Love & Philosophy

Send a love message The Great Psychology Delusion: Why the Mean Misleads and Pluralism Matters Read the book here. This is an academic psychology-focused episode with lecturer Marek McGann, whose work spans enactive cognitive science, embodiment, politics, feminist philosophy, and STS. Andrea and Marek discuss his co-authored book The Great Psychology Delusion with Craig Speelman. McGann explains why “delusion” fits psychology’s persistence in treating long-critiqued assumptions as valid, especially the aggregation delusion: averaging group data and applying it to individuals despite human non-interchangeability and change over time, linked to the ergodic assumption and ergodic theorem conditions rarely met in human behavior. They discuss how averaging can create misleading “laws” (e.g., power law of learning), the research–practice gap in clinical work, psychology’s history and method-driven identity, and the need for disciplined, pluralistic, scale-aware science that better integrates perspectives and practitioner expertise. 00:00 Show Intro And Guest 01:23 Book Thesis And Stakes 02:24 Aggregation Delusion Explained 03:54 Research Practice Gap 04:49 More Detailed Book Summary 07:47 Averaging Artifacts And Ergodicity 09:29 Careful Critique Not Anti Psychology 11:06 Warm Reorientation Sendoff 11:51 Conversation Begins 15:17 Why Call It Delusion 20:11 How Psychology Became Method Led 31:08 Aggregation Delusion Deep Dive 33:35 Ergodic Fallacy in Humans 35:21 Scale Slippage and Delusion 37:59 Research Practice Gap Explained 41:01 Clinician Code Switching 42:46 Many Scales of Mind 43:57 MRI Averaging Pitfalls 48:32 Method Silos and Identities 52:43 Care, Careers, and Canalization 55:27 GPS Model for Pluralism 01:00:33 Pluralism Not Relativism 01:02:58 Why Marek Cares 01:06:06 Psychology’s Moment of Change 01:06:56 Closing Thanks and Wrap Marek McGann has been a lecturer in the Department of Psychology since 2005. His principal research is theoretical work on the enactive approach to cognitive science, which examines the mind more as something we do rather than something we have. This is also related to ecological approaches to psychology, which explore how behaviour and mental life can be examined by looking at what your head is in, rather than what is in your head. He also has a related interest in critical considerations of theory and scientific practice in psychology more broadly. Marek co-convenes the ENSO Seminars, a series of online seminars with researchers from enactive and ecological cognitive science. The paper Andrea mentions: Facing Life Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message This is an impromptu bonus episode previewing the NYC premiere of Sophie Fiennes’s documentary film Acting, which follows the celebrated theatre company Cheek by Jowl through their production of Macbeth. Andrea is speaking with her this week in NYC. Andrea introduces the ideas of director Declan Donnellan, whose book The Actor in the Space (2024) helps us get some insight into the film. Subjects: the philosophy of performance to spatial cognition, presence, and what it means to be truly alive on stage — or anywhere. Perhaps this is a good moment to revisit the themes of Macbeth. Come Saturday April 11th at 6:45pm for the film and Q &A with Sophie Fiennes (and Andrea): ️tickets at https://quadcinema.com/film/acting/ Declan Donnellan: "Human beings are actors. It is hardwired into our DNA — from toddlers playing make-believe to old-age pensioners sharing jokes in the pub. We need to perform. It’s an essential part of being human. Acting starts early. We use it to develop our relationship with our mothers. We watch her and wonder, mirror her smiling, repeat the sounds she makes. We learn things by performing for her, and she performs for us. Does that mean we are lying to each other? Of course not. Performance is woven into the fabric of our lives. It’s as natural and important to us as breathing. Performance is not merely a habit that humans keep repeating across millennia, languages and cultures. It is more fundamental than that. Performance is what it is to be human. It is the operating system for life." The episode previews a bonus conversation with filmmaker Sophie Fiennes ahead of a screening of her film "Acting," about the London theater company Cheek by Jowl, co-founded by director Declan Donnellan and designer Nick Ormerod. Andrea introduces Donnellan’s ideas from his books "The Actor and the Target" and "The Actor in the Space," emphasizing that performance is fundamental to being human and that acting depends on creating the conditions—especially the space and context—where a character can exist and feel alive, rather than forcing meaning or emotion. The script contrasts older, space-oriented filmmaking with faster kinetic editing, highlights the importance of giving audiences room for their own cognition, and includes clips from Macbeth rehearsal discussing dread, avoidance, and the challenge of convincing the audience. It ends with details about attending the New York screening and future posting of a longer conversation. All links to books and notes are here. 00:00 Love and Dread 00:11 Macbeth in Fragments 01:00 Creative Risk and Space 02:59 Audience Cognition and Care 03:55 Art Beyond Meaning 04:58 Bonus Episode Intro 06:39 Performing Everyday Life 08:11 Who Is Declan Donnellan 10:25 Performance as Human OS 12:12 Why Acting Is Hard 14:20 Alive in Rehearsal 16:24 Space That Supports Life 18:30 Care and Plugging In 21:43 Avoidance and Reacting 24:44 Philosophy and Presence 26:34 Macbeth Actor Dialogue Support the show Buy Holding Paradox: The Navigational Approach to Mind and Consciousness by Andrea Hiott Sign up for Making Ways newsletter and projects. Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Facing Reality with Clear Eyes but without Desperation: Scilla Elworthy on Listening with the Heart to Transform Conflict Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Scilla Elworthy reflects on 70 years of work with conflict and war, beginning at age 12 after seeing tanks in Budapest and being sent to help concentration camp survivors. She describes how others’ suffering “hit” her heart and led her to action in Algeria, the Congo, and South Africa, where she worked on starvation relief, shipped milk powder, and supported education, noting the central role of women in community resilience. Elworthy emphasizes “listening with the heart” to discern what people truly need beyond narratives, and explains how turning to the heart helps release harsh self-criticism. She also shares practical self-nourishment through nature and gardening, and recounts using humanizing, vulnerable moments—like discussing children—to soften high-stakes meetings, including military dialogues in China, as a way to build connection and “power with” others. "Triple nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with Oxford Research Group to develop effective dialogue between nuclear weapons policy-makers worldwide and their critics from 1983-2003. Founded Peace Direct in 2002, awarded the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003, the Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2020, the GOI Peace Award in 2023. Founded The Business Plan for Peace based on her latest books - The Business Plan for Peace: Building a World Without War (2017), The Mighty Heart: how to transform conflict (2020), and The Mighty Heart in Action (2022)." Find all Scilla's work here. Kyla Scanlon's post mentioned here 00:00 Why We Still Kill 00:55 Action Over Apathy 01:07 Heart As Guide 01:39 Inner Critic Quieted 03:23 Podcast Introduction 07:03 Meet Scilla Elworthy 08:17 Tanks In Budapest 11:32 Early War Witnessing 14:33 Africa Conflict Journeys 17:47 Women Leading Change 19:52 Listening With Heart 22:29 Defining The Heart 25:31 Nature As Nourishment 29:35 Self Inspection To Embodiment 32:41 Taming The Inner Critic 34:04 Heart Led Self Compassion 35:54 Daring Diplomacy With Generals 36:49 Breaking The Ice With Humanness 42:48 Power With Vulnerability 47:24 Courage In The Moment 51:07 Love In The Garden 53:03 Closing Thanks And Future Fears 53:55 Listener Note And NYC Event Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Janet Levin on Physicalism, Zombies, and Changing Minds Andrea hosts philosopher Janet Levin, newly retired after 40 years at USC and the department’s first tenure-track woman hire, to discuss a life in analytic philosophy and debates about mind and consciousness. Levin recounts stumbling into philosophy at the University of Chicago with Ted Cohen and later studying at MIT amid figures like Jerry Fodor, Noam Chomsky, and advisor Ned Block, and writing the Stanford Encyclopedia entry on functionalism. They contrast dualism and physicalism, explain metaphysics as inquiry into what exists and what is possible, and examine thought experiments such as Descartes’ arguments, Jackson’s knowledge argument, and Chalmers’ zombie case. Levin holds that our feelings and experiences are nothing over and above physical processes in the body, primarily the brain and central nervous system. The conversation closes on teaching, women in philosophy, and how openness, identity, and social forces affect willingness to change one’s mind and pursue truth. The Road Taken APA Talk Janet Levin Time Stamps: 00:00 Big Questions on Mind Change 01:47 Consciousness and Zombies 02:11 Welcome and Season Setup 03:22 Meet Janet Levin 07:31 Stumbling Into Philosophy 08:25 Why Minds Change Slowly 11:10 Synthetic Hippocampus and Extended Mind 12:57 Chicago Origins With Ted Cohen 18:02 MIT Era and Cognitive Revolution 22:01 From Behaviorism to Functionalism 26:17 Defining Physicalism and Supervenience 29:23 What Is the Mind Really 34:46 Cognitive Phenomenology Debate 37:31 What Metaphysics Studies 40:02 Classic Metaphysics Puzzles 43:15 Free Will and Determinism 46:34 Descartes and the Self 51:41 Conceivability and Zombie Arguments 58:40 Dualism’s Causation Problem 01:11:40 Type B Physicalism and Phenomenal Concepts 01:22:46 Water Lightning Mind 01:24:15 Identity Theory Pushback 01:27:51 Physicalism Explained Broadly 01:30:05 Phenomenal Concepts Introspection 01:32:17 Introspection As Skill 01:34:44 Defending Armchair Philosophy 01:37:22 Armchair Near Window 01:39:10 How Minds Change 01:43:55 Bias Identity And Windows 01:45:35 Women In Philosophy Shifts 01:50:28 Grad Training Mentorship 01:54:43 Teaching Confidence Bloomers 01:57:42 Love Retirement Future Questions 02:02:12 Host Outro Waymaking Giving Page Longer Show Notes and PDF of APA talk Janet Levin is Professor Emerita of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, where she was a longtime faculty member in the School of Philosophy. Her research focuses on epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy from MIT and her B.A. from the University of Chicago. Much of her work engages with one of the hardest problems in philosophy: how to account for the subjective, felt quality of conscious experience within a broadly physicalist framework. She has also written the entry on functionalism for the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — the view that what makes something a mental state depends not on its physical makeup, but on the functional role it plays in a larger Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Love and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy: Way Making, Care, and a New Season Andrea Hiott introduces Love and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy and reflects on how a late-2023 research project became a podcast shaped by the guiding question of “way making”: how we find our way and how our way makes us. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, urban planning, ecology, biology, and navigability heuristics, she reframes life’s most crucial action as care, challenging fixed separations like ontology, epistemology, and axiology and emphasizing “constellation” or kaleidoscopic thinking over either/or dichotomies. She previews more rigorous work addressing questions about consciousness, representation, agency, self, mind, and technology through the lens of care, and mentions an upcoming book, Holding Paradox. A new season begins tomorrow March 17 with philosopher Janet Levine, releasing monthly episodes on the 17th, with show notes summarizing key ideas from the past two years. Give here: https://loveandphilosophy.com/giving-page Here is a link to the free Love & Philosophy Field Guide which comes to your email: https://making-ways.kit.com/01025445f6 or find it here: https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/p/focusing-on-care-field-notes-and 00:00 Welcome and Project Update 00:27 Waymaking as Core Question 01:03 Care as Life’s Foundation 03:48 Beyond Either Or Thinking 04:49 Books and Rigorous Philosophy Ahead 06:38 New Season Schedule and Thanks 07:15 Support the Work 07:43 The Hard Parts and Staying in Care 08:31 Show Notes Summary and Closing Good Wishes Field Notes at https://making-ways.kit.com/01025445f6 Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message From the archive. Giving Page Andrea introduces an archive episode of Love and Philosophy featuring Perry Zurn, provost and associate professor of philosophy at American University about the book Curious Minds, coauthored with Dani Bassett. The intro previews an upcoming season launch with Janet Levin. In the following conversation, Perry links curiosity to desire and love, arguing love can guide curiosity away from appropriative or objectifying inquiry. Zurn reframes curiosity not as an individual desire to fill information gaps but as a social practice and a “capacity to connect,” drawing on network science, complexity, and ecological aesthetics through the idea of “edge work.” Andrea and Perry discuss diverse styles of curiosity (busy body, hunter, dancer), curiosity’s role in shifting knowledge networks and methods, interdisciplinary resistance, and how breaking “edges” or “cracks” can be both destructive and creative, relating curiosity to hope and to more-than-human ecologies. Perry also describes the book’s artwork by Poonam Mistry and the dedication to children who ask whether things must be this way. Perry Zurn's website Curious Minds: Buy the book 00:00 Archive Season Preview 00:56 Why Curiosity Matters 03:19 Support And Welcome 03:53 Love And Curiosity 06:28 Origins Of Curious Minds 08:51 Curiosity As Practice 11:24 Edge Work Explained 15:18 Pioneering And Ethics 17:39 Complexity And The Brain 21:27 Styles Of Curiosity 26:08 Curiosity Across Divides 30:12 Walking As Knowing 32:31 Methods As Paths 36:34 Why New Paths Threaten 39:38 Dead Ends And Branching 40:33 Connectional Curiosity 42:48 More Than Human Curiosity 47:29 Cracks Hope And Destruction 51:35 Daring To Disturb 53:47 Art And Dedication 56:45 Closing Reflections RISE RADIO Each week we discuss some of the most important issues we face in our society today. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message From the archive. A conversation about Hegel. Andrea talks with Karen Ng, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. The discussion delves into Hegel's ideas on contradiction, self-consciousness, life, and love, revealing how these notions are intricately intertwined in his work. Karen Ng brings forward her insights from her award-winning book 'Hegel's Concept of Life,' highlighting the radical nature of Hegel's thought and its relevance in modern contexts. Together, they explore deeply challenging philosophical concepts, making connections to contemporary issues in philosophy, environmental science, and cognitive theory. Join us as we navigate through Hegel’s complex ideas and uncover their enduring significance. 00:00 Hegel's Contradictory Philosophy 00:47 The Machine Model vs. Organic Unity 02:55 Introduction to Karen Ng and Her Work 06:40 Karen Ng's Journey with Hegel 16:17 Kant's Influence and the Copernican Turn 24:57 The Concept of Life and Internal Purposiveness 39:55 Exploring the Conditions for Intelligibility 40:27 Hegel's Radical Thought on Life and Meaning 41:44 Primitive and Sophisticated Sense-Making 42:09 Self-Conscious Forms of Life 42:37 Hegel's Connection Between Life and Meaning 43:56 The Speculative Identity Thesis 44:41 The Shock of Hegel's Absolute Idea 45:53 Thinking and Corporeality 47:51 The Radical Nature of Self-Conscious Life 48:52 Challenging Cartesian Dualism 49:38 Kant's Dualism and Moral Philosophy 50:37 The Speculative Identity Thesis and Cognition 52:42 The Radical Connection Between Life and Cognition 53:05 Contemporary Philosophers on Life and Mind 53:32 Hegel's Influence on Modern Thought 01:06:06 The Importance of Teaching Philosophy 01:07:46 Hegel's Thoughts on Love and Life 01:09:12 The Concept of Free Love 01:10:03 The Role of Love in Hegelian Philosophy 01:13:26 Concluding Thoughts on Hegel and Love Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Love, Science, and the Dynamics of Change: From the Archive This is a replay of an earlier conversation with Richard Watson (which was already an unpublished conversation we'd had earlier, so there's lots of nesting here). Initially focusing on Universal Darwinism and its limitations, the discussion evolves into a broader examination of alternative mechanisms like learning and mutual transformative change. Andrea and Richard delve into nuanced definitions of individuality and agency, challenging the reductionist view in favor of a more integrative approach. They explore the intersection of science and subjectivity, positing that love, characterized as 'deeply vulnerable mutual knowing,' plays a critical role in understanding relationships and evolutionary processes. This thought-provoking dialogue highlights the dynamic interplay of biological systems and the potential for a more compassionate and creative understanding of life's complexity. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:27 Andrea's Reflections and Richard Watson's Work 00:56 Defining Individual and Body 01:14 Evolutionary Units and Mutual Transformative Change 01:41 Academic Ideas on Evolution and Cognition 03:27 Richard Watson's Background and Research 05:22 Natural Selection and Adaptation 12:02 Learning Processes vs. Natural Selection 21:08 Cooperation and Competition in Biology 28:53 Individuality and Agency in Living Systems 39:20 Bioelectricity and Gene Expression 40:51 The Bidirectional Relationship of Cells and Genes 41:34 The Limits of Natural Selection 42:55 Love as a Scientific Concept 47:06 Evolutionary Algorithms and Their Shortcomings 50:00 The Evolution of Cooperation and Individuality 54:09 The Role of Love in Evolution 59:25 The Dance of Relationships and Resonance 01:07:33 The Creative Process of Evolution 01:18:01 The Balance of Love and Fear Richard Watson What's Love Got To Do with It Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Trust, Agency, and the Art of Games with C. Thi Nguyen Revisting a conversation from late 2023 with philosopher C Thi Nguyen. The discussion delves into the philosophical aspects of games, how they shape our agency, and the profound impact they have on our cognition and perception of reality. Thi explores the intersection of love, trust, and philosophical inquiry, highlighting the intricate ways games influence our societal interactions and personal experiences. The episode also touches on how games can be a lens for understanding broader human behaviors and the nature of agency itself. Join us as we navigate these complex ideas and reflect on the role of games in our lives. 00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 00:54 Navigational Mind and Upcoming Conversations 01:36 Revisiting the Conversation with C Thi Nguyen 01:49 Games and Sculpted Agency 03:03 Trust and Agency in Games 07:39 Philosophy, Writing, and Personal Journey 21:16 Games as Art and Medium of Agency 30:57 Art, Porn, and Sentimental Art 36:08 The Role of Games and Art in Emotional Release 36:29 Aesthetic Approaches and Viewer Attitudes 37:10 Games as Tools for Different Experiences 38:02 Personal Reflections on Sports and Dance 39:46 Agency and Game Design 41:10 The Power and Danger of Games 45:06 Virtual Reality and Games 46:58 The Concept of Play vs. Games 56:08 Games and Trust 59:09 The Impact of Games on Perception and Behavior 01:04:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:05:17 Support and Farewell Trust and Anti-trust Games, Agency as Art The Score Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message AI, Suffering, Remedy and Love as the voluntary suspension of habitual responses into awareness: This episode is with philosopher and cognitive scientist Thomas Metzinger, a German philosopher and Professor Emeritus of theoretical philosophy at the University of Mainz. His primary research areas include philosophy of mind, philosophy of neuroscience, and applied ethics, particularly focusing on neurotechnology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. He is founder of the M. The conversation explores a wide range of topics including the critical intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, meditation, and artificial intelligence. Metzinger shares his skepticism about separating deep philosophical inquiries from meditation and psychedelics, and the dialogue touches upon the impact of AI on human cognition, the concept of suffering in both humans and machines, and the responsibility of philosophers in an age of epistemic crisis. The discussion underscores the need for a balanced and multifaceted approach to understanding consciousness and suggests that new paradigms may emerge from current technological and philosophical shifts. This episode aims to foster an expansive and hopeful outlook as we move into the new year. 00:00 Introduction to Fundamental Issues and Meditation 00:44 Epistemic Crisis and AI Concerns 01:15 Buddhism and Suffering 02:09 Philosophical Insights on Suffering and Awareness 04:47 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 05:43 Introducing Thomas Metzinger 07:43 Thomas Metzinger's Contributions to Philosophy and AI 09:53 Exploring Minimal Phenomenal Experience (MPE) 13:49 Narrative and Pure Awareness 22:09 Philosophical and Scientific Exploration of Consciousness 29:30 Thomas Metzinger's Personal Journey in Philosophy 56:11 Criticism and Meditation 56:55 Epistemic Authority and Consciousness 59:27 Embodiment in AI and Philosophy 01:01:52 Challenges in Academia 01:05:31 AI, Critical Thinking, and Future Concerns 01:15:29 The Nature of Suffering 01:22:50 Compassion and Love 01:44:12 Closing Thoughts and Reflections 01:44:30 A Poetic Farewell phenomenology of 'pure' consciousness Link to Elephant and the Blind full book MPE discussion mentioned in Intro MPE project Philosophy Babble conversations Thomas Metzinger (*1958 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany) was Full Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz until 2019. He is past president of the German Cognitive Science Society (2005-2007) and of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (2009-2011). As of 2011, he is an Adjunct Fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, a co-founder of the German Effective Altruism Foundation, president of the Barbara Wengeler Foundation (2 Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message from-to fractals, Michael Polanyi, Indeterminate Future Manifestations, the difference between information and knowledge, epistemological therapy and some laughter and good cheer Happy holidays! To skip the research ramble, go to 26:30. This episode explores the intricate relationships between knowledge, information, reality, and love with guest Esther Lightcap Meek. Building on the ideas of Michael Polanyi, Esther and Andrea delve into the concept of ‘focal subsidiary integration’ and its implications for how we understand reality. The conversation addresses the limitations of viewing knowledge merely as information, the importance of bodily cognition, and how love and communion with the real are fundamental to genuine knowing. It shows how philosophy can be understood as therapeutic, a dynamic process that connects us deeply with ourselves, each other, and the world. 00:00 Introduction to the Concept of Reality and Information 01:46 The Role of Subsidiary and Focal Integration 03:36 Exploring Covenant Epistemology 04:54 Understanding Bodily Cognition 06:44 Introducing Esther Lightcap Meek 08:50 The Journey of a Philosopher 10:46 The Importance of Subsidiary Focal Integration 13:02 Practical Applications and Everyday Philosophy 16:40 The Role of Philosophy in Real Life 26:31 A Conversation with Esther Lightcap Meek 49:34 Integrative Knowledge and Liberation 50:25 Epistemological Therapy and Embodied Cognition 52:37 The Role of Subsidiary Focal Integration 54:58 Daisy of Dichotomies and Modernity 57:54 The Interpersonal Nature of Knowledge 01:11:20 Covenant Epistemology in Education 01:18:35 AI, Tools, and the Real 01:29:14 The Role of Love in Knowing humanness, meaning, reality, knowingLoving to Know here Tacit Knowledge Michael Polanyi Support us if you can. Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Maybe memory is a way we communicate with ourselves and the world at various layers, a bridging experience of what we call time and space. In this episode, Andrea Hiott and Lynn Nadel continue their ongoing talks about memory. This time they explore the intricate workings of the hippocampus, focusing on its role in bridging spatial and temporal gaps. They delve into how memory, navigation, and cognitive maps are interconnected, challenging traditional views and opening up discussions on the dynamic nature of memory. Lynn shares insights from this paper, discusses how past research has evolved, touching upon philosophical perspectives from Kant and modern neuroscience findings. The conversation also briefly touches on the broader implications, including how understanding the hippocampus might extend to broader cognitive functions and societal interactions. There’s an in-depth ‘research ramble’ from Andrea at the beginning for those interested in the wider themes of this whole project, but you can also skip past that and go to the main conversation if you wish. The main paper discussed here is The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance The Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map. Previous conversations with Lynn and Andrea Support the show The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack. Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Hey everybody. This podcast is about seemingly impossible combinations and this one is the doozy of love and power. It’s about the politics of care. Or love in politics. Can you hold those words at once? Can we? We might be surprised by ourselves. This episode, hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Andrea Hiott, delves into the intersection of love and power in political and personal realms. Guest Jamie Bristow, with his extensive experience in the British Parliament and the UN, explores how mindfulness, consciousness, and inner transformation can reshape politics and society. Through discussing concepts like Eros, resilience, and ontological meta modernism, the conversation examines how personal and societal change can be navigated, holding love and power together to create meaningful transformation. The episode also touches on Jamie's journey from a corporate advertising executive to a 'legitimizing agent' for contemplative practices in politics, highlighting the role of faith, trust, and the evolving nature of consciousness. Jamie is a policy advisor working at the intersection of inner & outer transformation, resilience and sustainability Find Jamie and his work here 00:00 The Sacred Nature of Power 02:05 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 02:25 Exploring Love and Power in Politics 03:14 Jamie Bristow's Journey 08:41 Mindfulness in Parliament 18:38 The Intersection of Inner and Outer Worlds 31:51 The Role of Love and Power in Society 43:45 Exploring the Concept of Eros 44:23 The Broader Implications of Eros 46:33 Love as a Cosmic Force 47:43 Resilience and the Role of Love 52:51 Trust and Faith in Personal Growth 55:43 The Politics of Love 01:14:06 Navigating Modernity and Postmodernity 01:19:18 The Middle Way and Superposition 01:27:50 Closing Reflections on Love and Philosophy The System Within: addressing the inner dimensions of sustainability and systems transformation Mindfulness in Westminster: Reflections from UK Politicians Reconnection: Meeting the Climate Crisis Inside Out The Conscious Food Systems Alliance (UNDP) Power & Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam Kahane Political Emotions: Why Love Matters for Justice - Martha It’s Both — Personal Growth For Real Life Transitions Big decisions, mixed emotions? Simple tools + honest stories to move forward. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message This episode, hosted by philosopher Andrea Hiott, explores the concept of embracing paradox with Lisa Maroski, author of 'Embracing Paradox, Evolving Language.' The discussion delves into how our language separates concepts, leading to binary thinking, and how questioning and reexamining these linguistic habits can foster a deeper understanding of interconnectedness. Using the metaphor of the Mobius Strip, Lisa explains the importance of holding multiple truths simultaneously and the potential for transforming our worldview. They touch on various topics, including the influence of language on culture, the need for a new way of thinking to address global crises, and the role of love and trust in fostering connection. The conversation encourages listeners to see beyond binary choices and embrace a more integrated, holistic approach to understanding and caring for the world. www.lisamaroski.com 00:00 Introduction to Paradoxical Thinking 02:54 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 03:23 Exploring Language and Cognitive Boundaries 04:08 Introducing Lisa and Her Book 05:21 The Mobius Strip Metaphor 06:03 The Complexity of Language and Culture 26:20 Dynamic Processes and Biological Insights 28:48 The Existential Motivation for Change 32:15 Exploring New Ways of Being 33:54 Interconnectedness and Environmental Awareness 38:35 The Power of Questions 48:40 Learning from Different Perspectives 51:45 Language and Collective Change 58:27 Embracing Paradox and Wholeness 01:00:40 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations L.E. (Lisa) Maroski didn’t intend to become an editor, it just so happened that she was good at helping people say what they really wanted to say, not what they wrote. After years of doing that for others, she turned her trade on herself, publishing a novel, The One That Is Both, in 2006 and Embracing Paradox, Evolving Language in 2024. Both books derive from a deep desire for language to be able to “do more.” A third book that continues this theme is in development. Having studied philosophy and psychology but working in medical editing and writing, she considers herself a generalist, one who likes to make connections between ideas. An avid dancer, she balances mind with motion, lofty thoughts with high kicks. You might find her dancing tango somewhere… Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Rethinking Everyday Care with Jérome Denis and David Pontille In this episode of Love and Philosophy, host Andrea explores the often overlooked but essential realm of maintenance and care, diving into its philosophical, social, and political dimensions. Joined by guests Jérome Denis and David Pontille, accomplished scholars from France, the discussion delves into how maintenance connects with the theories of care, the work of influential figures like Bruno Latour, and the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). They unpack the intricate relationship between humans and objects, examining concepts like fragility, multisensory engagement, and the distinction between maintenance and repair. Highlighting the everyday labor involved in maintaining objects and environments—from subway signs to classic cars—the conversation underscores the need to recognize and value the unseen work that sustains our daily lives. The episode draws on rich examples, including the upkeep of the Paris Metro and the care of classic Mustangs, to illustrate the profound impact of maintenance on our understanding of relationships, both material and social. The book is available in English and French from all major booksellers: The Care of Things: Ethics and Politics of Maintenance 00:00 Introduction to Maintenance and Care 00:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 00:56 Exploring Science and Technology Studies (STS) 01:40 Bruno Latour and Actor-Network Theory 03:45 The Care of Things: Introducing the Guests 04:43 The Paris Metro Signage Study 05:08 The Philosophy of Maintenance 06:09 The Role of Maintenance Workers 07:34 Fragility and the Importance of Care 11:08 Multisensory Engagement in Maintenance 12:56 The Mundane Expertise of Maintenance 42:19 The Drama of Maintenance 42:50 Maintenance vs. Repair: A Philosophical Dive 44:08 The Heroism in Repair 46:59 John Oliver's Take on Infrastructure 49:10 Classic Mustang Maintenance 54:17 The Ambiguities of Maintenance 57:17 Care as Work: A Feminist Perspective 59:28 The Cost of Maintenance 59:58 The Myth of Autonomy in Technology 01:03:25 Personal Reflections on Maintenance 01:20:16 The Role of Love in Maintenance John Oliver Infrastructure Clip Jérome Denis is Director of the Centre de sociologie de l'innovation at Mines Paris-PSL. David Pontille is Director of Research at Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) in Paris. PLATE & PONDER: EMPTY NESTING w/ Jen & Chris Fenton Where a recently empty-nesting married couple discuss explosive headlines over dinner. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Buy L&P its first coffee Neuroscience, Geometric Hyperscanning, and Real Time Relation Andrea welcomes Nicolás to discuss the cutting-edge neuroscience technique of hyperscanning, which records brain activity from two or more individuals simultaneously during social interactions. They dive into how hyperscanning reveals brain synchronization reflecting shared attention, empathy, and effective communication. The conversation highlights the broader applications, from studying parent-child bonding and social disorders to advancing mental health interventions. The discussion also touches on integrating philosophical insights to better understand social interactions, emphasizing the importance of holding scientific paradoxes and envisioning a more holistic approach to studying human connection. Watch Nicolás Hinrich's Active Inference Institute recorded talk here Geometric Hyperscanning of Affect under Active Inference On a Geometry of Interbrain Networks Nico's homepage Watch on YouTube Read more about this on Substack The Art of Asynchrony 00:00 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 01:03 Introduction to Hyperscanning 01:37 Mechanics and Applications of Hyperscanning 03:16 Neural Synchrony and Its Implications 04:36 Exploring Jung's Synchronicity 07:52 Active Inference and Social Synchrony 13:50 Practical Considerations and Future Directions 38:47 Introduction to Prisma and Hyper Scanning 39:28 Extending Prisma Methodology 40:55 Philosophy and Neuroscience Integration 41:51 Participatory Sense Making and Hyper Scanning 43:01 Holding Paradoxes in Research 46:51 Geometric Thinking in Hyper Scanning 52:26 Temporal Aiming and Synchrony 59:30 Neuroprotective Rituals and Mental Health 01:07:23 Balancing Science and Art in Research 01:16:04 Concluding Thoughts on Hyper Scanning and Care Give in any amount here to support this Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Moving Beyond Binaries in Education - A Conversation with Tim Logan This bonus episode features a conversation with Tim Logan from his podcast The Future Learning Design. In this episode, Tim and Andrea are discussing advancements and challenges in education. They explore themes such as the limitations of traditional education frameworks, the emerging insights from four E cognitive science, and the importance of embodied, relational and ecological approaches to cognition. They also discuss the disorienting yet exciting potential of understanding education as a living, dynamic process. Through it all, the conversation emphasizes the importance of love, attention, and awareness in reshaping educational paradigms. Check out Tim Logan's work with Good Impact Labs and connect with him on LinkedIn. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:49 Starting the Podcast Episode 02:43 Exploring Cognitive Science 05:16 The Role of Education 08:52 Challenges in Education Systems 13:19 The Future of Learning and Technology 22:38 Navigating Educational Metrics 30:54 Exploring the Teacher-Student Dynamic 32:13 Implicit vs Explicit Learning 35:33 The Importance of Context in Education 36:32 The Third Entity in Education 40:56 Sensing and Cognition 48:49 The Relational Process of Educating 53:47 Concluding Thoughts on Education and Love Tim Logan is an education leader, connector and facilitator. Tim moves projects from innovative learning design to effectively executing ideas on the ground, swiftly. Bringing his extensive learnings and insights from a global career in youth work, teaching, school leadership and consultancy, Tim has worked with prominent clients around the world to develop new and innovative approaches to learning, well-being and youth engagement. He has most recently worked with International Baccalaureate, Nordic Bildung and Nora Bateson’s team at International Bateson Institute. Tim is also host/producer of the Future Learning Design podcast. Tim on LinkedIn Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Buy L&P a Coffee or Give Directly Join the Newsletter Navigating the Depths of Voice, Authenticity, and Love with Tim Adalin In this episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' philosopher host Andrea Hiott engages in a profound conversation with Tim Adalin, founder of the Voicecraft Project in Australia and a philosopher and facilitator of philosophical events. They explore various themes such as the importance of voice, the distinction between holding and sharing space, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in today's complex social landscapes. The discussion also delves into the nuanced dynamics of relationships, the transformative power of silence and presence, and the impact of technology on communication. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, Tim and Andrea highlight the necessity of genuine connection and the cultivation of trust in relational contexts. 00:00 The Essence of Voice and Presence 00:58 The Generativity of Relationships 05:23 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 06:44 Thought Collectives and Communicative Patterns 09:29 Voice Craft and Authentic Expression 10:36 Holding and Sharing Space 24:42 Navigating Modern Contexts and Leadership 56:24 The Role of Masks and Maps in Expression 01:08:16 Introduction to the Magic Flight Light Box 01:08:36 Openness to Potentiality and Relationship 01:10:35 Skepticism in Love and Leadership 01:14:23 Navigating Digital Communication and Integrity 01:25:49 The Role of Language and Technology 02:08:26 The Importance of Silence and Presence 02:20:08 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 02:22:05 Final Poem: Of Many Worlds in this World Voicecraft Tim Adalin Ludwig Fleck Join the Newsletter Waymaking Love & Philosophy YouTube Channel Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Decoding the Brain: Representation and Relational Memory in Cognitive Neuroscience Give Support with a Subscription This episode of 'Love and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy,' hosted by Andrea Hiott, features a deep dive with Lynn Nadel into the complexities of representation in the brain. The discussion explores how thoughts and memories are formed and represented, beginning with a child's understanding and extending to advanced theories in neuroscience. Central themes include population coding, the relational nature of brain functions, and the embodied cognition approach. They also touch on historical perspectives from key figures like Tolman and Eichenbaum, the idea of cognitive maps in the hippocampus, and the role of pre-wiring and experience in shaping brain functions. The episode highlights ongoing debates and innovations in understanding cognitive processes and how the brain models reality. Slides are here 00:00 Introduction to Thought and Representation 01:48 Exploring the Concept of Representation 04:07 The Hippocampus and Cognitive Mapping 08:50 The Mind-Body Problem and Cognitive Neuroscience 29:30 Topographic Maps and Brain Representation 32:21 Understanding the Somatic Brain 32:50 Face Systems and Brain Localization 33:26 Sensory and Motor Systems 34:21 Mapping the Brain and Body Connection 35:01 Historical Insights: Penfield and Milner 35:50 Topographic Maps and Computational Advantages 38:11 Hippocampus and Non-Topographical Maps 39:44 Representation and Meaning in the Brain 48:20 Associative Learning and Memory 01:00:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions Lynn is in Trondheim during this discussion attending the Kavli Prize week. This is the third conversation with Andrea and Lynn. Exploring the Cognitive Neuroscience of Representation: Past, Present, and Future #representation #lynnnadel #neuroscience #hippocampus #representationdebate A Research Discussion with Lynn Nadel, part Three. In this (talk three) Andrea & Lynn discuss how we have thoughts and memories and what this means a la representation. First talk Second talk Rep paper from Andrea Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Exploring Life's Paradoxes Give Support with a Subscription In this deeply reflective episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' philosopher host Andrea Hiott converses with Parker Palmer, the founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal, about the profound truths of life. They discuss the struggles of depression, the essence of living a life of paradox, and the significance of integrating soul with role. Palmer also shares transformative insights on the nature of love, community, and solitude, and reads a poignant poem that captures the essence of enduring life's hardships. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that explores the complexities and mysteries of human existence. 00:00 Understanding the Depths of Depression 02:54 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 08:48 Parker Palmer's Inspirational Journey 13:46 The Concept of Paradox in Life 19:20 The Role of Gratitude and Privilege 22:51 Exploring the Connection to Nature 26:52 The Power of Poetry and Paradox 40:00 Navigating Individuality and Community 41:52 Exploring Community and Solitude 43:24 The Wisdom of Paradox 45:47 The Cure in the Disease 49:28 A Poetic Reflection on Depression 55:45 Embracing Humility and Wholeness 01:08:06 The Role of Love in Healing 01:17:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections Parker Palmer's Books Center for Courage and Renewal Parker on Substack Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.