Love & Philosophy

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.

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.

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.

Send a love message support with a subscriptionTRAILER: Bringing care into public discourse alongside critical thinking.Hello, everyone. In today's world, we're often pushed into choosing sides and thinking in absolutes. But what if there was another way? Or rather, what if there were many other ways? Welcome to to Love and Philosophy. This is a cumulative philosophy project where we practice kaleidoscopic thinking, moving beyond either/or scenarios to embrace the complexity of existence.Andrea Hiott, together with other hosts and contributors, gathers philosophers, scientists, and people from all walks of life to explore the intricate connections between love, knowledge, and the patterns that shape our world. Every conversation is deeply researched and spoken from the heart, yet mostly unscripted. This approach allows us to engage in real dialogue, where ideas surprise us, and where it's okay to be messy. As long as we're moving towards what truly matters. Bringing care into public discourse alongside critical thinking.We delve into the many layers, dimensions, and possibilities of cognition and consciousness. What is the purpose of the body? What does it mean to be sensual? What are the implications of all this life, space, and time around us? We're not only observing these aspects but also taking part in their creation.Invitation for Contribution or send relevant work or ideas towrite to admin@loveandphilosophy.comIf any of these ideas resonate with you—thinking beyond dichotomy, planetary and constellatory thinking, or kaleidoscopic cognition—we want to hear from you! Do you have a conversation or idea from your life or work that you'd love to share? We're on a collective journey, exploring the world through the eyes of various beings around us, human and otherwise. If you know of any poems that relate to these themes, please send them our way. We warmly welcome poetry as a means of expression and connection.Let's embrace the complexity and share our kaleidoscopic turnings.Support the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

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 BaradHalf SeriousReal hardships, raw situations, gallows humor, and no matter what, how to keep going.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message GiveSupport with a SubscriptionThe 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.'Half SeriousReal hardships, raw situations, gallows humor, and no matter what, how to keep going.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Join theoretical physicist and author Jean Boulton, an expert in complexity science, as she explores the fascinating intersection of her field with Daoism. She discusses how stability and change are intertwined, emphasizing the impact of small acts of compassion in fostering resilience. Jean shares her personal journey from quantum physics to embracing philosophy, advocating for a holistic understanding of human experience. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating heart and mind for meaningful societal change.

Barry O'Reilly, a software architect and pure mathematics expert with experience at Microsoft, explores the intersection of complexity theory and software development. He introduces Residuality Theory, advocating for adaptability in coding to better navigate unpredictable business environments. Barry critiques traditional linear thinking, urging a philosophical approach to better manage uncertainty and enhance software resilience. His insights challenge developers to embrace chaos and evolve their practices, emphasizing the need for flexibility in architectural designs.

In this conversation, Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine and author of '1000 True Fans,' examines how science fiction has influenced technological advancements. He introduces the concept of 'hill making,' emphasizing innovation over mere optimization. Kelly reflects on the humanizing effects of the internet and the vital role travel plays in personal growth. He shares insights from his latest book, advocating for creativity and an optimistic outlook in navigating our complex world, while underscoring the importance of love and community in innovation.

Send a love messageParticipatory sense-making is a term coined by Hanne De Jaegher & Ezequiel Di Paolo. Both these philosophers will be featured in upcoming episodes.Andrea Hiott hosts Rebecca Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire explore intricate themes of participatory sensemaking, the concept of the 'third entity,' and the impact of trauma and love on interpersonal relationships. The discussion delves into how the body acts as a data-gathering device, how sensory inputs shape our understanding of the world, and the importance of mutual sense-making in a highly complex and often overwhelming environment. Each speaker shares their unique perspectives and experiences, from cognitive neuroscience to ethical interactions, ultimately highlighting the significance of staying connected both with others and oneself. This conversation is intellectually stimulating and emotionally enriching, drawing on neuroscience, philosophy, and mental health to offer fresh insights into navigating the complexities of human interaction.00:00 Introduction to the Body as a Data Gathering Device00:57 The Futility of Communication and Social Media02:35 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:52 Participatory Sense Making and Social Cognition04:46 Meet the Three: Beck Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire05:46 Rebecca Todd: Cognitive Neuroscience and Life Experience08:13 Penijean Gracefire: Neurotechnology and Human Function12:21 Shay Welch: Philosophy, Public Art, and Participatory Sensemaking15:50 Exploring the Concept of the Body23:09 The Role of EEG in Understanding the Brain52:36 The Impact of Trauma on Sensemaking53:25 Introduction to Anchors and Interactions54:14 Effortful Sense Making Shaped by Love55:16 Individual Differences in Sensory Systems56:24 Neuromodulation and Sense Making59:24 Visualization and Communication Challenges01:03:07 Complexity Fatigue and Bandwidth01:14:11 Neuromodulation Device Experiment01:20:35 Participatory Sense Making with the More-than-Human World01:29:34 Challenges of Virtual Interaction01:36:48 The Futility and Hope of CommunicationL&P NewsletterPSM PaperA Multiplicity of WorldsWhat is Participatory Sense-making and Why Should We Care?Steve Paxton, originator of the practice of contact improvisation, himself says:  “The reason it’s called contact improvisation is because there is a third entity that arises in the stateHalf SeriousReal hardships, raw situations, gallows humor, and no matter what, how to keep going.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.