Love & Philosophy

Send a love messageMaybe memory is a way we communicate with ourselves and the world at various layers, a bridging experience of what we call time and space.In this episode, Andrea Hiott and Lynn Nadel continue their ongoing talks about memory. This time they explore the intricate workings of the hippocampus, focusing on its role in bridging spatial and temporal gaps. They delve into how memory, navigation, and cognitive maps are interconnected, challenging traditional views and opening up discussions on the dynamic nature of memory. Lynn shares insights from this paper, discusses how past research has evolved, touching upon philosophical perspectives from Kant and modern neuroscience findings. The conversation also briefly touches on the broader implications, including how understanding the hippocampus might extend to broader cognitive functions and societal interactions. There’s an in-depth ‘research ramble’ from Andrea at the beginning for those interested in the wider themes of this whole project, but you can also skip past that and go to the main conversation if you wish.The main paper discussed here is The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a DistanceLynn Nadel is an American psychologist who is the Regents’ Professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. Nadel specializes in memory, and has investigated the role of the hippocampus in memory formation. Together with John O’Keefe, he coauthored the influential 1978 book The Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map.00:00 Introduction to Hippocampal Function02:07 The Role of Memory and Space11:38 Philosophical Insights on Space and Time15:50 Quantum Entanglement and Memory28:48 Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map43:43 Encouragement and Introduction to Lynn Nadel44:30 Discussing the Paper: The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance44:55 Linking Time and Space: The Role of the Hippocampus47:21 Memory and Cognitive Maps49:59 The Evolution of Cognitive Map Theory51:34 Intertwining Memory and Navigation01:04:30 Philosophical Perspectives on Space and Time01:09:37 Innate Structures and Evolutionary Adaptations01:16:08 Plant Cognition and Tropisms01:16:59 The Importance of Memory01:17:39 Cognitive Maps in Animals01:17:57 Symposium and Research Updates01:19:08 Locomotion and Cognitive Needs01:20:54 Internal Models and Memory01:23:27 Temporal Contiguity vs. Contingency01:29:26 Dynamics of Memory01:35:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans01:36:34 Hippocampus and Social InteractionsPrevious conversations with Lynn and AndreaSupport the showThe Hippocampal Formation and Action at a DistancePlease rate and review with love.YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.Support the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Hey everybody. This podcast is about seemingly impossible combinations and this one is the doozy of love and power. It’s about the politics of care. Or love in politics. Can you hold those words at once? Can we? We might be surprised by ourselves.Jamie Bristow has spent the last fifteen years bringing mindfulness and contemplative practices into the British Parliament, the UN, and halls of power around the world. And now he’s decided love is the only answer. But what happens when you bring the language of love into spaces where we typically speak only of power via politics?This episode, hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Andrea Hiott, delves into the intersection of love and power in political and personal realms. Guest Jamie Bristow, with his extensive experience in the British Parliament and the UN, explores how mindfulness, consciousness, and inner transformation can reshape politics and society. Through discussing concepts like Eros, resilience, and ontological meta modernism, the conversation examines how personal and societal change can be navigated, holding love and power together to create meaningful transformation. The episode also touches on Jamie's journey from a corporate advertising executive to a 'legitimizing agent' for contemplative practices in politics, highlighting the role of faith, trust, and the evolving nature of consciousness.Jamie is a policy advisor working at the intersection of inner & outer transformation, resilience and sustainabilityFind Jamie and his work here00:00 The Sacred Nature of Power02:05 Introduction to Love and Philosophy02:25 Exploring Love and Power in Politics03:14 Jamie Bristow's Journey08:41 Mindfulness in Parliament18:38 The Intersection of Inner and Outer Worlds31:51 The Role of Love and Power in Society43:45 Exploring the Concept of Eros44:23 The Broader Implications of Eros46:33 Love as a Cosmic Force47:43 Resilience and the Role of Love52:51 Trust and Faith in Personal Growth55:43 The Politics of Love01:14:06 Navigating Modernity and Postmodernity01:19:18 The Middle Way and Superposition01:27:50 Closing Reflections on Love and PhilosophyThe System Within: addressing the inner dimensions of sustainability and systems transformationMindfulness in Westminster: Reflections from UK Politicians Reconnection: Meeting the Climate Crisis Inside OutThe Conscious Food Systems Alliance (UNDP) Power & Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam KahanePolitical Emotions: Why Love Matters for Justice - Martha NussbaumSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Lisa Maroski, an author known for her insights into language and paradox, explores how linguistic habits shape our worldview. She discusses the importance of embracing paradox to move beyond binary thinking, using the Mobius Strip as a metaphor for unity in diversity. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of language, culture, and environmental awareness, urging listeners to question assumptions and embrace relational action. Maroski emphasizes love as a vital connection in fostering understanding across diverse perspectives.

In this engaging discussion, guests Jérome Denis and David Pontille, both scholars from France, dive into the philosophy of maintenance. They explore how everyday care connects to social dynamics and infrastructure, revealing the fragility of urban signage and the multisensory nature of maintenance work. The conversation highlights the often overlooked, yet vital role of maintenance, using examples like the Paris Metro and classic Mustangs. They also link maintenance to feminist care ethics, emphasizing the unseen labor that sustains our daily lives.

Send a love message Buy L&P its first coffeeNeuroscience, Geometric Hyperscanning, and Real Time RelationAndrea welcomes Nicolás to discuss the cutting-edge neuroscience technique of hyperscanning, which records brain activity from two or more individuals simultaneously during social interactions. They dive into how hyperscanning reveals brain synchronization reflecting shared attention, empathy, and effective communication. The conversation highlights the broader applications, from studying parent-child bonding and social disorders to advancing mental health interventions. The discussion also touches on integrating philosophical insights to better understand social interactions, emphasizing the importance of holding scientific paradoxes and envisioning a more holistic approach to studying human connection.Watch Nicolás Hinrich's Active Inference Institute recorded talk hereGeometric Hyperscanning of Affect under Active InferenceOn a Geometry of Interbrain NetworksNico's homepageWatch on YouTubeRead more about this on SubstackThe Art of Asynchrony00:00 Welcome to Love and Philosophy01:03 Introduction to Hyperscanning01:37 Mechanics and Applications of Hyperscanning03:16 Neural Synchrony and Its Implications04:36 Exploring Jung's Synchronicity07:52 Active Inference and Social Synchrony13:50 Practical Considerations and Future Directions38:47 Introduction to Prisma and Hyper Scanning39:28 Extending Prisma Methodology40:55 Philosophy and Neuroscience Integration41:51 Participatory Sense Making and Hyper Scanning43:01 Holding Paradoxes in Research46:51 Geometric Thinking in Hyper Scanning52:26 Temporal Aiming and Synchrony59:30 Neuroprotective Rituals and Mental Health01:07:23 Balancing Science and Art in Research01:16:04 Concluding Thoughts on Hyper Scanning and CareGive in any amount here to support thisSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

In this conversation, Andrea Hiott, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, teams up with Tim Logan, an education leader, to explore innovative educational approaches. They discuss the transformative potential of 4E cognitive science, emphasizing embodied and relational learning over traditional, static methods. Andrea criticizes outdated, memory-centric views and advocates for a dynamic, co-creative process in education. They also highlight the importance of love and attention in reshaping learning, urging educators to embrace relationality while maintaining necessary boundaries.

Tim Adalin, a philosopher and founder of the Voicecraft Project in Australia, dives into the art of voice, urging the importance of authenticity in communication. He distinguishes between holding and sharing space, revealing how these concepts shape relationships. The conversation covers the role of technology in communication, including AI's impact on authenticity. Tim emphasizes the significance of silence and deep listening in fostering genuine connections, while also discussing the ethical responsibilities of presenting oneself in today's attention-driven world.

Lynn Nadel, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist, delves into the complexities of how thoughts and memories are represented in the brain. They discuss the limitations of language in capturing thought and explore the role of the hippocampus in cognitive mapping. Nadel raises intriguing questions about neural activity, the concept of embodied cognition, and how the brain models reality. Historical insights from figures like Tolman and Eichenbaum illuminate the ongoing debates about relational memory and representation, offering a captivating glimpse into the neural underpinnings of cognition.

Parker Palmer, founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal and author of notable works on community and the inner life, shares deep insights on living with paradox and depression. He discusses the importance of integrating one’s soul with their role, and the surprising healing power of love and presence. Parker touches on the connection between solitude and community, linking them to the creative chaos of life’s complexities. He also reads a moving poem that encapsulates the struggle and triumph inherent in human experience.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a SubscriptionA poetic conversation at the intersection of literature, science, and technology with Katherine Hayles, a distinguished research professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Hayles discusses her ideas from her books 'How We Became Posthuman' and 'Bacteria to AI,' focusing on the need to rethink cognition and decouple it from consciousness. She describes the concept of non-conscious cognition and emphasizes the importance of understanding the integrated cognitive framework, which includes biological organisms, synthetic intelligences, and their symbiotic relationships with humans. The discussion extends to planetary ecology, the risks and potentials of advancing AI, and the overarching need for humanity’s care for the planet and each other.00:00 What I really meant by posthumanism00:27 The Concept of Human Transformation00:54 Scientific and Ecological Perspectives01:38 The Role of Machines and Symbiosis02:31 Understanding Synthetic Intelligence02:52 Widening the Circle of Care03:40 Introduction to Catherine Hales by philosopher Andrea Hiott04:01 Catherine Hales' Academic Background04:19 Books by Catherine Hales08:30 The Importance of Fiction in Science09:55 Consciousness vs. Cognition17:42 The Integrated Cognitive Framework18:37 Non-Conscious Cognition33:01 Meaning Making in Organisms35:28 Understanding Different Umwelts38:42 Understanding AI's Conceptual Umwelt40:13 Embodiment and Ontology in AI45:51 Symbiosis: From Biology to AI58:08 The Role of Narrative in Science and Literature01:10:06 Planetary Cognition and Future Challenges01:18:48 The Importance of Accurate Information and EducationSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.