278. The Matter with Things | Iain McGilchrist

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Aug 11, 2022

Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and philosopher known for his works on the brain's hemispheres, discusses deep philosophical insights into the nature of human thought. He explores the contrasting functions of the left and right hemispheres, emphasizing their roles in perception and understanding. The conversation dives into how imagination and intuition interplay with reason, especially regarding complex issues like gender identity and moral dilemmas. McGilchrist also critiques modern technology's effect on meaning, advocating for a harmonious balance between analytical and creative thinking.

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INSIGHT

Opposing forces

The left hemisphere desires a world of only peace and joy.
True understanding comes from recognizing that opposing forces are necessary, like joy and suffering.

INSIGHT

Whole vs. Part

The world is made of wholes, not parts.
Parts are a left-hemisphere construct for focusing on details, leading to a fragmented view.

ANECDOTE

Anorexia and the Right Hemisphere

Anorexics perceive their bodies in fragmented parts, not as a whole.
This demonstrates a right-hemisphere deficit, where holistic body image resides.

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Maps of Meaning

The Architecture of Belief

Jordan B Peterson

In 'Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief', Jordan Peterson synthesizes insights from neuropsychology, cognitive science, and Jungian approaches to mythology and narrative. The book examines why people from different cultures and eras have formulated myths and stories with similar structures, and how these myths reflect fundamental aspects of human cognition and morality. Peterson argues that the human mind categorizes the world into known and unknown territories, and that myths and religious stories represent the eternal struggle between order and chaos. He also discusses the role of heroic figures in bridging these two realms and the importance of confronting the unknown to achieve personal and societal growth. The book is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary work that aims to make the wisdom of myth accessible to the modern mind[3][4][5].

The master and his emissary

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.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

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].