philosophy of mind and aesthetics, its ideas continue to be debated and discussed today.
The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
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James Joyce
James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the intellectual and artistic development of Stephen Dedalus, a young man growing up in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. The novel explores Stephen's journey of self-discovery, his struggles with religious faith, and his burgeoning artistic ambitions. Joyce's masterful use of language and stream-of-consciousness technique captures the complexities of Stephen's inner life, his emotional turmoil, and his artistic awakening. The novel is considered a masterpiece of modernist literature, its themes of self-discovery and artistic creation continue to resonate with readers today. It's a coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of identity and artistic expression.
Cézanne's Doubt
Cézanne's Doubt
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Maurice Merleau-Ponty
Maurice Merleau-Ponty's "Cézanne's Doubt" is a seminal essay exploring the philosophical implications of Paul Cézanne's artistic practice. Merleau-Ponty analyzes Cézanne's paintings as a manifestation of his phenomenological approach to perception and the world. The essay delves into Cézanne's struggle to capture the essence of things, his questioning of traditional representational methods, and his focus on the lived experience of seeing. Merleau-Ponty highlights Cézanne's emphasis on the ambiguity and depth of perception, arguing that his paintings reveal the inherent ambiguity of the world itself. The essay remains a significant contribution to both art criticism and phenomenological philosophy.
Infinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark
Infinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark
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Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "Infinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark" is a unique blend of philosophical reflection and personal narrative. Noë uses the game of baseball as a lens through which to explore broader themes of perception, action, and the nature of experience. He draws parallels between the dynamics of the game and the complexities of human consciousness, highlighting the role of skill, intuition, and interpretation in both. The book is a captivating read for both baseball enthusiasts and philosophy aficionados, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on the intersection of sport and thought.
Strange Tools: Art and Human Nature
Strange Tools: Art and Human Nature
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Alva Noë
Alva Noë's "Strange Tools: Art and Human Nature" explores the relationship between art and human experience, arguing that art is not merely a form of aesthetic expression but a fundamental aspect of human nature. Noë examines how artistic practices shape our understanding of ourselves and the world, highlighting the role of art in fostering creativity, empathy, and self-awareness. He draws on insights from various fields, including neuroscience, psychology, and art history, to develop a comprehensive account of the human engagement with art. The book challenges traditional views of art's function and purpose, offering a fresh perspective on its significance in human life.
Young Törless
Young Törless
Robert Musil
Robert Musil's "Young Törless" is a novella exploring the psychological and moral development of a young man attending a military academy. The story delves into themes of adolescence, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. Musil's masterful prose captures the atmosphere of repression and conformity within the academy, highlighting the psychological impact on the protagonist. The novel explores the themes of power, violence, and the search for identity in a restrictive environment. Musil's psychological insights and his exploration of moral ambiguity make "Young Törless" a compelling and enduring work of literature.
Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz
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Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz was a prominent American poet and essayist of the mid-20th century, known for his introspective and often melancholic style. His work explores themes of alienation, identity, and the search for meaning in a complex and often indifferent world. Schwartz's poems often feature vivid imagery and a keen sense of observation, capturing the nuances of human experience with both sensitivity and intellectual rigor. He is considered a significant figure in American literature, his work continues to resonate with readers who appreciate his honesty and emotional depth. His struggles with mental illness also became a significant part of his literary legacy.
Existentialism and human emotions
Existentialism and human emotions
Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre's "Existentialism and Human Emotions" is a concise yet profound exploration of existentialist philosophy. Sartre argues that existence precedes essence, meaning that humans are born into the world without a predetermined nature or purpose. He emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, highlighting the anguish and anxiety that arise from the awareness of this freedom. Sartre explores various emotions, such as anguish, despair, and abandonment, demonstrating how they are rooted in the human condition. The book is a clear and accessible introduction to existentialist thought, its themes of freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning continue to resonate with readers today.
Dreyfus
Dreyfus
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Hubert Dreyfus
Love After 50
How to Find It, Enjoy It, and Keep It
Francine Russo
This book provides practical advice on various aspects of dating and relationships after the age of 50. It includes guidance on recovering from emotional damage, building realistic requirements for a partner, navigating online dating, overcoming physical challenges of sex, evaluating the financial and practical results of different relationship arrangements, and dealing with adult children. The book is based on interviews with top experts and dozens of couples, and it includes the author's personal experiences and stories of real people who have formed healthy partnerships later in life.
Alva Noë is Professor of Philosophy, and Chair of the Department of Philosophy, at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is also a member of the Center for New Media, and the Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences. Professor Noë is a 2012 recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2018 recipient of the Judd Hume Prize in Advanced Visual Studies. Until the end of 2024, he is an Einstein Visiting Fellow at the Free University in Berlin. He is the author of Action in Perception (2004), Out of Our Heads: Why You Are Not Your Brain and Other Lessons from the Biology of Consciousness (2009), Varieties of Presence (2012), Strange Tools: Art and Human Nature (2015), Infinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark (2019), and Learning To Look: Dispatches from the Art World (2022). His latest book is The Entanglement: How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are (2023). https://www.alvanoe.com/
In this conversation, Andrea and Alva engage in an enlightening journey together through the realms of philosophy, neuroscience, and the arts, opening the work Noë has done and exploring its themes of self-awareness, identity, action and perception.
With insights from influential thinkers and doers like Vico, Dreyfus, Cezanne, Merleau-Ponty, and Noë himself, this conversation delves into the profound connections between love, work, and personal development and becomes a poetic meditation on meaning and connection. Per usual in Love and Philosophy, we find the motif of the loop that never quite returns to where it started, the dynamic entanglement of life, and how this gets conveyed through writing and language. Alva and Andrea explore the complexities of presence, the role of habits and societal structures, and the evolving understanding of vision and perception. The conversation also shows how interdisciplinary approaches and transformative literature shape our identities and consciousness from childhood on, and ultimately offers a balanced, holistic view of the human experience as difficult but worth it. Tune in for a thought-provoking discourse on the power of performance and the representation of self, including what tricky words like 'representation' and 'agency' might really be pointing at within the intricate dance of art and philosophy.
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