
The Channel McGilchrist Podcast
This is a series of dialogues between Iain McGilchrist and Alex Gomez-Marin exploring The Matter with Things chapter by chapter.
To purchase The Matter with Things
Hardback internationally https://Amazon.com and https://BookDepository.com
Hardback UK only https://ChannelMcGilchrist.com , https://Amazon.co.uk and other booksellers nationwide
Kindle on https://www.amazon.co.uk and https://www.amazon.com
You can read Dr. Gomez-Marin's work at https://behavior-of-organisms.org/ and follow him on twitter as @behaviOrganisms
Latest episodes

12 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 16min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 19: Chapter 19 - Intuition, imagination and unveiling
Dive into the captivating relationship between intuition and imagination as they reshape our understanding of reality. Discover the joy and transformative power of creativity, emphasizing the deep connections between humans and nature. The conversation unveils the intricate balance of light and darkness in perception, championing a nuanced view of truth through multiple lenses. Explore how sensory experience and imagination intertwine, enriching our journey toward deeper spiritual insights. This dialogue is a journey through the complexities and beauty of existence!

15 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 12min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 18: Chapter 18 - The untimely demise of intuition
Dive into the complex world of intuition as it grapples with trust and rationality. The conversation reveals how societal biases shape our understanding of decision-making and highlights the emotional depth often overlooked in analytics. Discover the critique of over-reliance on mechanics in valuing human experience, and how metaphors can shape scientific discourse. Explore the nuances of common sense and the potential for 'super rationality' in navigating the intricacies of modern challenges, all while questioning humanity's evolutionary journey.

10 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 17: Chapter 17 - Intuition's claims on truth
Dive into the fascinating world of intuition and its relationship with truth. Explore how intuition can guide decision-making better than prolonged reasoning, enriched by thrilling anecdotes from motorcycle racing. Discover the vital role intuitive knowledge plays in expert professions like medicine. The discussion emphasizes blending intuition with analytical thinking and reevaluates the concept of expertise, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Ultimately, it advocates for harmony between intuition, science, and reason in our quest for understanding.

14 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 1h
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 16: Chapter 16 - Logical paradox
Dive into the fascinating world of logical paradoxes and how they reveal the contrasts between left and right hemispheric thinking. Explore Zeno's paradox and the implications of infinity on our understanding of reality. The discussion spans the complexities of language, identity, and time travel, probing how naming affects our grasp of truth. Discover how context shapes logic and learn about the dynamic interplay between intuition and reasoning. This engaging dialogue rethinks traditional approaches to paradoxes and encourages an exploration of deeper insights.

12 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 18min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 15: Chapter 15 - Reason's progeny
A captivating discussion explores the balance of subjective and objective knowledge through a Zen garden metaphor. Philosophers delve into the interplay between perception and abstract thought, emphasizing a richer understanding of reality. The conversation critiques the overreliance on numerical data, advocating for qualitative judgment. Insights into reasoning and decision-making reveal how context shapes moral choices. Furthermore, the exploration of personal traits in philosophical discourse highlights the cultural influences on knowledge and the role of myth in conveying truth.

13 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 52min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 14: Chapter 14 - Reason's claims on truth
Dive into a captivating exploration of the interplay between reason and truth. Discover how traditional philosophy can enrich everyday life while critiquing its elitism. Learn about the limitations of pure rationality and the benefits of integrating intuition and emotion. Engage in a dialogue over debate, emphasizing understanding versus persuasion. Unpack the complexities of second-person philosophy and how different perspectives shape our perceptions. Embrace a nuanced approach to rationality that fosters richer public conversations.

18 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 15min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 13: Chapter 13 - Institutional science & truth
Dive into the intriguing interplay between institutional science and truth, exploring how human factors influence scientific assertions. The discussion critiques the reliance on specialized knowledge and the impact of corporate interests in research. Replication's critical role in validating findings is examined, alongside the challenges of misconduct and conformity that threaten innovation. Delving into the etymology of key terms reveals deeper meanings tied to trust and genuine experience, encouraging a more inclusive and meaningful engagement with science.

12 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 8min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 12: Chapter 12 - The science of life
Dive into a fascinating discussion on the limitations of reductionist views in the life sciences. Examine the intertwined realms of genetics, evolution, and neuroscience in understanding life's complexities. Explore the seductive simplicity of scientific explanations versus holistic perspectives. Delve into the astonishing regenerative powers of certain organisms, unlocking nature's intelligence. Challenge the mechanistic model of life with insights on adaptability and consciousness in living beings. Prepare for a profound rethinking of how we perceive life itself!

Sep 23, 2024 • 53min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 11: Chapter 11 - Science's claims on truth.
Engage in a fascinating dialogue about the complex relationship between science and truth. Discover the limitations of scientific understanding and the value of experiential knowledge. The speakers highlight the importance of creativity in evolution and challenge the linear scientific method. Explore how perceived separations can obfuscate deeper interconnectedness and appreciate the fluidity of life's structures, emphasizing a holistic view that integrates diverse perspectives beyond mere empirical evidence.

Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 7min
Understanding The Matter with Things Dialogues Episode 10 Chapter 10 - What is Truth?
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of truth's multifaceted nature. Discover how the brain's hemispheres shape our understanding and the tension between science and philosophy. Truth isn't a fixed concept but a dynamic interplay of beliefs and experiences. The importance of navigating opposing viewpoints without becoming dogmatic is emphasized. Through evocative metaphors, hear about an ecological approach to truth that embraces complexity. Finally, experience truth as a journey, shaped by walking and real-world encounters.