Dr. John Vervaeke

Matthew Schaublin, a Master’s candidate in psychology focused on authenticity, joins Gregg Henriques, a psychologist and professor, to dive deep into the nature of authenticity. They explore how authenticity is shaped not just by our inner selves, but through meaningful relationships and communion with others. Their research reveals that genuine experiences often arise from emotional connections rather than solitary reflection. The conversation critiques traditional views of selfhood, advocating for a more dynamic understanding of agency intertwined with social influences.

James Filler, a philosopher and theologian known for his expertise in metaphysics and substance ontology, dives deep into the meaning crisis affecting contemporary thought. He explores the complex implications of substance ontology, critiques modern dualism, and champions a relational understanding of existence. Filler also discusses the themes of isolation and community in literature, offering insights on self-transcendence and divine connections. He critiques the decline of liturgical authority in Christianity, questioning the true accessibility of spiritual teachings.

Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh, a close collaborator of Dr. John Vervaeke, embarks on a thought-provoking dialogue about the philosophical journey of pilgrimage. They explore how pilgrimage can lead to deeper self-understanding and transform one’s perception of reality. The discussion delves into concepts like theoria, theosis, and the importance of community in this spiritual journey. They also touch on the challenges of introversion and anxiety, emphasizing the value of fellowship and personal growth as they navigate this transformative experience.

Sebastian Morello, a lecturer and public speaker trained in philosophy, delves into the intersections of mysticism, tradition, and modernity. He discusses the church's double crisis of meaning and authority, emphasizing the necessity of monastic practices in deepening spiritual engagement. Morello critiques modernity's impact on personhood and relationality, advocating for a holistic understanding of privacy in the digital age. Their conversation also explores the pivotal roles of ritual and liturgy, highlighting the significance of genuine spiritual practices amid contemporary challenges.

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.