Love & Philosophy

Send a love message After Andrea’s introduction, Mirko Prokop talks to Ezequiel Di Paolo about the enactive approach in cognitive science and its roots in Francisco Varela’s work on biological autonomy. They explore the ideas of autonomy and autopoiesis, the deeper meaning of enaction, how biological, sensorimotor and social dimensions of embodiment drive the ongoing, creative process that is human becoming, and what this implies about the meaning of love, authenticity, and the importance of staying true to your questions. Ezequiel is a Research Professor at Ikerbasque, the Basque Science Foundation and member of the IAS-Research Centre for Life, Mind and Society at the University of the Basque Country as well as the Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics at the University of Sussex. He is known for key developments of the enactive approach and has published numerous articles and books on this and related topics in cognitive science and philosophy. Most recently, together with Evan Thompson he has reedited the new, annotated edition of Francisco Varela’s book Principles of Biological Autonomy, first published in 1979. 00:00 Intro by Andrea 05:02 Varela’s Principles of Biological Autonomy: From First Encounter to New Edition 11:25 Autopoiesis and Autonomy 19:20 Enaction: Bringing Forth a World 26:38 The Co-Construction of Organism and Environment 33:46 Dimensions of Embodiment 38:35 Enactive Becoming 43:57 The Primordial Tension of Participatory Sense-Making 52:32 What’s Love Got to Do With It? 1:00:36 Authentic Becoming 1:04:40 Staying True to Your Questions Links to mentioned work by Varela & Co: Principles of Biological Autonomy (Varela, F., E. Di Paolo and E. Thompson (eds.), 1979/2025, MIT Press) The Embodied Mind (Thompson, E. Varela, F., and Rosch, E. 1991/2018, MIT Press) Organism: A Meshwork of Selfless Selves (Varela, F., 1991) Patterns of Life: Intertwining Identity and Cognition (Varela, F., 1997) Life after Kant: Natural Purposes and the autopoietic foundations of biological individuality (Weber, A. and Varela, F., 2002) Autopoiesis, Adaptivity, Teleology, Agency (Di Paolo, E., 2005) Participatory sense-making: An enactive approach to social cognition (De Jaegher, H., and Di Paolo, E., 2007) Sensorimotor Life (Di Paolo, E., Buhrmann, T., Barandiaran, X., 2017, OUP) Linguistic Bodies (Di Paolo, E., De Jaegher, H., and Cuffari, E., 2018, MIT Press) Enactive Becoming (Di Paolo, E., 2021) F/acts: Ways of Enactive Worldmaking (Di Paolo, E., 2023) Mirko Prokop is currently a PhD stud Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message This show is about harmonizing the Dao and embracing the world's weirdness at once. Our guest is Eric Schwitzgebel, an analytic philosopher and professor at the University of California Riverside. As they unfold the Dao and the world’s weirdness, Andrea and Eric explore everything from robot consciousness, the love darts of snails, triads, axiology, and the philosophy of opening. Eric shares his journey into classical Chinese philosophy, how we understands harmonizing with the Dao, some of his writings about consciousness, and the importance of appreciating the world's inherent weirdness. This conversation offers a delightful blend of profound ideas and joyous reflections, encouraging us to see weird as a way into new perspectives and perhaps even into love. 00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 00:20 Meet Eric Schwitzgebel: Philosopher and Author 01:37 Exploring the Concept of Harmonizing the Dao 01:52 Journey into Classical Chinese Philosophy 03:59 The Tension Between Analytic and Chinese Philosophy 06:22 Understanding the Dao and Harmony 11:16 The Weird and Wonderful World of Zhuangzi 17:40 The Value of Diversity and Conflict 33:14 The Consciousness of Garden Snails 41:57 Exploring Relationality and Consciousness 43:50 The Consciousness of Plants and Robots 46:52 Philosophical Perspectives on Consciousness 55:38 The Philosophy of Opening vs. Closing 01:10:06 Ethics and Moral Behavior of Ethicists 01:17:43 Love, Marriage, and Harmonizing with the Dao 01:22:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell The Book we discuss: The Weirdness of the World Writings we discuss: Harmonizing the Dao Imagining Yourself in Another’s Shoes versus Extending Your Concern: Empirical & Ethical Differences A Robot Lover's Sociological Argument for Robot Consciousness Borderline Consciousness Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Julian Kiverstein is a senior professor at Amsterdam Medical. He's co-authored various papers about the importance of play as it relates to predictive processing, active learning, intimacy and embodied cognition. Sometimes we get stuck in attractor states. Play is a form of disruption that may be able to help us get unstuck. Play seems to be far from algorithmic. This conversation explores how playfulness is crucial for meaning and flourishing, and how building safe spaces for play (such as museums and parks) are crucial for healthy societies. Active inference and predictive processing are discussed as tools that might help us better model and understand this ‘sweet spot’ towards finding ways to create spaces where we can explore uncertainty and risk without danger. Drawing from his extensive work in phenomenology, embodied cognition, and predictive processing, Julian offers fresh perspectives on how play connects to mental health and wellbeing. Some key ideas from this episode: • Play requires safety yet involves taking risks—a paradoxical relationship that enables personal growth • Adults often lose the curious openness of childhood as we become fixated on seriousness and habitual patterns • Love shares qualities with play as both involve transcendence beyond the self and openness to fresh experiences • Active inference and predictive processing provide frameworks for understanding both mental illness and flourishing • Breaking out of "attractor states" or fixed patterns requires disruption that playful activities can provide • Creating safe spaces for play becomes essential for development, creativity, and meaning-making 00:00 The Role of Play in Well-being 01:50 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 02:45 Exploring Active Inference and Predictive Processing 05:24 The Importance of Play in Development 09:58 Julian's Journey into Mind Studies 12:11 Understanding Mental Illness through Predictive Processing 21:57 The Concept of Play and Its Cognitive Benefits 30:27 Intrinsic Motivation and the Value of Play 44:12 Play as a Disruptive Force in Mental Health 45:09 Understanding Mental Illness and Uncertainty 46:13 The Role of Play in Mental Health 47:38 Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Regulation 49:05 Exploration vs. Exploitation in Learning 52:03 The Importance of Play in Adulthood 53:35 Art, Literature, and Emotional Engagement 56:55 The Need for Play in Academia 01:20:50 Balancing Exploration and Familiarity 01:23:37 Final Thoughts on Play and Well-being Play in Predictive Minds Intimate Places: Playgrounds for self-exploration Playfulness and the meaningful life with Mark Miller More of Top Down Heart Open "Top Down, Heart Open" is a podcast for women rediscovering themselves after... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Sabina Leonelli (hosted live here by Fotis Tsiroukis) is a philosopher of science and technology renowned for pioneering work in the philosophy of data & open science. As a professor at the Technical University ofMunich (TUM), she directs the Ethical Data Initiative and leads the PHIL_OS project, which develops empirically grounded frameworks for open science in under-resourced research environments. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges high theory with participatory, on-the-ground research—exemplified by her ethnographic collaborations with biologists and data scientists. In this episode, host Fotis engages in a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Sabina Leonelli. They explore the intersections between philosophy, science, and society, discussing topics like complementary science, the role of qualitative and quantitative methods in research, the challenges of interdisciplinary work, and the ethical implications of AI and data-driven technologies. Sabina urges us to not fear inconvenience—embracing complexity and discomfort in intellectual and social pursuits. The conversation touches on the necessity of love, vulnerability & collective agency in navigating the modern world, offering profound insights into how we can rethink knowledge production, technology, and politics. Sabina Leonelli [00:00:00] Highlights & Introduction [00:10:41] Interview Begins [00:11:13] Sabina's Journey [00:14:17] Fascination with Boundary-Disrespecting Thinkers [00:16:20] Early Influences & Education [00:19:21] Challenges of Interdisciplinary Work [00:20:39] Mentors & Inspirations [00:23:54] The Approach of Complementary Science [00:28:37] Collaborating with Scientists as a Philosopher [00:32:26] Philosophy of Data [00:36:00] Questions Left Out of Biology [00:37:40] Coming to terms with Social Epistemology [00:40:05] Choices & Assumptions in Scientific Research [00:40:05] Willingness to Engage with the Social Nature of Science [00:44:05] Willingness to Use Different Methods [00:48:05] Acknowledging the Role of Quantification [00:50:27] Knowledge Hierarchies [00:55:00] Mixed Methods for Global Issues [00:57:00] Limits of AI: The Case of Medical Expertise [00:58:52] AI as Complement to Expert Knowledge [01:02:01] Cultural Obsession with Control & Convenience [01:03:45] Social Media & Digital Divide [01:07:20] Regaining Agency Through Politics [01:12:30] Collective Action & Social Relationships [01:15:00] Need for Political Engagement [01:17:20] Contemporary Disillusionment [01:19:40] Love as a Teacher [01:22:20] Vulnerability & Human Experience [01:25:50] Caring as Leverage for Engagement PHIL_OS Project Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) (Book, Open Access) Data Shadows (Art-Science Film Collaboration) Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Andrea in conversation with cognitive scientist Mark Michael James, highlighting his journey from understanding patterns of being to shaping habits and realigning health. Mark shares his experiences from Ireland, his academic pursuits, and his present work at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. This episode delves into synchronicity, embodied cognition, and the philosophies and practices of the arising 'school of way' of practice and philosophy which includes 'wayshaping' and 'waymaking' and pertains to a paper Mark has recently written with Mushfiqa Jamaluddin, Tom Froese, Aisha Belhadi, Anna Panagiotou, and Dave Snowden. It all ties back to practical applications in health, navigating complexity, and striving for a dynamic balance in life. Mark's personal stories and reflections make this a must-watch for anyone interested in cognitive science, philosophy, and the art of living well. 00:00 Introduction to Unexpected Contributions 00:35 Exploring the Concept of 'Craic' 00:56 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 01:02 Introducing Mark Michael James and His Work 02:23 Discussion on Synchronicity and Relevance Realization 06:47 Mark's Journey to Okinawa 12:39 Navigating Personal and Social Patterns 51:23 Health Challenges and Personal Stories 55:06 Sensory Irregularities and Scripts 56:21 Breaching Experiments and Sociological Insights 57:13 Cultural Patterns and the Irish Concept of 'The Crack' 01:03:26 Health, Habits, and Personal Transformation 01:08:05 Philosophical Reflections and Practical Applications 01:19:49 Wayshaping Framework and Multiscale Health 01:27:57 Personal Reflections and Future Directions Wayshaping paper Waymaking OIST Mark's website Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Jessica Böhme is a sustainability scientist, transformation researcher, and founder of the Institute for Practical Eco Philosophy. Jessica shares her journey of exploring the connection between inner transformation and outer change, and how this quest has influenced her personal and professional life. Andrea and Jessica delve into the concept of living philosophically, the role of relational philosophies, and how they impact sustainability. They also discuss the challenges Jessica faced in academia, the significance of personal practices, and her innovative idea of 'philosophy gyms' aimed at integrating philosophy into everyday life for better ecological and business practices in the engineering world. Jessica also talks about her unique lifestyle choices, her artwork, and the broader implications of living a thoughtful, engaged life. 00:00 Introduction to Inner and Outer Change 00:29 Philosophy as a Way of Life 01:59 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 02:04 Introducing Jessica Böhme 02:37 Exploring Relational Philosophy 03:28 Philosophy Gyms and Ecological Love 04:21 The Knowledge-Action Gap 06:50 Jessica's Academic Journey 09:42 Inner Transformation and Sustainability 10:01 Mechanistic vs. Relational Worldview 12:34 Challenges in Sustainability Science 13:39 The Complexity of Relational Thinking 32:05 Philosophy as a Living Process 37:13 The Paradox of Science and Health 38:13 Personal and Planetary Health 39:43 Patterns in Health and Consumption 40:47 The Role of Awareness and Choice 42:28 Practical Eco Philosophy 44:04 Micro Habits and Daily Practices 48:34 Living Philosophically 59:44 The Concept of Wild 01:01:04 Art and Expression 01:04:51 Philosophy Gyms and Experiments 01:08:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell Jessica's Blog Institute for Practical ekoPhilosophy Pierre Hadot: Philosophy as a Way of Life Karen Barad Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message The line between a psychotic break and success is not quite as clear as it once was, nor is the question of what medication, therapy, or practice is best, or in what amount. This conversation tries to unpack that liminal space with a man who knows it well and has been able to stay connected to the love in it. In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Morgan, exploring the complexities of love, philosophy, and personal transformation. They discuss the challenging balance between high-functioning careers and spiritual pursuits, the misconceptions around self-sacrifice and service, and the importance of community in navigating life transitions. Tom shares his personal journey from a high-stress finance career through an awakening experience, detailing his struggles with mental health, the role of psychiatric medication, and the lessons he's learned about integrating holistic and scientific perspectives. This episode delves into the nuanced intersections of mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, offering invaluable insights for anyone on a similar path. 00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 00:06 Exploring the Concept of Love 01:06 Introducing Tom Morgan 01:57 Tom's Journey from Finance to Philosophy 03:28 Balancing Wealth and Well-being 05:42 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality 08:28 Tom's Personal Awakening 13:54 Navigating the Hero's Journey 20:10 Challenges of Spiritual Integration 23:10 Holding the Tension Between Worlds 43:54 The Choice to Change 45:38 The Struggle with Identity and Career 47:07 Understanding Self-Sacrifice vs. Service 47:46 The Paradox of Complexity 51:01 The Role of Ketamine and Mental Health 58:56 Integrating Spiritual and Physical Health 01:06:45 The Importance of Community Support 01:09:58 Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety 01:17:23 Embracing Love and Contribution 01:22:50 The Future of Consciousness and Society Professional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.) The Leading Edge Tom's Substack Andrea's Substack Hero's Journey Jill Bolte Taylor Victor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.' Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message A heart-meets-mind discussion about complexity science and its suprising relation to Daoism, with physicist Jean Boulton. The conversation explores how stability and change are part of a reflexive interweaving of relationships, the importance of actions and behaviors in co-creating the future, and the role of compassion and love in fostering resilience. We also touch on the profound influence of spiritual practices such as Taoism and Buddhism on understanding complexity. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of integrating heart and mind, and how seemingly small, compassionate acts can create significant shifts. Whether you're interested in spiritual traditions, scientific perspectives, or personal development, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights to inspire and guide you. Visit Jean's website Buy the books LinkedIn Giving page Sign up here 00:00 Introduction to Change and the Dao 00:33 The Interconnectedness of Actions and Behaviors 01:11 Embracing Complexity and Wider Perspectives 01:43 Guest Introduction: Jean's Background and Interests 01:50 Understanding Complexity in Science and Everyday Life 04:03 The Mechanistic Worldview vs. Complexity Science 06:29 Personal Journey: From Physics to Philosophy 08:09 The Influence of Family and Early Philosophical Interests 11:14 Process Complexity and the Dao 11:41 The Paradox of Stability and Change 13:31 The Role of Context and History in Shaping Patterns 14:11 Discovering Daoism and Its Connection to Complexity 15:47 The Nuances of Daoism in Understanding Complexity 19:21 The Importance of Actions, Intentions, and Purpose 26:13 The Role of Attention and Noticing in Complexity 27:55 Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Complexity Science 33:23 The Embodied Experience of Complexity 35:02 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Complexity 36:04 Meditation and Embodiment 37:19 Tibetan Yoga and Compassion 40:16 Childhood and Personal Growth 42:42 Societal Wounds and Addictions Loving & Knowing Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message (Kaufmann Neworks are Boolean: see here if you want to know more, but you don't need to know anything about them to understand this episode) Please sign up for the newsletter here. Embracing Uncertainty: Barry O'Reilly on Software Architecture and Philosophy In this episode of Love and Philosophy, we sit down with Barry O'Reilly, a seasoned software architect with a deep background in pure mathematics and experience at top companies like Microsoft. He discusses his innovative concept, Residuality Theory, which introduces complexity theory into software development for the first time. Barry explains how traditional linear thinking in coding often leads to rigid and brittle constructs that fail to adapt to the constantly changing business environments. By embracing paradoxes and uncertainties using theories from philosophy and complexity sciences, Barry offers a new perspective on software architecture that combines the logical rigor of code with the adaptability required for real-world human systems. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between coding and philosophy, and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to more resilient and flexible software solutions. 00:00 The Rigidity of Software vs. The Chaos of Business 00:46 The Philosophical Roots of Computer Science 01:28 The Architect's Paradox: Linear Thinking vs. Human Systems 02:20 Introducing Residue: Adapting to Change 03:16 The Relief of Embracing Uncertainty 04:16 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 11:34 Meet Barry O'Reilly: From Math to Software Architecture 16:02 The Journey to Complexity Theory 21:25 Handling Uncertainty in Software Projects 26:47 The Evolution of Software Engineering 31:42 The Birth of Residue and Ity Theory 38:17 The Need for a New Philosophical Approach 43:36 The Immaturity of Software Engineering 46:03 Personal Frustrations and Philosophical Pursuits 46:40 The Reflective Practitioner and Instinctive Problem Solving 47:13 Linear Thinking vs. Embracing Uncertainty 49:34 Philosophical Foundations in Software Engineering 01:05:03 Hyper Liminality and System Resilience 01:13:45 The Role of Play and Forgiveness in Software Development 01:19:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Architect's Paradox: Uncertainty and the Philosophy of Software Architecture Residues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture. You Tube Talks: Residuality Theory Architect's Paradox Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Andrea sits down with Kevin Kelly, a true pioneer in the world of technology and futurism. Known for his foundational work with Whole Earth, Wired Magazine and definitive pieces like '1000 True Fans,' Kelly shares insights from his early fascination with science fiction to his groundbreaking contributions in understanding and shaping the digital age and technological ideas. They discuss the profound influence of science fiction on technological advancements, the humanizing impact of the internet, and the vital importance of travel and curiosity for finding meaning. Kelly explains the nuanced continuum between biology and technology, the concept of 'hill making' versus 'hill climbing' in innovation, and how love and community remain central to his work. As they delve into Kelly's latest book 'Excellent Advice for Living,' this conversation offers rich perspectives on maintaining creativity, embracing complexity, and fostering an optimistic outlook in an ever-evolving world. 00:00 Introduction and Early Influences 00:05 The Role of Science Fiction in Shaping Technology 01:58 Discovering the Internet as a New Frontier 04:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 04:36 Kevin Kelly's Background and Achievements 09:30 Early Encounters with Computers 14:28 The Humanizing Effect of the Internet 17:42 Meeting Stewart Brand and the Whole Earth Catalog 28:01 The Importance of Travel and Broader Perspectives 33:38 The Transformative Power of Travel 34:37 Embracing Unique Paths in Life 35:47 The Value of Time Over Money 40:16 The Birth of Artificial Life and Wired Magazine 46:34 The Paradox of Progress and Creativity 53:38 The Importance of Noticing and Small Steps 01:01:33 Hill Making vs. Hill Climbing 01:02:59 Final Thoughts on Love and Life Excellent Advice for Living Kevin Kelly on Substack https://kk.org/ Stewart Brand Whole Earth Catalogue and Whole Earth Review the WELL WIRED Magazine Sign up for the Newsletter LinkedIn Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Participatory sense-making is a term coined by Hanne De Jaegher & Ezequiel Di Paolo. Both these philosophers will be featured in upcoming episodes. Andrea Hiott hosts Rebecca Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire explore intricate themes of participatory sensemaking, the concept of the 'third entity,' and the impact of trauma and love on interpersonal relationships. The discussion delves into how the body acts as a data-gathering device, how sensory inputs shape our understanding of the world, and the importance of mutual sense-making in a highly complex and often overwhelming environment. Each speaker shares their unique perspectives and experiences, from cognitive neuroscience to ethical interactions, ultimately highlighting the significance of staying connected both with others and oneself. This conversation is intellectually stimulating and emotionally enriching, drawing on neuroscience, philosophy, and mental health to offer fresh insights into navigating the complexities of human interaction. 00:00 Introduction to the Body as a Data Gathering Device 00:57 The Futility of Communication and Social Media 02:35 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 02:52 Participatory Sense Making and Social Cognition 04:46 Meet the Three: Beck Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire 05:46 Rebecca Todd: Cognitive Neuroscience and Life Experience 08:13 Penijean Gracefire: Neurotechnology and Human Function 12:21 Shay Welch: Philosophy, Public Art, and Participatory Sensemaking 15:50 Exploring the Concept of the Body 23:09 The Role of EEG in Understanding the Brain 52:36 The Impact of Trauma on Sensemaking 53:25 Introduction to Anchors and Interactions 54:14 Effortful Sense Making Shaped by Love 55:16 Individual Differences in Sensory Systems 56:24 Neuromodulation and Sense Making 59:24 Visualization and Communication Challenges 01:03:07 Complexity Fatigue and Bandwidth 01:14:11 Neuromodulation Device Experiment 01:20:35 Participatory Sense Making with the More-than-Human World 01:29:34 Challenges of Virtual Interaction 01:36:48 The Futility and Hope of Communication L&P Newsletter PSM Paper A Multiplicity of Worlds What is Participatory Sense-making and Why Should We Care? Steve Paxton, originator of the practice of contact improvisation, himself says: “The reason it’s called contact improvisation is because there is a third entity that arises in the state – it is the state of agreement between the two of you that neither one is leading. It doesn’t become leaderless, the two of you are leading.” Source Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Andrea and Fotis (a guest host of L&P) explore the intricate world of podcasting. Fotis, returning from a previous episode and getting ready to do his second podcast for L&P, asks Andrea about the podcast's growth. In this unplanned chat, the two talk a bit about what podcasts mean to them, Game B, the intersection of various disciplines, and the broader impact of podcasting as a medium. They discuss the research and connective side of podcasting and reflect on this new journey, sharing insights on authenticity, community-building, and the challenges of navigating complex topics. Tune in for a quick half-hour chat that delves into their motivations, the evolution of their podcast, and the significance of having meaningful, open-hearted conversations that come from a place of love, even when they are challenging. 01:13 Discussing Podcast Growth and Community 02:02 The Philosophy Behind Podcasting 05:25 Challenges and Responsibilities of Content Creation 07:30 Interconnectedness and Network Building 11:15 The Unique Nature of Podcasts 12:14 Exploring Diverse Podcast Communities 26:02 Future Directions and Personal Reflections 34:31 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/ Game B animation Waymaking Sign up for newsletter: https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/ Giving Page: https://loveandphilosophy.com/giving-page https://www.facebook.com/waymaking/ https://bsky.app/profile/lovephilosophy.substack.com https://www.instagram.com/waymaking23/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-at-ecological-orientation/ LinkedIn Fotis Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Ritournelle is a concept created by Gilles Deleuze & Felix Guattari for A Thousand Plateaus (1987.) It's the main subject of 11th plateau 1837: Of the refrain. In this episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' host Andrea Hiott engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with philosopher, psychologist, and poet Bayo Akomolafe. They discuss the transformative power of love, the complexities beyond binary categorizations, and the idea of life as a process filled with relational tensions and incompleteness. The discussion covers Bayo's personal journey, including reflections on his father and his book 'These Wilds Beyond Our Fences.' They explore themes of care, disruption, and the radical incompleteness of reality, providing listeners with insights into how we can embrace the multiplicities of being human. Give here to Support the show and sign up here for the newsletter. Bayo Akomolafe https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/ These Wilds Beyond Our Fences 00:00 Introduction to Categories and Relational Tensions 02:20 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 02:43 Introducing Bayo Akomolafe 03:19 Themes of the Podcast and Bayo's Background 05:36 Binaries and Relationality 09:11 Personal Reflections and Philosophical Insights 09:46 The Concept of Retournello and Repetition 10:56 Navigating Categories and Structures 12:22 The Story of Bayo's Daughter 14:17 Philosophical Reflections on Life and Death 23:05 The Role of Trauma and Healing 32:11 The Pandemic and Societal Reflections 36:42 Love as Radical Incompleteness 38:27 Conclusion and Farewell host and philosopher Andrea Hiott Love and Philosophy in Video Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Life is not built by blocks but by lines woven together according to Tim Ingold, emeritus professor of anthropology at the University of Aberdeen and a leading thinker in anthropology and philosophy. Tim Ingold and Andrea Hiott explore key themes from Tim's influential works, such as 'Anthropology: Why It Matters' and 'Lines,' discussing how life is a continuous journey along interwoven threads and traces shaped by our every action. Building on Gibson, Deleuze, Hallowell, Merleau-Ponty, and others, Ingold's idea of 'wayfaring' as our fundamental mode of being challenges traditional distinctions between nature and culture, mind and body, and forces us out of block-mind and into traces and threads of life interwoven. This enriching dialogue touches on the importance of awareness, attention, and responsibility, offering insights into how these ideas can help us navigate toward a world where love and respect for life are central. Whether it's through storytelling, music, or everyday actions, learn how our paths shape our humanity and influence the futures we create. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on how we should live together in a world full of possibility, a world we love enough to take responsibility for together. 00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy 00:05 Introducing Tim Ingold and His Work 00:43 The Concept of Lines in Life 01:43 Wayfaring and Life as a Process 02:54 The Importance of Awareness and Responsibility 04:18 Tim Ingold's Influences and Philosophical Approach 10:28 Tim Ingold's Early Life and Inspirations 17:26 Fieldwork and Anthropology 25:16 Challenging Traditional Divisions in Science and Humanities 32:07 The Evolution of Tim Ingold's Thought 48:47 Revisiting Nature and Culture 51:48 Anthropology as a Conversation 54:46 The Anthropological Conversation 56:12 Subject and Object in Anthropology 57:58 The Middle Voice of the Verb 59:39 Crafting and Teaching 01:06:38 The Concept of Lines 01:13:24 Embodiment and Attention 01:27:42 The Future of Technology and Education 01:39:52 Hope for the Future https://www.timingold.com/ Lines, the book Anthropology, why it matters ‘For we are made of lines. We are not only referring to lines of writing. Lines of writing conjugate with other lines, life lines, lines of luck or misfortune, lines productive of the variation of the line of writing itself, lines that are between the lines of writing.’ — Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus A great interview with Tim Ingold by Juan Loaiza for ENSO. Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message "If a thing loves, it is infinite" William Blake: In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages with Clive Grinyer, a renowned industrial and service designer and the director of Project Love. The discussion centers around how design can be a catalyst for fostering love, empathy, and compassion in society, and how this is a form of collective cognition. They explore various innovative projects, including a conversational bench, a heat map app, and a secular gravestone for natural beauty spots. The conversation delves into the philosophy behind design and how it influences our daily interactions and emotions. Grinyer shares insights from his extensive experience and highlights the transformative impact of design thinking in both personal and societal contexts. Watch the video with powerpoint here. 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Design 01:17 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 01:43 Introducing Clive Grinyer and Project Love 06:19 Exploring Love Through Design 07:17 Defining Love and Design 21:39 Innovative Projects and Concepts 28:59 Community and Societal Impact 35:47 The Social Impact of Design 35:51 Designing for Sustainability and Economic Viability 36:01 The Complexity and Perception of Design 36:19 The Role of AI in Design 36:59 Technology and Human Experience 37:19 Design in Everyday Life 38:16 The Evolution of Technology Design 39:22 Emotional Design and User Experience 40:25 Project Love: Designing for Compassion 01:02:00 Empathy in Design 01:04:39 Future Directions and Community Building Project Love https://www.theprojectlove.com/ Sign up here for the newsletter and writings Support the show here. About Clive: "Clive Grinyer is an internationally renowned designer who has led global design teams at Samsung, Cisco, Orange and Barclays, worked at design consultancy IDEO, and was co-founder of the design company Tangerine. Starting as a product designer he has moved across digital, customer experience and service design and was Director of Design for the UK Design Council. As Head of Service Design at the Royal College of Art, he pioneered design as a tool for social impact, shaping how we respond to the environmental crisis and develop life services including financial and healthcare. He is an advisor and delivers executive training to companies including Bosch, the Dorchester Collection of hotels, and the Bank of England. Clive was a trustee of the Royal Society of Arts, Chair of the Design Business Association Effectiveness awards and visiting professor at the Glasgow School of Art. He is currently based in London." Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message 'Needful Freedom' comes from the work of philosopher Hans Jonas and though this podcast is not about Jonas, Andrea and Mike discuss this term towards understanding the skill of the future. Mike's bio: "Ex-tech exec, now a reluctant Cassandra. Penning dispatches from democracy's peril at notesfromthecircus.com. Unmasking the unholy alliance of Silicon Valley and aspiring despots. 2+2=4, even when power insists otherwise." Cognitive Revolution: Mike Brock on Love, Truth, and the Future of Democracy: In this deep and thought-provoking episode, Mike Brock, an ex-tech executive and renowned writer, dives into the essence of human flourishing, liberal philosophy, and the crises we face today. With a powerful call for a cognitive revolution, Brock explores the balance between freedom and obligation, the pitfalls of technology, and the importance of love and shared understanding in navigating uncertainty. This conversation spans from historical insights to current events, offering a nuanced perspective on what it means to stay human in a rapidly changing world. Notes From the Circus The Manifesto of the Cognitive Revolution The Matrix as an Example Phenomenon of Life by Hans Jonas (Di Paolo) 00:00 Introduction to Human Flourishing and Liberalism 02:11 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 02:23 Introducing Mike Brock 03:16 The Cognitive Revolution and Love 05:31 The Role of Algorithms and Technology 06:41 The Grand Praxis and Emotional Honesty 32:44 Exploring Liberalism and Its Tensions 45:20 The Problem with Marxism and Liberalism 47:24 The Liberal Frontier and Welfare State 50:02 Debating Bias and Neutrality 01:14:35 The Crisis of Epistemic Fragmentation 01:18:39 The Role of Technology in Human Experience 01:30:18 The Fear of Asking Questions 01:30:54 Tech Oligarchs and Social Media Impact 01:33:44 The Cognitive Revolution 01:36:31 Praxis and Emotional Connection 01:37:40 The Role of a Prosecutor in Memetic Warfare 01:41:03 The Importance of Intellectual Honesty 01:41:46 The Intersection of Love and Philosophy 01:56:16 The Tension Between Creation and Chaos 01:57:16 The Legacy of Thinkers: Sagan and Hitchens 02:12:26 The Necessity of Intellectual Gatekeeping 02:14:31 The Importance of Understanding and Dialogue 02:15:37 Path Dependency and Shared Experiences 02:16:41 Frustrations with Social Justice Activism 02:17:48 The Role of Persuasion in Social Progress 02:21:32 AI Governance and Democratic Values 02:23:03 The Dangers of Algorithmic Thinking 02:31:06 Elon Musk and the Temptation of Efficiency 02:41:54 The Call for a Cognitive Revolution 02:53:25 Final Thoughts and Advice for Authentic Living Clear Thinking vs. Curtis Yarvin Doppler Effect Sacrifice, Truth, and Why We Fight Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message #paradox of #love and #agency Yogi aka. Johannes Jaeger like to fashion himself as a natural philosopher. After having his own lab and being the director of an institute in Vienna he left academia for pursuing intellectual production independently. He is part of an science-art collective in Vienna called The Zone. His focus has been primarily focused on his book, Beyond the Age of #Machines, which he had been publishing incrementally in digital form. Fotis Tsiroukis is a cross-disciplinary researcher interested in the intersection between humanities, science and new media. Also a cyborg... Please join the Substack or Support us directly. Johannes Jaeger The Zone LinkedIn Fotis Research Fotis Giving Page In this episode of the Love & Philosophy Podcast, host Fotis engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with Johannes "Yogi" Jaeger, a freelance scholar and biologist-turned-philosopher. Yogi critiques the dominant "machine worldview" that has shaped modernity, arguing that it has led human civilization to a dangerous "cliff edge". He advocates for a shift towards a process-oriented, relational metaphysics that emphasizes the interconnectedness of living systems and the limitations of computational models. Yogi also discusses the pitfalls of AI, the dangers of technological hubris, and the need for a new kind of science that reconnects us with reality. The conversation touches on themes of agency, the limitations of a computationalist worldview and the importance of tough love in guiding humanity towards a more sustainable and meaningful future. #computationalism 1. [00:00:00] Snippets 2. [00:02:10] Introduction (by Fotis) 3. [00:10:00] Yogi as a Natural Philosopher 4. [00:13:00] Critique of Modern Science 5. [00:14:30] Yogi’s Journey of Dissilusionment: from Molecular Biologist to Freelance Theorist 6. [00:20:00] The Problem with the Academic System 7. [00:25:00] The Need for a New Metaphysics 8. [00:28:00] Getting Back in Touch with Reality 9. [00:32:00] Postmodernism & Metamodernism 10. [00:36:00] The Danger of Technological Hubris 11. [00:40:00] Complexity Science and the Pitfalls of the Computationalist Wordlview 12. [00:45:00] The Illusion of Total Control 13. [00:49:00] The Misuse of AI 14. [00:54:00] Preping for the Collapse of this Civilization 15. [00:57:00] AI "Agents" aren't Real Agents 16. [01:05:00] The Illusion of AI Sentience 17. [01:10:00] The Free Energy Principle and Reductionism 18. [01:20:00] The Importance of Relevance Realization 19. [01:25:00] The Role of Relationality and Connection 20. [01:30:00] Tough Love for Humanity 21. [01:35:00] Closing Thoughts Yogi's Theory Paper on Dynamical Metamodernism Primer Bluesky: @lovephilosophy.substack.com Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Elena Clare Cuffari is a Professor at Franklin and Marshall College. Shay Welch is a professor at Spelman College in Atlanta. In this episode, they discuss embodied cognition and participatory sensemaking in relation to marginalized body epistemologies. They share insights from a recent conference that brought together diverse perspectives on how embodied cognition intersects with issues of race, gender, and activism. Welch emphasizes that she never separates her scholarship from her personal life, seeing philosophy as inherently connected to her lived experience. Cuffari highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of her work with colleagues, which seeks to challenge traditional philosophical boundaries. They address the challenges of integrating marginalized voices into academic fields and the importance of recognizing the body's knowledge. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that arises in both academic and social contexts when established norms are challenged, and how this requires responsibility beyond blame. 00:00 Building a Community for Philosophical Dialogue 02:02 Introduction to Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking 02:22 Exploring Personal Philosophical Interests 04:11 Defining Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking 08:08 The Roots and Relevance of Embodied Cognition 15:14 Challenges in Academia and Marginalized Philosophies 28:51 The Concept of Normalcy in Philosophy and Society 37:17 Addressing Misunderstandings in Philosophy 39:34 Inclusivity and Change in Philosophy 43:18 Discomfort and Openness in Philosophical Inquiry 49:44 Marginalized Body Epistemologies 01:01:43 The Intersection of Philosophy and Personal Experience 01:05:57 Reflections on the Conference and Future Directions Click to Substack page here for references and more. Shay Welch: https://spelman.academia.edu/shaywelch Read Rebecca Todd's post about Shay Elena Cuffari: https://www.elenaclarecuffari.com/ Women in embodied Cognition: https://women-4e.com/ Oxford Handbook of 4E Cognition What is Feminist Phenomenology? The Phenomenology of a Performative Knowledge System: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-04936-2#bibliographic-information Linguistic Bodies: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547864/linguistic-bodies/ Shay interview Elena motivation The quote Shay reads is chapter 8 of this book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oppression-and-the-body-christine-caldwell/1126641713 Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message In this episode, which was recorded in the autumn of 2024, Andrea Hiott talks with environmental philosopher and public intellectual Rupert Read. They delve into Read's realization that 'this civilization is finished,' his engagement with Wittgenstein's philosophy (especially the book he edited with Alice Crary), his subsequent involvement with Extinction Rebellion, how he has come to understand crisis as inflections of love, and the 'moving forward' work of the Climate Majority Project. The conversation explores themes of crisis, consciousness, intergenerational solidarity, and the liberating power of love and truth in the face of existential challenges. Read shares insights from his academic and activist career, emphasizing the importance of inner work, eco-spirituality, and the collective struggle for a better future. 00:00 A Shocking Revelation 00:20 Philosophy and Freedom 01:02 Wittgenstein's Wonderful Life 01:20 Embracing Difficult Emotions 02:29 Introduction to the Interview 02:33 Rupert Reed's Background 04:21 Philosophy as Therapy 05:06 Love as Action 07:51 Rupert Reed's Crisis 09:50 Philosophy and Personal Crisis 11:33 Wittgenstein's Liberatory Philosophy 23:28 Spiritual Practices and Eco-Spirituality 37:05 Climate Courage Campaign 39:16 The Importance of Truth 44:07 The Path to Truthfulness 44:55 The Revelation: Civilization is Finished 46:49 Engaging with Students and Public Reaction 47:54 Joining Extinction Rebellion 48:50 The Challenge of Facing Hard Realities 51:18 The Importance of Paradox and Love 55:21 The Role of Anxiety and Dreams 57:48 Extinction Rebellion's Evolution 01:01:49 The Climate Majority Project 01:10:51 Intergenerational Solidarity and Responsibility 01:17:24 Embracing Difficult Emotions 01:22:50 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Action Links to what we discuss: New Wittgenstein book with Alice Crary Cora Diamond Civil Disobedience Love in the time of Corona New Statesmen Article Joanna Macy Foucault Rupert on Politics Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5oAr9q277g https://dark-mountain.net/the-deluge/ https://www.parentsforafuture.org/ Thrutopia https://youtu.be/b1trbea-BkU?si=YlhO13yioc6jTekO Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message Decoding the Empowerment Measurement in AI and Robotics with Dari Trendafilov. Dari has a PhD in Computing Science from the University of Glasgow, UK. His research interests are situated at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Human–Computer Interaction. He specialized in probabilistic information-theoretic modelling of complex systems and analysis of computational and interactive cognitive systems in the context of social and human–robot interaction. Towards his aim of establishing the fundamental information processing principles driving decision-making in living organisms, he has developed information-theoretic models and tools for the study of human sensorimotor dynamics, robotic and simulated systems, based on behavioural and physiological sensing and analysis. In this episode, Andrea and Dari explore the concept of empowerment in the context of artificial intelligence and robotics. The discussion covers Claude Shannon's information theory, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and the application of these theories in human-computer interaction and swarm robotics. Dari shares insights from his research on swarm intelligence and the use of evolutionary algorithms for collective decision-making. The episode also touches on the broader implications of modeling intelligence and the dynamic interaction between agents and their environments. 00:00 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 00:11 Understanding Empowerment and Information Theory 01:41 Empowerment in Artificial Intelligence 04:43 Robotics and Human Interaction 06:56 Exploring the Concept of Empowerment 19:29 Swarm Robotics and Collective Intelligence 33:59 Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation 40:36 Modeling Nature Through Robotics 42:38 The Journey to Empowerment Research 43:28 Challenges in Human-Computer Interaction 44:04 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Usability 44:50 Usability Engineering and Market Demands 45:30 Formal Models and Theories in HCI 47:20 Understanding Empowerment in HCI 51:01 The Role of Affordances 52:33 Introduction to Empowerment 53:07 Empowerment in Practice 53:33 Empowerment as a Measure 01:00:56 Applications and Implications of Empowerment 01:08:11 Swarm Robotics and Collective Intelligence 01:14:16 Modeling Intelligence and Future Directions Empowerment papers https://arxiv.org/pdf/1201.6583 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2003.08158 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2203.03355 https://arxiv.org/pdf/1710.05101 https://arxiv.org/pdf/1509.08731 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801531/ Empowerment Paper Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.