

Love & Philosophy
Beyond Dichotomy | Andrea Hiott
Exploring philosophical, scientific, technological & poetic spaces beyond either/or bounds. Living into the questions. Loving as knowing. Paradox as portal.By love and philosophy we mean the people, passions, and ideas that move us, shape the trajectories of our lives, and co-create our wider landscapes.Thank you for supporting this experiment. It really helps.#waymaking #navigability #love #philosophy #learning #development #loveandphilosophy #andreahiott #metaphysics #paradox #systemsthinking #paradoxicalthinking #thinkingparadoxically #philosophyofmind
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
#69 The philosophy of Bioregionalism with Félix de Rosen
Send a love messageA first person exploration of the philosophy of bioregionalism, inspired by the complexity science of Donnella Meadow, with Felix de Rosen, a landscape architect and gardener. Felix shares his fascinating journey from studying political science at Harvard to his passion for the natural world and Bioregionalism. Andrea and Felix explore the philosophy of organizing human societies around naturally defined areas, discussing complex systems and the importance of finding community. This conversation is an exploration of the intersections of ecology, culture, and personal growth through Felix's experiences and insights on creating sustainable and meaningful connections with the land and each other.00:00 Introduction to Bioregionalism00:43 Félix de Rosen's Background and Journey01:30 Complex Systems and Community02:53 Felix's Personal Reflections05:21 The Importance of Place and People21:34 Discovering Landscape Architecture26:37 Understanding Bio Regionalism30:11 Exploring Systems Thinking and Worldview31:38 The Intersection of Gardens and Worldviews36:06 Frustrations and Realizations in Landscape Architecture39:45 The Importance of Systems Thinking42:54 Bio Regionalism and Community Building48:01 Bridging Political Divides through Bio Regionalism52:25 International Bio Regional Projects54:37 The Role of Love and Connection to Earth01:00:30 Agency Deficit Disorder and Hope for the Future01:01:28 Conclusion and Ways to ConnectLinks:A Garden’s PurposeThe BioFi ProjectPolycultura: Planetary Design and CommunicationA talk from Felix at the Harvard commencementSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 36min
#68: Loving & Knowing with philosopher Hanne De Jaegher
Hanne De Jaegher, a philosopher of cognitive science, delves into the profound connection between love and knowing. She shares personal anecdotes that shaped her academic journey, illustrating how love is an ongoing relational activity intertwined with our understanding of existence. The discussion emphasizes the importance of relational awareness, balancing oneness and difference in relationships, and recognizing love as a dynamic process. De Jaegher invites listeners to reflect on the transformative power of genuine recognition and the role of social interaction in personal growth.

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 29min
Summer of 2024: Synapses of Life with Shoma Chaudhury
Send a love message Andrea shares a deeply reflective conversation with renowned journalist Shoma Chaudhury. Originally recorded over a year ago for the Synapse conference, this episode offers an intimate look into Shoma's thought process and career journey. Shoma discusses her approach to holding nuanced, meaningful conversations with a wide variety of people, including some of the most famous figures globally. The episode delves into Shoma's personal experiences of navigating public scrutiny and professional hardships. Through the lens of her experiences, Shoma elaborates on themes of curiosity, compassion, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions and interactions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where people with opposing viewpoints can have honest dialogue and the valuable lessons that come from challenging life events. Both Shoma and Andrea explore the role of wonder, love, and respect in developing a more nuanced understanding of the world and ourselves.00:00 Introduction and Context01:04 Meet Shoma Chaudry02:31 The Art of Holding Nuance03:46 Evolving Perspectives in Journalism06:44 Navigating Polarized Conversations09:05 Personal Accountability and Growth17:02 Respect and Understanding in Conflict34:39 Spiritual Practices and Personal Resilience50:48 Exploring Curiosity and Neuroscience51:48 Influence of Parents and Nature53:23 The Power of Genuine Curiosity56:14 The Role of Wonder and Joy57:49 Navigating a Public Scandal01:02:21 Lessons from a Media Storm01:06:41 Finding Peace and Resilience01:14:42 The Importance of Love and Support01:17:28 The Healing Power of Conversations01:19:40 Final Reflections and GratitudeSynapse Deck: https://tinyurl.com/5eaf2sdbAnd a short video: https://tinyurl.com/3rcstp93Watch the VideoSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
#67: Autonomy, Autopoiesis & the Enactive Approach with philosopher Ezequiel Di Paolo
Ezequiel Di Paolo, a leading figure in the enactive approach to cognitive science, joins guest host Mirko Prokop, a philosophy PhD student, for a fascinating discussion. They explore how autonomy and autopoiesis shape our understanding of cognition, emphasizing the interactive relationship between organisms and their environments. The conversation highlights the significance of community in individuality, the complexities of authenticity, and the role of love in navigating interpersonal dynamics. Their insights invite listeners to rethink the meaning of human connection.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 23min
#66 Harmonizing the Dao with analytic philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel
In this enlightening conversation, Eric Schwitzgebel, an analytic philosopher and UC Riverside professor, dives into the interplay between ancient ideas and modern dilemmas. He discusses harmonizing the Dao, exploring its roots in classical Chinese philosophy, and the beauty of embracing life's 'weirdness.' Topics include the consciousness of garden snails and robots, the significance of diversity in ethical perspectives, and the evolving nature of love within marriage. Eric's engaging insights probe the richness of existence and encourage us to cherish the peculiar.

20 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 23min
#65 Play & Meaningful Uncertainty: Active Inference and the Intellectual Sweet Spot with Julian Kiverstein of Amsterdam UMC
Julian Kiverstein, a senior professor at Amsterdam Medical, discusses the vital role of play in human flourishing. He argues that play helps individuals break free from rigid patterns and promotes mental health by creating a safe environment for exploration. The conversation touches on the paradox of risk and safety in play, how this can combat issues like addiction and OCD, and the importance of curiosity in adult life. Kiverstein also connects play to creativity and personal growth, advocating for a playful mindset in both personal and professional spheres.

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 26min
#64: Complimentary Science & the Lure of Convenience with philosopher of technology Sabina Leonelli
In a captivating discussion, philosopher Sabina Leonelli, who directs the Ethical Data Initiative at TUM, shares her insights on the intersections of philosophy, science, and technology with host Fotis Tsiroukis. They delve into the concept of complementary science, advocating for a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods. Leonelli challenges the allure of convenience, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort and complexity in understanding our world. The conversation also touches on the ethical dimensions of AI and data, highlighting the need for love, vulnerability, and collective agency in today’s society.

Jun 29, 2025 • 1h 49min
#63 Shaping Habits Together: life's changes and challenges with cognitive scientist Mark Michael James
Mark Michael James, a cognitive scientist at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, discusses the transformative power of habits and personal growth. He shares insights on synchronicity and the concept of 'waymaking,' linking them to everyday life. Mark reflects on his journey from Ireland to Okinawa, the impact of COVID-19 on his interests, and how fermentation connects to health. With anecdotes on identity and creativity, he illustrates the importance of navigating life's complexities and fostering collaboration in personal and societal contexts.

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 9min
#62: Living Philosophically and Thinking Wild with professor of technology Jessica Böhme
Send a love messageJessica Böhme is a sustainability scientist, transformation researcher, and founder of the Institute for Practical Eco Philosophy. Jessica shares her journey of exploring the connection between inner transformation and outer change, and how this quest has influenced her personal and professional life. Andrea and Jessica delve into the concept of living philosophically, the role of relational philosophies, and how they impact sustainability. They also discuss the challenges Jessica faced in academia, the significance of personal practices, and her innovative idea of 'philosophy gyms' aimed at integrating philosophy into everyday life for better ecological and business practices in the engineering world. Jessica also talks about her unique lifestyle choices, her artwork, and the broader implications of living a thoughtful, engaged life.00:00 Introduction to Inner and Outer Change00:29 Philosophy as a Way of Life01:59 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:04 Introducing Jessica Böhme02:37 Exploring Relational Philosophy03:28 Philosophy Gyms and Ecological Love04:21 The Knowledge-Action Gap06:50 Jessica's Academic Journey09:42 Inner Transformation and Sustainability10:01 Mechanistic vs. Relational Worldview12:34 Challenges in Sustainability Science13:39 The Complexity of Relational Thinking32:05 Philosophy as a Living Process37:13 The Paradox of Science and Health38:13 Personal and Planetary Health39:43 Patterns in Health and Consumption40:47 The Role of Awareness and Choice42:28 Practical Eco Philosophy44:04 Micro Habits and Daily Practices48:34 Living Philosophically59:44 The Concept of Wild01:01:04 Art and Expression01:04:51 Philosophy Gyms and Experiments01:08:59 Final Thoughts and FarewellJessica's BlogInstitute for Practical ekoPhilosophyPierre Hadot: Philosophy as a Way of LifeKaren BaradSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 27min
#61: Burning to Give Light: the delicate balance of illness and insight with former Wall Streeter Tom Morgan
Send a love messageThe line between a psychotic break and success is not quite as clear as it once was, nor is the question of what medication, therapy, or practice is best, or in what amount. This conversation tries to unpack that liminal space with a man who knows it well and has been able to stay connected to the love in it.In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Morgan, exploring the complexities of love, philosophy, and personal transformation. They discuss the challenging balance between high-functioning careers and spiritual pursuits, the misconceptions around self-sacrifice and service, and the importance of community in navigating life transitions. Tom shares his personal journey from a high-stress finance career through an awakening experience, detailing his struggles with mental health, the role of psychiatric medication, and the lessons he's learned about integrating holistic and scientific perspectives. This episode delves into the nuanced intersections of mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, offering invaluable insights for anyone on a similar path.00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy00:06 Exploring the Concept of Love01:06 Introducing Tom Morgan01:57 Tom's Journey from Finance to Philosophy03:28 Balancing Wealth and Well-being05:42 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality08:28 Tom's Personal Awakening13:54 Navigating the Hero's Journey20:10 Challenges of Spiritual Integration23:10 Holding the Tension Between Worlds43:54 The Choice to Change45:38 The Struggle with Identity and Career47:07 Understanding Self-Sacrifice vs. Service47:46 The Paradox of Complexity51:01 The Role of Ketamine and Mental Health58:56 Integrating Spiritual and Physical Health01:06:45 The Importance of Community Support01:09:58 Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety01:17:23 Embracing Love and Contribution01:22:50 The Future of Consciousness and SocietyProfessional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.)The Leading EdgeTom's SubstackAndrea's SubstackHero's JourneyJill Bolte TaylorVictor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.'Support the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.