Gregg Henriques, a Professor of Graduate Psychology at James Madison University and creator of the Unified Theory of Knowledge (UTOK), discusses profound ideas related to knowledge and consciousness. He explores the 'enlightenment gap' and the importance of a unified framework to address global challenges. The conversation touches on the concept of wisdom as the ultimate virtue, the intricate relationship between metaphysics and psychology, and confronting psychological burdens symbolized by the 'shadow dragon.' Henriques emphasizes a need for critical thinking and personal connection in today's fast-paced digital age.

Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques challenge prevailing notions about science, spirituality, and their intricate relationship in this first episode of the new series entitled: Transcendent Naturalism. They embark on a journey through modern worldviews, diving into concepts such as reductionism, the Cartesian divide, and the tension between objective and subjective understanding. This dialogue brings out the complexity of reconciling quantum mechanics and relativity, the prevalent models that rob human beings of meaning and wisdom, and the importance of transcendence. Furthermore, the discourse touches on extended naturalism, the critique of reductionism, and the groundbreaking concept of energy information singularity. Dr. Vervaeke and Henriques shed light on meta-arguments, the relevance of convergence in argumentation, the depth of transjectivity, and the vast expanse of collective intelligence. They also explore the concepts of abstraction, self-organization, and the interplay of causality and constraints. Top 15 Moments: 00:00:00: Dr. John Vervaeke introduces the new series "Transcendent Naturalism," a bridge between science and spirituality. 00:01:36: Gregg Henriques underscores the significance of understanding meaning-making and its relevance today. 00:04:56: Dr. Vervaeke highlights the tension between science and spirituality in contemporary culture. 00:07:34: Dr. Vervaeke explores the idea of reductionism within the hard sciences. 00:10:33: The discussion dives into the implications of the subjective-objective divide. 00:15:30: Dr. Vervaeke speaks on the prevalent models depriving human beings of meaning and wisdom. 00:18:40: The purpose of the series is presented, aiming to help listeners transcend their intellectual straitjackets. 00:22:41: Dr. Vervaeke emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of the psyche's grip on reality. 00:23:30 Introduction of the concept of extended naturalism, suggesting that our understanding of reality isn't limited to what's derivable from hard sciences but also includes what these sciences presuppose. 00:30:24: The discourse moves to a conformity theory of knowing, the idea of reality not being flat land, and the need for a leveled ontology. 00:45:16: Gregg Henriques discusses the role of abstraction in communication. 00:59:53: Dr. Vervaeke introduces the concept of reality being layered in a bottom-up emergence and top-down emanation. 01:06:40: Conformity theory: how the principles governing the mind and the world mutually participate in the same governing principles. 01:09:20: Transjectivity: a deeper relationship than subjectivity and objectivity, which is necessary for knowledge and truth.  01:15:39: The power of collective intelligence in problem-solving and understanding complex concepts is explored. 01:18:27: Dr. Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques discuss their converging ideas and the importance of ongoing dialogue. 01:23:40: Gregg Henriques discusses the concept of transjectivity and its application to his key concepts. Resources Mentioned: Books A New Synthesis for Solving the Problem of Psychology: Addressing the Enlightenment Gap - Gregg Henriques   Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics - Catherine Pickstock Fifth Business - Robertson Davies Essential Difference: Toward a Metaphysics of Emergence - James Blachowicz  Dynamics in Action: Intentional Behavior as a Complex System | Context Changes Everything: How Constraints Create Coherence - Alicia Juarrero Mind in Life: Biology, Phenomenology, and the Sciences of Mind - Evan Thompson Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions - Arthur Versluis Videos Dr. John Vervaeke Awakening from the Meaning Crisis  Neoplatonism and the Path of Transformation  Artificial Intelligence Circling into Dialogos The Meaning Code Wolfgang Smith & John Vervaeke: a Dialogos on Turning Toward a Science Grounded in Platonism People Ned Block Erik Hoel Michael Levin D. C. Schindler Wolfgang Smith Sir Karl Friston  Heidegger Roy Bhaskar  Miscellaneous UTOK Archdisciplinary Research Center (ARC) Gödel's incompleteness theorems Russell’s Paradox Dan Chiappe, John Vervaeke: The Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission Distributed Cognition and the Experience of Presence in the Mars Exploration Rover Mission The Enactment of Shared Agency in Teams Exploring Mars Through Rovers J.J. Gibson – Affordances

Clinical psychologist Gregg Henriques, philosopher Alexander Bard, and Bonnita Roy explore transcendent naturalism and emergentism at UTOK 2024. They discuss relationalism, dialectical thinking, and the integration of Eastern and Western insights. The dialogue also touches on cognitive science, spirituality, community practices, and the essence of ultimate reality.

Experts John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, Michael Levin, and Justin McSweeny delve into consciousness, intelligence, and the meaning crisis. They discuss cognitive light cones, relevance realization, mutual modeling, and transformative experiences. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of self and the world, the importance of diverse forms of intelligence, and the ongoing self-reconstruction process.

In this engaging conversation, Gregg Henriques, author of 'UTOK: The Unified Theory of Knowledge,' shares his journey from rigid materialism to evolving spiritual insights. They explore how his new book transcends traditional narratives, blending alchemical traditions with contemporary thought. Topics include the significance of personal mythology, the interplay between meaning and the sacred, and the role of ritual in shaping a new worldview. Henriques offers a fresh perspective on the quest for purpose in modern life, bridging ancient wisdom with today’s existential challenges.

In this episode, I talk with Gregg Henriques about the problem of psychology and the solution he has been working on for 20 years. We covered the bulk of his theory in the first half of the episode, and in the second half, we do a deep dive into cognitive behavioral therapy, including Gregg's experience with it and some controversies in one of the major studies published about CBT. Gregg Henriques is a Full Professor and a core faculty member in James Madison University's Combined-Integrated Clinical and School Psychology Doctoral Program. He teaches courses on integrative/unified psychotherapy, personality, social, and cognitive psychology. He developed the Unified Theory Of Knowledge (UTOK), which consists of eight key ideas that Henriques results in a much more unified vision of science, psychology and philosophy. 0:00:09 Introduction 0:05:16 The enlightenment gap 0:12:12 The problem of psychology 0:21:50 Why evolutionary psychology can't be the answer 0:31:31 The tree of knowledge 0:38:25 Emergence and complexity dynamics 0:45:13 Comparing it to memetics 0:49:24 Justification hypothesis 0:52:24 Dan Sperber and Hugo Mercier 1:00:57 The influence matrix 1:09:45 Children social intellgience 1:11:42 Variation of the influence matrix 1:18:03 Connection with Haidt 1:20:13 Empirical backing 1:26:03 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 1:46:19 Cognitive vs Non-Cognitive Therapy 1:55:08 Rigidity vs pseudoscience in therapy 2:01:49 Conclusion

Gregg Henriques, a professor renowned for his expertise in metapsychology and unified theory, engages in a compelling discourse about shamanism's relevance in modern society. He explores the role of shamans in healing practices and how their wisdom can help us navigate contemporary crises. The discussion highlights the intersection of ethics, psychology, and nature, advocating for a holistic understanding of health that transcends cultural barriers. They also examine the transformative power of shamanic practices and the importance of integrating spirituality with our ecological consciousness.

  Continuing the transcendent naturalism series, hosts John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques, along with guest Jordan Hall, explore the intersections of cognitive science, philosophy, and spirituality, offering a progressive perspective on the evolution of human consciousness and society. They critically examine the limitations of conventional thought processes, particularly in response to burgeoning global crises, advocating for a shift away from antiquated, adversarial thinking patterns. The discussion delves into the evolution of language, the practical aspects of eschatology, and a transformative phase in human development termed the 'fifth joint point.' A significant focus is placed on adopting new languages and logical frameworks, not just theoretically but also in their practical application, to cultivate a collective, positive future. The conversation uniquely emphasizes the importance of relationality and personal transformation as essential components in driving societal change.   Glossary of Terms   Transcendent Naturalism: A framework combining elements of naturalism with transcendental thinking. Fifth Joint Point: A concept referring to a significant phase transition in human development. Practical Eschatology: A term used to describe practical approaches to understanding human evolution and the future. Dr. John Vervaeke: Website | YouTube | Patreon | X | Facebook Jordan Hall: Medium | YouTube | X Gregg Henriques: Website | Facebook | X   Resources and References The Vervaeke Foundation   John Vervaeke YouTube The Religion of Tomorrow | Transcendent Naturalism #11 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall   Books, Articles, and Publications Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground - James Filler Religion and Nothingness - Keiji Nishitani  The Silk Roads: A New History of the World - Peter Frankopan  The Emptying God ; A Buddhist-Jewish-Christian Conversation - Edited by John B. Cobb Jr. and Christopher Ives Quotes   "Language evolution is critical to understanding our collective future." - Jordan Hall "Navigating the fifth joint point requires a deep understanding of our past, present, and potential futures." - Gregg Henriques   Chapters with Timestamps   [00:00:00] Introduction to Transcendent Naturalism  [00:01:00] The Evolution of Language  [00:11:00] Practical Eschatology and Human Development  [00:20:00] The Fifth Joint Point - Navigating Future Challenges  [00:30:00] Interconnection of Languages and Consciousness  [00:40:00] Transcendence through Language and Thought  [00:50:00] Conclusion and Future Perspectives    Timestamped Highlights   [00:00:00] John Vervaeke introduces a discussion on cognitive science and naturalism with Jordan Hall and Gregg Henriques. [00:01:21] Jordan Hall introduces concepts of 'practical eschatology' and 'extended transcendent naturalism.' [00:04:52] Hall discusses the cultural split in the AI debate, highlighting societal polarization. [00:09:11] Vervaeke calls for a new relationship to language and logos. [00:14:13] Vervaeke highlights Neoplatonism and Zen's alternative linguistic and ontological approaches. [00:20:53] Vervaeke emphasizes the need for existential transformation beyond theory. [00:38:07] Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall highlight the role of transcendent naturalism in framing relationality and exploring human potential. [00:39:30] Henriques discusses developing a life-guiding operating system integrating justification systems and relational dynamics. [00:40:20] John Vervaeke introduces the idea of a new post-nominalist language to enhance collective intelligence and understanding. [00:42:07] Vervaeke explores the challenge of engaging with the world without being consumed by its ideologies. [00:45:37] Jordan Hall stresses the importance of personal and authentic relational experiences in complex modern life. [00:48:07] Hall discusses the paradox of deeply engaging with the world while maintaining a transcendent perspective. [00:52:24] Vervaeke reinterprets the concept of God within a non-theistic, relational framework. [00:55:34] Gregg Henriques shares his daily practice of reflecting on beliefs, values, and mantras to navigate life. [01:02:20] Hall and Vervaeke discuss incorporating sacredness and relationality in daily life, emphasizing re-enchantment with the sacred.

Psychologist and author Gregg Henriques discusses the free will vs determinism debate, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions and the concept of choice. The conversation covers levels of analysis, ontology in evolutionary complexification, systems of justification, and the emergence of personhood through self-awareness. They explore the role of language in shaping consciousness, top-down causation, and the implications of accountability in society.

Clinical psychologist Gregg Henriques and Dr. John Vervaeke discuss the integration of relevance realization into interpersonal relationships as the fourth R. They explore cognitive science, predictive processing, collective intelligence, societal impact, and practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections.