Dr. John Vervaeke

Can AI ever achieve true wisdom? The discussion dives into the profound differences between intelligence and wisdom, revealing the limitations of language models. It examines the essence of human cognition, emphasizing embodiment, caring, and participatory knowing. Concepts like relevance realization and the four kinds of knowing highlight why AI struggles with consciousness and understanding. The talk ultimately stresses that for machines to become wise, humanity must first cultivate its own wisdom.

Thank you for joining us LIVE for our monthly Silk Road Seminar! Today’s guest is Zevi Slavin, founder of Seekers of Unity, a multidisciplinary platform exploring the convergence of science, mysticism, and philosophy. Zevi is known for his compelling work drawing connections between Kabbalah, Neoplatonism, Islamic mysticism, and cutting-edge theoretical physics. Silk Road Seminars are a live event where John weaves together threads from his various theoretical conversations along with a distinguished guest. These hour-long conversations are live on YouTube followed by an exclusive Q&A, where you can ask questions directly to John and his guest. To be entered onto the guest list for these Q&As, you can sign up at the Gamma Tier (and above) on The Lectern at https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lecte... Currently enrolled university students at all levels up to doctoral studies get free access to the Q&A. To gain access to Silk Road Seminars, please email your proof of student identity to ethan@vervaekefoundation.org to be added to the guest list and watch previous seminars as well! If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John’s work, please consider joining our Patreon. 👉   / johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Learn more about our work below: https://vervaekefoundation.org/ If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed, and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning’s calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships: https://awakentomeaning.com/join-prac... Follow John Vervaeke: 🌐 Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ 🐦 Twitter:   / vervaeke_john   📺 YouTube:    / @johnvervaeke   💡 Patreon:   / johnvervaeke  

Britt Hartley, a certified spiritual director and expert in secular spirituality, shares her insights on navigating faith and nihilism from her unique perspective as a former Mormon. The discussion delves into the challenges of deconstructing beliefs while emphasizing the importance of community and personal meaning. Hartley highlights the transformative journey from nihilism to spirituality, advocating for playfulness and curiosity in spiritual practices. The conversation also addresses the complexities of gender in spirituality and the need for inclusive approaches tailored to individual experiences.

In a captivating discussion, Andy Russell, a serial entrepreneur with a history in data tech, and Christopher Mastropietro, a philosophical writer focused on dialogue and self, explore the dark side of AI and social media. They delve into how algorithms manipulate human desires and the ethical dilemmas of data-driven persuasion. Russell shares his personal journey of reckoning with the implications of his work, advocating for transparency and human-centered design as paths to healing. The conversation emphasizes reclaiming personal agency in a technology-dominated world.

Thank you for joining us LIVE for our monthly Silk Road Seminar! Today’s guest is Khalil Andani, an Assistant Professor of Religion at Augustana College whose research focuses on Islamic philosophy, Ismaili thought, Sufism, and Qur'anic studies. Khalil is especially known for his work on esoteric hermeneutics and mystical cognition in the Islamic intellectual tradition. Silk Road Seminars are a live event where John weaves together threads from his various theoretical conversations along with a distinguished guest. These hour-long conversations are live on YouTube followed by an exclusive Q&A, where you can ask questions directly to John and his guest. To be entered onto the guest list for these Q&As, you can sign up at the Gamma Tier (and above) on The Lectern at https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lecte... Currently enrolled university students at all levels up to doctoral studies get free access to the Q&A. To gain access to Silk Road Seminars, please email your proof of student identity to ethan@vervaekefoundation.org to be added to the guest list and watch previous seminars as well! If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John’s work, please consider joining our Patreon. 👉   / johnvervaeke   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Learn more about our work below: https://vervaekefoundation.org/ If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed, and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning’s calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships: https://awakentomeaning.com/join-prac... Follow John Vervaeke: 🌐 Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ 🐦 Twitter:   / vervaeke_john   📺 YouTube:    / @johnvervaeke   💡 Patreon:   / johnvervaeke  

This engaging discussion dives deep into the transformative power of love, emphasizing its role as a binding force for personal growth. The hosts unpack the complexities of emotional attachments and societal influences on relationships, critiquing the superficiality often seen today. They also merge existential philosophy with concepts of love, exploring its impact in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. The conversation wraps up with reflections on trust, gratitude, and the abundance that love can bring into our lives.

Gregg Henriques, an American psychologist and professor, and Matthew Schaublin, a master's candidate in psychology, dive deep into the essence of authenticity. They explore its historical roots in romanticism and existentialism, drawing from thinkers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard. The duo examines how authenticity intertwines with mental health and societal pressures, revealing tensions between personal identity and social expectations. Their conversation highlights the significance of integrating various aspects of self for a fulfilling, authentic life.

Thanks for joining The Lectern Live Become a member at Gamma Tier and above to join the Live Q&A portion of this seminar. Join the Lectern here: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lecte...

In this enlightening discussion, Jordan Hall, a technology entrepreneur focused on AI and philosophy, teams up with Christopher Mastropietro, a philosophical writer intrigued by the self and dialogue. They delve into the complex interplay between AI and human flourishing, stressing the need for ethical alignment of technology with human values. Topics include the concept of 'intimate AI', the significance of privacy in fostering personal growth, and the pressing need for a new philosophical framework to address the meaning crisis.

Douglas Hedley, Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge University, dives into the intricate realm of Neoplatonism and its relational view of reality. He and John Vervaeke explore how this ancient philosophy offers solutions to modern dilemmas. They discuss the importance of relationality over substance ontology, critique Heidegger's interpretations, and examine the role of imagination and symbolism. The dialogue emphasizes love's significance in transcendence, as well as the interplay between existence and deeper understanding through art and poetry.