Iain McGilchrist on the Existence, Being, the Limits of Reason and Language, and Schizophrenia
Mar 29, 2021
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Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and author known for his insightful work on the brain's hemispheres, discusses profound topics ranging from consciousness to mental health. He explores the contrasting roles of the left and right hemispheres in understanding reality, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. The conversation also touches on the nature of evil, the complexity of time perception, and how language shapes our experiences. McGilchrist advocates for embracing a balance of logic and emotion, revealing deeper truths about existence and individuality.
Language derives value through direct experience, bridged by metaphors and poetry.
Authenticity in relationships comes from deepening connections, not individual emphasis.
Context shapes perception; left hemisphere decontextualizes, right perceives essence through context.
Direct experience ('Kennen') is crucial for genuine knowledge, surpassing mere factual understanding ('Vissen').
Exploration of consciousness reveals its complexity, shaped by brain hemispheres and interconnected processes.
Internal voices interact with external perceptions, emphasizing respectful discourse and active listening in communication.
Deep dives
Importance of Shopify for Business Success
Shopify provides a unified field theory of business, smoothing the path for all types of ventures. It powers a significant percentage of U.S. e-commerce and offers global reach to over 170 countries, demonstrating its potential for businesses worldwide.
Discovering the Hemispheric Differences in Brain Function
The brain's hemispheres operate distinct attentional modes, allowing for detailed focus and broad, open awareness. These differences shape how reality is perceived and understood, with the left hemisphere focusing on manipulation while the right hemisphere sees interconnectedness and uniqueness.
Language as a Bridge to Experience
Language, like money, derives its value when exchanged for direct experience. Metaphors and poetry serve as bridges between mere words and deep human experiences, allowing for a richer understanding beyond explicit language.
Original Thinking vs. Originality
Original thinking is not solely about inventing new concepts but rediscovering lost perceptions from the past. Authenticity in relationships and self-discovery comes from deepening connections rather than emphasizing individuality, highlighting the paradoxical nature of becoming closer to others while remaining true to oneself.
Understanding the Contextual Nature of Perception
The podcast explores the contextual nature of perception, emphasizing how what something is depends on the context in which it is viewed. The left hemisphere tends to decontextualize, while the right hemisphere recognizes the importance of context in defining the essence of things. Examples show how forming social and loving contexts can alter individuals, highlighting the influence of context on personal experiences and identities.
Differentiating Between Knowledge Types
The distinction between 'Vissen' and 'Kennen' is discussed, representing knowing 'that' something is the case versus knowing something directly through experience. 'Vissen' involves factual knowledge, while 'Kennen' pertains to experiential knowledge. The podcast delves into the significance of direct experience in truly knowing something versus mere factual understanding.
Navigating Existential Anxiety and Schizophrenic Ideation
Personal experiences with existential anxiety and moments of potential schizophrenic ideation are shared during the podcast, illustrating the challenges of questioning consciousness and reality. The speaker reflects on struggles with anxiety-induced thoughts, delving into the impact of exploring philosophical and existential concepts on mental well-being.
Exploring the Unity of Consciousness and the Brain
A deep dive into the interplay between consciousness and brain functions is provided, delving into the concept of consciousness as a complex, interconnected process rather than a singular entity. The conversation touches on the role of differing brain hemispheres in shaping consciousness and how consciousness is intricately linked to overall brain activity and perception.
Internal Voices and External Perception
The podcast discusses the concept of internal voices and external perception, emphasizing how individuals perceive both internal dialogue and external realities. It highlights the nuanced interaction between personal truth and respectful discourse, focusing on the importance of active listening and mutual respect in communication.
Language, Music, and Cognitive Development
The episode explores the shared ancestry of language and music, delving into the evolutionary and cognitive connections between these two forms of expression. It underscores the idea that language and music originate from embodied experiences and emphasizes the power of imitation in human cognition.
Chomsky vs. Pinker on Language and Objective Truth
The podcast touches upon the contrasting views of Chomsky and Pinker on language, shedding light on the debate surrounding language acquisition and cognitive processes. Additionally, it delves into the complexity of discerning objective truth, emphasizing the importance of a contextual understanding and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
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I'm producing an imminent documentary Better Left Unsaid http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com on the topic of "when does the left go too far?" Visit that site if you'd like to contribute to getting the film distributed (early-2021).
