Metamodern Meaning

Following the publication of the first issue of Metamodern Theory & Praxis, a new, anti-disciplinary journal dedicated to movements in metamodern thought, we will be inviting the various contributors for some discussion about their work.Here, Jared Morningstar joins us to talk about his piece A Metamodern Paradigm for Islamic Studies Scholarship: Evaluating and Extending Shahab Ahmed's Theorization of Islam and the Islamic.You can read this and the other works in issue 1 here: https://sts.williams.edu/metamodern/v1i1/. To hear more, visit brendangrahamdempsey.substack.com

James Cussen of @TheLivingPhilosophy joins me to discuss his probing 6-part critique of what "metamodernism" really is. We go deep into the strands of metamodern theory and discourse to debate the relative merits and demerits of various approaches to the topic. Along the way, we both explore various ways to clarify and nuance topics and ideas core to various metamodern projects.0:00 Introduction (and Name Change)3:29 Pulling the Thread8:23 Trend, Period, Episteme, Logic?26:35 The Problems of Stage Theories56:37 Who's Afraid of 'Postmodernism'?1:14:37 What the Hell is 'Modernity'?1:36:24 Culture and Complexity1:59:25 Telling the Story of our Stories You can read James's critique here: https://www.thelivingphilosophy.com/p/metamodernism-critique-introduction To hear more, visit brendangrahamdempsey.substack.com

Jim Palmer joins me to talk about his work in "deconstructionology." After sharing a bit of his story, which includes movement from mega-church pastor to questioning Christian seeker to deconstructioning writer, Jim talks to me a bit about his ideas of engaging religion generally and Christianity specifically beyond superficial either/or thinking.How do we move past simple binaries of theism/atheism, for example, or different kinds of ideology? What container is expansive enough to hold religious questioning without simply leading to a) a lateral move or b) unmoored relativism?Timestamps:What might a God on the other side of deconstruction look like? 0:00Introduction 1:36Jim's Story 14:04Deconstruction Therapeutics 23:44Metamodernism and Reconstruction 30:56Towards Existential Health 36:29Between Binaries 52:41A Truly Human Jesus, and a Truly Divine Humanity 1:01:09Liberating Knowledge 1:05:38A God on the Other Side of Deconstruction Jim's Substack can be found here: https://jimpalmerauthor.substack.com/ To hear more, visit brendangrahamdempsey.substack.com

Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm and I announce the launch of the new academic journal for metamodern studies: Metamodern Theory & Praxis. The journal is open access and free to read online here: https://sts.williams.edu/metamodern/v1i1/ Print versions are also available for purchase. To hear more, visit brendangrahamdempsey.substack.com

Layman Pascal, a collaborator focused on metamodern politics, shares his insights on the tumultuous political landscape following the recent election. He discusses how to approach the complexities of differing political views without blame and emphasizes valuing nonrational collective intelligence. Pascal critiques the Democratic Left and questions the traditional notions of revolution. The conversation delves into the emotional fallout of election results and the importance of diversifying media consumption to foster a more open discourse.

Doug Scott, a clinical social worker and pastoral minister, explores his SH!PS approach to interpersonal transformation. He emphasizes perspective-taking and solidarity, highlighting the importance of connection in personal growth. Hope is presented as a powerful motivator to cultivate purpose, while honoring processes allows for authentic development. Scott wraps up with insights on the need for service and empathy in improving human relationships, reinforcing a collective journey towards flourishing and spiritual well-being.

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.

Matt Segall, an associate professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies and a thinker on metaphysics and consciousness, engages in a profound discussion on reality and abstraction. He reveals the 'blind spot' of modern science regarding direct experience. Topics like the interplay of quantum mechanics, human agency in the cosmos, and the concept of pan-mathematicism are explored. Segall also shares insights on art's relationship to divine presence and the importance of individual and collective consciousness in understanding existence.

In this engaging discussion, Rafe Kelley, a transformative thinker exploring the intersections of Christianity and personal experience, shares his recent spiritual awakening. He delves into the complexities of faith, suggesting that direct encounters with the Christ archetype can sometimes transcend traditional doctrines. Kelley emphasizes the significance of experiential faith over rigid theology, and explores how personal growth can arise from acting 'as if' certain beliefs hold truth. The conversation balances myth, emotion, and the search for understanding in the spiritual journey.

Neil Theise joins me to talk about his book Notes on Complexity: A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness, and Being. As a liver pathologist gazing daily through his microscope, Neil lives in an ongoing liminal state between scales: the micro cellular and the macro organismic. How is it, he asks, that any given "thing" seems to disappear when you zoom in or out? Neil brings a complexity science lens to this issue of lensing, which he synthesizes with his longterm practice of Zen meditation to interesting conclusions. Is this processual "no-thing-ness" what the Buddhists speak of as "emptiness"? What is the "I" if it can be similarly deconstructed? What insights can meditation add to the metaphysical picture once we appreciate the limits of other ways of knowing?0:00 Introduction0:57 Spark-'Notes on Complexity'4:30 Neil's Interdisciplinary Background14:33 Body or Cells? Scale, Process, and (Relative) No-Thing-ness40:29 "Self" and Complimentarity50:03 Self and the Limits of Science: Consciousness and Quantum Physics56:24 Self and the Limits of Mathematics: Incompleteness and Intuition1:08:45 Can Meditative Practice Reveal Metaphysical Realities?1:26:51 No Separation To hear more, visit brendangrahamdempsey.substack.com