[The UFO Rabbit Hole] Ep 29: Encounters & Hyperobjects: A Conversation Between Diana Walsh Pasulka & James Madden
Nov 24, 2023
auto_awesome
Discussion with Diana Walsh Pasulka on her new book 'Encounters' exploring encounters with non-human intelligences, influences of Plato's Cave on UFO perspectives, and philosophical dialogues on alien life, perception, and societal views.
Understanding UFO experiences requires engaging in phenomenological reductions to explore their subjective nature.
Studying UFOs entails ethical responsibilities to challenge prevailing narratives and present information accurately.
Exploring Plato's Allegory of the Cave aids in understanding the philosophical significance of UFO phenomena and ethical obligations in research.
Deep dives
Importance of UFO Experiences and Reductions
The podcast discusses the importance of understanding UFO experiences and engaging in phenomenological reductions to explore the subjective nature of these encounters. By delving into the varied interpretations of UFO sightings, such as seeing different entities or objects, the episode emphasizes the challenge of making identity claims and the need for a disciplined analysis of these phenomena. Drawing parallels with dream logic and William James' notions of ontology, the conversation highlights the complexity and uniqueness of UFO experiences that may transcend traditional understanding.
Ethical Obligations in Examining UFO Misinformation
The podcast addresses the ethical responsibilities associated with studying UFOs, particularly in the face of prevalent misinformation. It delves into the necessity of challenging prevailing narratives and presenting information accurately, despite potential skepticism or disbelief. Drawing parallels to philosophical and religious teachings on ethical duties, the episode underscores the importance of speaking out about UFO-related issues, even if met with opposition or doubt, echoing the notion of fulfilling ethical obligations to share insights and knowledge.
Interpretations of Plato's Allegory of the Cave and Philosophical Significance
The episode explores the interpretations of Plato's Allegory of the Cave and its philosophical significance in understanding UFO phenomena. It delves into the parallels between Plato's allegorical journey and the mystical adoption of philosophy, resonating with Jesus' teachings on deep truths conveyed through parables. By intertwining Plato's wisdom with ethical obligations and the complexities of UFO research, the podcast navigates a deeper philosophical exploration of truth, reality, and the evolving nature of human understanding.
Socrates' Choice to Stay in Prison
Socrates, despite having the opportunity to escape prison, chose to stay because he felt a deep love and commitment to the people of Athens. This decision highlighted the concept that love bound him to his community and prevented him from transcending his physical existence. The discussion drew parallels to the idea of not being able to leave the cave due to love for others, emphasizing the role of love in philosophical decision-making.
Technological Advances and Philosophical Challenges
The conversation delved into the impact of technological advancements on human life and cognition, drawing comparisons to the myth of Prometheus. The emergence of hyper objects, viewed as information-based deities, raised questions about the management of human behavior and societal implications. The dialogue explored the role of technology in human agency and responsibility, prompting reflections on the evolving relationship between individuals and emergent consciousness in a technologically driven world.
Today, I bring you something truly special. In this episode we’re welcoming Diana Walsh Pasulka back to the show to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Encounters: Experiences with Non-Human Intelligences. Encounters is a worthy and deeply challenging follow-up to American Cosmic, which we’ve talked about extensively on this show. I hope you’ll all read it, because we’ll definitely return to those ideas again and again.
I want to say ahead of time that this episode is going to be a little less accessible than the content I usually release here, and that is intentional. Diana has been doing the podcast circuit to support the launch of Encounters, and there have been some really phenomenal interviews going into the specifics of the book. In particular, I recommend her recent appearances on Somewhere In The Skies and That UFO Podcast—both did a great job of diving into the characters and experiences portrayed in the book, and they are worth your time.
Hardcore listeners of the show will know that, over the last year, my thinking around the subject of UFOs has been deeply influenced by Plato’s Cave, and particularly by a somewhat radical read on what it has to teach us that was first introduced to me by Diana and frequent guest of the show, James Madden. It was actually in one of Diana’s classes on UFOs and the Cave where I first met Jim, and eventually struck up a friendship. And I’ve spent the last 18 months processing and integrating the things I’ve learned from them both. I’m profoundly grateful for what that process has opened up to me, not just in terms of my understanding of the phenomenon, but with regard to the meaning and possibilities inherent in human experience.
On November 27th, Jim will also be releasing his first book on the UFO topic titled Unidentified Flying Hyperobject: UFOs, Philosophy, and the End of the World which is being published by my new publishing house, Ontocalypse Press. Back in October, I had the absolute pleasure of finishing up the edits on Jim’s book, while simultaneously reading an advance copy of Diana’s and I was fascinated by the interplay between the ideas in both. I found myself thinking that the episode that I really wanted to make with regard to both of these phenomenal books would be one that didn’t involve me, and in which Diana and Jim were given free reign to explore a conversation on their own. Luckily they agreed, and the result is the stunning conversation that I have the privilege of sharing with you today.
This episode is definitely challenging, but for those of you who’ve been following along on this journey, you’re in for a real treat.
I have links to both Jim and Diana’s books in the episode brief so you can get your hands on those if you haven’t already. In my opinion these are two of the best and most important books about the UFO phenomenon published in recent memory, and both are destined to be classics of the field.
BECOME A PATRON Patrons get lots of great perks like early and ad-free episodes, access to the private The UFO Rabbit Hole Discord server, and twice-monthly Patron Zoom calls with Kelly Chase. Memberships start at just $5/month.
![Cosmosis [Formerly The UFO Rabbit Hole] cover image](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.simplecastcdn.com%2Fimages%2F2df389%2F2df389fc-0e34-4af8-a6be-ebde297ee337%2F50fd07c2-1f16-4ea8-bc08-eba807712aff%2F3000x3000%2F26af681257dbb09343fde5b87e3d4b5e.jpg%3Faid%3Drss_feed&w=320&h=320&output=jpg)
