Dr. John Vervaeke

Upfire Digital LLC
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22 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 58min

Ep. 30 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Relevance Realization Meets Dynamical Systems Theory

The podcast discusses the methodological principle of not using representations to explain relevance realization. It explores the need for scale invariance and a simultaneous local and global approach in a theory of relevance realization. The concept of relevance and its diversity is explored, highlighting the lack of common characteristics. The relationship between bioeconomic properties and self-organizing systems is discussed. The study of logistics in the military and the trade-off between efficiency and resiliency are also explored.
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22 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 56min

Ep. 29 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Getting to the Depths of Relevance Realization

The podcast delves into relevance realization, discussing its connections to intelligence, consciousness, and meaning. It explores the deep concept of relevance beyond categorical understanding and emphasizes the importance of cognitive commitment for rational decision-making. The discussion also touches on the limits of rule-based explanations in cognition, the role of kindness in moral interpretations, and the intricate connection between relevance realization and internal goals in living systems.
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18 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 54min

Ep. 28 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Convergence To Relevance Realization

Dr. John Vervaeke, a philosopher and cognitive psychologist, discusses the cognitive science of intelligence, the cognitive heuristic of essentialism, insight in problem formulation, categorization of similarity and relevance, agency and cognition in machines, layers of communication, maxims of communication and relevance realization, and regenerating connections for cultivating wisdom.
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26 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 55min

Ep. 27 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Problem Formulation

The podcast delves into topics such as intelligence measurement, problem-solving processes, relevance realization, combinatorial explosion, the distinction between logical and rational thinking, and the limitations of the scientific program. It also explores essentialism, the importance of problem formulation in dealing with ill-defined problems, and presents a new approach to the Mutilated Chessboard Problem. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the significance of problem formulation and relevance realization in effective problem solving and intelligence.
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28 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 60min

Ep. 26 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Cognitive Science

This podcast explores the cultural undercurrents in Germany after influential philosophers, the need to address the Meaning Crisis and the meta-crisis, the transformative nature of metaphors, the concept of 'aptness' in cognitive science, the importance of construct production and convergence to reduce bias, recognizing and avoiding equivocation to improve idea quality, the concept of intelligence and its measurement, and exploring problem-solving and the problem space.
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18 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 59min

Ep. 25 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - The Clash

Delve into Hegel’s philosophy as it clashes with thinkers like Nietzsche and Marx. Explore the post-Black Death rise of secular ideologies and the deep identity fragmentation in Europe. Discover the pivotal impact of the Battle of Kursk on WWII outcomes and the ideological fight between Nazism and Marxism. Navigate the relationship between contemporary crises, politics, and the quest for meaning, advocating for new transformative approaches amidst fragmented identities. Finally, uncover the role of cognitive science in addressing today's existential dilemmas.
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13 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 56min

Ep. 24 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Hegel

Explore the evolution of rationality as it shifts from Kant's insights to Hegel's idealism, showcasing how history shapes reality through rational patterns. Dive into the complexities of Hegel's philosophical critiques, including perspectives from thinkers like Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. Discover alternative views that highlight the significance of will and socio-economic challenges in personal transformation and meaning-making, creating a vibrant dialogue on self-realization.
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23 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 57min

Ep. 23 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Romanticism

The discussion weaves through the philosophical legacy of Descartes, advocating for a new reconciliation of secularism and spirituality. It explores the tension between rationality and imagination in Romantic thought, critiquing its limitations in addressing existential meaning. The historical roots of anti-Semitism are examined, spotlighting figures like Luther and Nietzsche, while also scrutinizing Nietzsche's ideas on self-transcendence and self-deception. This journey invites listeners to reflect on belief systems and their broader societal implications.
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15 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 53min

Ep. 22 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Descartes vs. Hobbes

Dive into the captivating debates of the scientific revolution with Descartes, Hobbes, and Pascal. Their contrasting views on consciousness challenge our understanding of intelligence and modern self-awareness. Explore the complexities of artificial intelligence and its philosophical implications. The discussion extends to the mind-body relationship, emphasizing the limitations of empirical knowledge. Lastly, it calls for a revival of transformative practices to address the spiritual void in today's world.
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22 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 56min

Ep. 21 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Martin Luther and Descartes

Explore the philosophical shifts initiated by the scientific revolution, spotlighting Copernicus and Galileo's transformative impacts. Delve into Martin Luther's radical interpretations of faith, highlighting the tension between divine love and justice. Discover how his ideas influenced individualism, democracy, and spiritual anxiety. Uncover the roots of the Protestant work ethic and its surprising connection to capitalism and salvation struggles. Finally, examine the fragmentation of belief in Protestantism and its lasting effects on modern rational thought.

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