Explore every episode of the podcast Love & Philosophy
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #76 The Care of Things: Philosophy of Maintenance & Making Things Last with Jérome Denis and David Pontille | 23 Nov 2025 | 01:25:35 | |
Rethinking Everyday Care with Jérome Denis and David Pontille The book is available in English and French from all major booksellers: 00:00 Introduction to Maintenance and Care 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. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #75 Hyperscanning & Human Connection: Synchronization and the Third Brain with Biologist Nicolás Hinrichs | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:12:32 | |
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 Read more about this on Substack 00:00 Welcome to Love and Philosophy Give in any amount here to support this Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #68: Loving, Knowing and Participatory Sense-making with philosopher Hanne De Jaegher | 21 Aug 2025 | 01:37:54 | |
4e philosopher of cognitive science Hanne De Jaegher discusses the profound relationship between loving and knowing as intertwined processes. The first in what we hope to be many conversations about this inspirational work. With Andrea, Hanne explores the idea that thinking and feeling emerge from the same fundamental act of sense-making, which is rooted in our basic, biological existence. De Jaegher shares her personal experiences and how they led to her academic journey studying cognitive science, and then to her work on participatory sense-making. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing both oneness and difference in relationships and the conversation discusses the critical role of noticing and relational awareness. Through various explorations, De Jaegher illustrates how love is an ongoing relational activity that ‘shares a core with knowing’ and that can foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Loving and Knowing: reflections for an engaged epistemology Paradoxical Practices (2025) with Elena Cuffari and Rika Preiser Participatory Sense-Making with Ezequiel Di Paolo Sense Making (Maturana & Varela) Living Ways of Sense Making by Evan Thompson Hanne’s website and publication list Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| Summer of 2024: Synapses of Life with Shoma Chaudhury | 12 Aug 2025 | 01:31:04 | |
Andrea shares a deeply reflective conversation with renowned journalist Shoma Chaudhury. Originally recorded over a year ago for the Synapse conference, this episode offers an intimate look into Shoma's thought process and career journey. Shoma discusses her approach to holding nuanced, meaningful conversations with a wide variety of people, including some of the most famous figures globally. The episode delves into Shoma's personal experiences of navigating public scrutiny and professional hardships. Through the lens of her experiences, Shoma elaborates on themes of curiosity, compassion, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions and interactions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where people with opposing viewpoints can have honest dialogue and the valuable lessons that come from challenging life events. Both Shoma and Andrea explore the role of wonder, love, and respect in developing a more nuanced understanding of the world and ourselves. Synapse Deck: https://tinyurl.com/5eaf2sdb Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #67: Autonomy, Autopoiesis & the Enactive Approach with philosopher Ezequiel Di Paolo (Mirko Prokop) | 02 Aug 2025 | 01:14:41 | |
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. Support with a paid subscription 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 student at the IAS-Research Centre for Life, Mind and Society at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #66 Harmonizing the Dao with analytic philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel | 24 Jul 2025 | 01:25:10 | |
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. Hosted by philosopher Andrea Hiott 00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy The Book we discuss: Writings we discuss: Imagining Yourself in Another’s Shoes versus Extending Your Concern: Empirical & Ethical Differences A Robot Lover's Sociological Argument for Robot Consciousness Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #65 Play & Meaningful Uncertainty: Active Inference and the Intellectual Sweet Spot with Julian Kiverstein of Amsterdam UMC | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:24:50 | |
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. Andrea Hiott is a philosopher at Universität Heidelberg. 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
Intimate Places: Playgrounds for self-exploration Playfulness and the meaningful life with Mark Miller More of Julian's papers Stuart Brown and the Institute of Play JK and Darius Active Inference Institute Blog post about Active Inference Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #64: Complimentary Science & the Lure of Convenience with philosopher of technology Sabina Leonelli (Fotis Tsiroukis) | 09 Jul 2025 | 01:27:46 | |
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. [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 Data Shadows (Art-Science Film Collaboration) Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #63 Shaping Habits Together: life's changes and challenges with cognitive scientist Mark Michael James | 29 Jun 2025 | 01:51:16 | |
Andrea in conversation with fellow 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. Also, have a look at this book about Mindshaping by Michelle Maiese. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| Kaleidoscopic Cognition: Beyond Dichotomy | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:04:20 | |
TRAILER: Bringing care into public discourse alongside critical thinking. Hello, everyone. In today's world, we're often pushed into choosing sides and thinking in absolutes. But what if there was another way? Or rather, what if there were many other ways? Welcome to to Love and Philosophy. This is a cumulative philosophy project where we practice kaleidoscopic thinking, moving beyond either/or scenarios to embrace the complexity of existence.
Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #62: Living Philosophically and Thinking Wild with professor of technology Jessica Böhme | 19 Jun 2025 | 01:10:49 | |
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. Institute for Practical ekoPhilosophy Pierre Hadot: Philosophy as a Way of Life Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #61: Burning to Give Light: the delicate balance of illness and insight with former Wall Streeter Tom Morgan | 11 Jun 2025 | 01:29:03 | |
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. Professional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.) Victor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.' Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| Moving Beyond Binaries in Education: Andrea Hiott in Conversation with Tim Logan on Future Learning Design | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:56:44 | |
Moving Beyond Binaries in Education - A Conversation with Tim Logan 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. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #60: The Dao of Complexity with theoretical physicist Jean Boulton | 03 Jun 2025 | 01:14:32 | |
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. 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 Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #59: Complexity Coding, Residuality Theory & the Hyperliminal: being flexible and rigid at once with architect Barry O'Reilly | 18 May 2025 | 01:24:08 | |
(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 Architect's Paradox: Uncertainty and the Philosophy of Software Architecture Residues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture. You Tube Talks: Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #58: Hill Making & Lessons for Living with WIRED co-founder Kevin Kelly | 06 May 2025 | 01:05:36 | |
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. Whole Earth Catalogue and Whole Earth Review Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #57: Complexity Fatigue & the Third Entity with philosophers and neuroscientists Beck Todd, Shay Welch and Penijean Gracefire | 25 Apr 2025 | 01:45:38 | |
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. 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 Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| BONUS: A Quick Podcast about Podcast(s) with Andrea & Fotis | 19 Apr 2025 | 00:37:43 | |
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. https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/ Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #56: Radical Incompleteness & Windows of Ritournelle with poet philosopher Bayo Akomolafe | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:41:25 | |
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. Host of this episode is philosopher Andrea Hiott. Give here to Support the show and sign up here for the newsletter. Bayo Akomolafe 00:00 Introduction to Categories and Relational Tensions host and philosopher Andrea Hiott Love and Philosophy in Video Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #55: How Shall we Live? with anthropologist and lineologist Tim Ingold | 30 Mar 2025 | 01:41:22 | |
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. https://www.timingold.com/ Lines, the book ‘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. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #54: Project Love: What We Make & How it Makes Us with service designer Clive Grinyer | 22 Mar 2025 | 01:08:27 | |
"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 https://www.theprojectlove.com/ Sign up here for the newsletter and writings 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." Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #53: Another Needful Freedom: Truth in Tension with Mike Brock, ex-tech-exec, reluctant Cassandra | 14 Mar 2025 | 02:58:13 | |
'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. 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 Clear Thinking vs. Curtis Yarvin Sacrifice, Truth, and Why We Fight Mike's Philosophical Statement Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #52: We Are Not Machines! Agency & Science beyond Computationalism with Fotis and Yogi (Johannes Jaeger) | 05 Mar 2025 | 01:37:44 | |
#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. In this episode of the Love & Philosophy Podcast, host Fotis engages in a deep and #computationalism Bluesky: Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #74 the Dynamics of Holding and Sharing: Authenticity, Maps, Masks & Voicecraft with Tim Adalin | 23 Oct 2025 | 02:24:53 | |
Buy L&P a Coffee or Give Directly Navigating the Depths of Voice, Authenticity, and Love with Tim Adalin Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #51: Body Knowledge with philosophers Shay Welch and Elena Cuffari | 27 Feb 2025 | 01:19:13 | |
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. 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/ The quote Shay reads is chapter 8 of this book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oppression-and-the-body-christine-caldwell/1126641713 Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #50: Love and Liberation in Times of Crisis with philosopher Rupert Read (and Wittgenstein) | 13 Feb 2025 | 01:27:06 | |
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. Links to what we discuss: New Wittgenstein book with Alice Crary Foucault https://dark-mountain.net/the-deluge/ https://www.parentsforafuture.org/ Thrutopia https://youtu.be/b1trbea-BkU?si=YlhO13yioc6jTekO Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #49: Empowerment in Robotics: Solo Brainstorm & AI Bonus Conversation with Dari Trendafilov | 31 Jan 2025 | 01:17:00 | |
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. Empowerment papers https://arxiv.org/pdf/1201.6583https://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 Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #48: In Defense of the Human Being with Thomas Fuchs | 27 Jan 2025 | 01:06:30 | |
Exploring Human Embodiment and Conviviality with Thomas Fuchs, the Karl Jaspers Professor of Philosophy and Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Germany Support with a paid subscription
Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #47: Love Beyond Subject and Object with therapist & neuroscientist Mark Solms | 24 Jan 2025 | 01:02:26 | |
Mark Solms | Part 2 | Can love bring us beyond traditional divides? Mark Solms is a professor in the Department of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town: "My early research focused on the brain mechanisms of sleep and dreaming led to an interest in consciousness, which is currently my major focus. My emphasis is on brainstem mechanisms of consciousness and the foundational role of affect, emotional affect in particular. This work has included applications to various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anosognosia and confabulatory amnesia, and, more recently, depression and addiction."
Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #46: Rhythms of Nature & Love: Hegel's Concept of Life with philosopher Karen Ng | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:17:16 | |
Logic, Self-consciousness, and the continuity of mind and life: This episode is with Karen Ng, author of Hegel's Concept of Life, and an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. Andrea and Karen discuss Hegel's concept of life, self-consciousness, and the problem of contradiction, emphasizing how life and love are fundamental to understanding his ideas. The episode moves through Kant's influence on Hegel, internal and external purposiveness, and how these philosophical concepts relate to our modern understanding of the mind, nature, and meaning. Karen shares her journey and insights on making Hegel’s complex ideas accessible and relevant to contemporary issues. Philosopher Karen Ng 00:00 Hegel's Contradictory Philosophy 00:31 The Concept of Life and Self-Consciousness 02:48 Karen Ng's Insights on Hegel 09:48 Understanding Hegel's Rationalism 17:57 Kant's Influence and the Copernican Turn 25:11 Mechanism vs. Teleology in Philosophy 29:57 Internal vs. External Purposiveness 37:08 Life as Process and Meaning 40:34 Hegel's Radical Thought on Intelligibility and Life 41:44 The Connection Between Life and Meaning 42:25 Hegel's Perspective on Self-Consciousness and Life 44:14 The Role of Logic and Life in Hegel's Philosophy 49:46 Hegel's Critique of Cartesian Dualism 51:31 The Speculative Identity Thesis and Cognition 53:36 Modern Philosophical Challenges and Hegel's Relevance 54:26 Hegel's Influence and Contemporary Philosophers 01:01:28 The Journey of Writing a Book on Hegel 01:09:05 Hegel's Concept of Love and Life 01:14:46 Concluding Thoughts on Hegel's Philosophy Karen Ng at Vanderbilt University “True union, or love proper, exists only between living beings who are alike in power and thus in one another’s eyes living beings from every point of view; in no respect is either dead for the other.” “… love is a sensing of something living …” These Hegel quotes that Karen mentions are from the fragment on love, published in Early Theological Writings, trans. T.M. Knox, UPenn Press, 1975. The passages are on pages 304 and 305. And the German can be found in volume 1 of the Suhrkamp edition of Hegel’s Werke. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #45: Living Beyond the Blind Spot with Philosopher Evan Thompson | 01 Jan 2025 | 01:21:44 | |
Happy 2025 ❤️ everyone. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #44: The Flow of Life: An Unusual Winter Walk with Karl Friston and his Free Energy Principle | 25 Dec 2024 | 02:03:46 | |
Karl Friston has ranked as 'the most influential brain scientist in the world' and been called a genius (as in the WIRED magazine piece), though many find his work mysterious. The melody of this unique conversation between Karl and Andrea, however, is the concept of 'flow' and how it relates to making the right choices within a constantly changing world. Andrea and Karl also explore Friston's significant contributions, including active inference and the free energy principle, discussing how these models might provide a first-principles account of sentient behavior. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the mathematics and neuroscience behind Friston's theories to practical implications in understanding human behavior and consciousness. It also touches on the theme of interconnectedness, emphasizing the importance of listening, empathy, and holding paradoxes to understand the patterns that connect various scales of life and cognition. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #43: Environment is Not in the Head: Why everyone's talking about Affordances with Harry Heft | 19 Dec 2024 | 01:21:56 | |
A look into the ideas of ecological psychology with legendary Harry Heft. Known for his renowned contributions to environmental and ecological psychology, Heft discusses the concept of affordances, a term coined by JJ Gibson, and its application across various fields. Heft traces the intellectual lineage from William James to Gibson, emphasizing a relational rather than dualistic approach to understanding perception and action. The conversation spans affordances in cultural contexts, the significance of immediate experience, the importance of teaching and the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #42: Academic dissonance, unexpected paths & process with neuroscientist and Brain Inspired Paul Middlebrooks | 11 Dec 2024 | 01:29:22 | |
Neuroscience, AI, and Philosophy with Paul from Brain Inspired 00:00 Introduction and Greetings Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| Hippocampus Love: The Neural Representation Debate & Cognitive Maps with Lynn Nadel (BONUS EPISODE) | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:01:17 | |
Decoding the Brain: Representation and Relational Memory in Cognitive Neuroscience 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. Full conversations (1-5) with Andrea and Lynn 00:00 Introduction to Thought and Representation Lynn is in Trondheim during this discussion attending the Kavli Prize week. This is the third conversation with Andrea and Lynn. In this (talk three) Andrea & Lynn discuss how we have thoughts and memories and what this means a la representation. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #41: Paths of Power and Paradox with Minna Salami, author of Sensuous Knowledge | 04 Dec 2024 | 01:43:35 | |
Minna Salami is a Nigerian-Finnish and Swedish feminist author, social critic and currently Program Chair at THE NEW INSTITUTE. She is the author of Can Feminism Be African? (forthcoming Harper Collins) and Sensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach for Everyone (Bloomsbury 2020) which has been translated into multiple languages. Minna is a leading voice of contemporary feminism, she has drawn over a million readers to her multiple award-winning blog MsAfropolitan.com. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #40: All Those Yesterdays: a lifelong conversation with poet-philosopher John Koethe | 28 Nov 2024 | 01:06:49 | |
Frank O'Hara, John Ashbery, Ludwig Wittgenstein, dualism, physics, and more. Koethe’s Ninety-fifth Street (Harper Perennial, 2009) won the 2010 Lenore Marshall Prize from the Academy of American Poets. He has published numerous other books of poetry, including Cemeteries and Galaxies (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2025); Walking Backwards: Poems 1966–2016 (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2018); The Swimmer (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2016); North Point North: New and Selected Poems (Harper Perennial, 2003), which was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; The Constructor (Harper Perennial, 1999); Falling Water (Harper Perennial, 1997), which won the Kingsley Tufts Award; Domes (Columbia University Press, 1974), which won the Frank O’Hara Award for Poetry; and Blue Vents (Audit/Poetry, 1968)." https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/john-koethe Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #39: The Real World and its Many Models with philosopher Michela Massimi | 21 Nov 2024 | 01:15:56 | |
Exploring Perspectival Realism: Are there many paths to the right place? Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| Holding Paradox: Beyond Dichotomies | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:07:16 | |
Love and Philosophy? Beyond Dichotomy? What is this all about? Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #38: What is Consciousness and Where Can We Find It? with philosopher & computer scientist Bernardo Kastrup | 14 Nov 2024 | 02:28:29 | |
RESEARCH CONVERSATION about the many ways the term consciousness is used in science, philosophy and everyday life. We also discuss cognitive processes, empathy, the meaning of life, the inevitability of death & of course, metaphysical idealism. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #37: Our Entanglement: Striving with problems (in a good way) with philosopher Alva Noë | 07 Nov 2024 | 01:32:22 | |
Alva Noë is Professor of Philosophy, and Chair of the Department of Philosophy, at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is also a member of the Center for New Media, and the Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences. Professor Noë is a 2012 recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2018 recipient of the Judd Hume Prize in Advanced Visual Studies. Until the end of 2024, he is an Einstein Visiting Fellow at the Free University in Berlin. He is the author of Action in Perception (2004), Out of Our Heads: Why You Are Not Your Brain and Other Lessons from the Biology of Consciousness (2009), Varieties of Presence (2012), Strange Tools: Art and Human Nature (2015), Infinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark (2019), and Learning To Look: Dispatches from the Art World (2022). His latest book is The Entanglement: How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are (2023). https://www.alvanoe.com/ Support with a paid subscription at Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #36: Feeling into the Source of Self with neuropsychologist Mark Solms | 30 Oct 2024 | 01:03:59 | |
Consciousness is feeling. Thoughts are ways we maintain our homeostasis. A quick conversation with Mark Solms and Andrea Hiott on the topics of Mark's book The Hidden Spring. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #35: Embracing Everyday Battles: Design as Philosophy with Sheng-Hung Lee | 23 Oct 2024 | 01:15:42 | |
A conversation about Life, Longevity, and Human Connection between Sheng-Hung Lee, a designer, engineer, and educator from MIT’s Age Lab with experience at IDEO, and Andrea Hiott, a philosopher working in Heidelberg and the Netherlands. Together they discusses Lee's unique approach to design. He emphasizes design as a human skill rather than a hard or soft skill, focusing on the role of creativity and human connection in problem-solving. Reflecting on his career, including the redesign of the Shanghai Library and projects on longevity, Lee highlights the importance of holistic, life-centered design, community, and fulfillment over achievement. He shares stories about applying design thinking to everyday challenges, such as navigating the complexities of life and orienting towards personal goals in a world driven by efficiency. Lee also touches on designing for longevity, emphasizing holistic approaches and community engagement, while integrating personal anecdotes about cultural challenges and resilience. Join the conversation to explore the profound impact of thoughtful design on life itself, fostering deeper connections and a true sense of love and philosophy in all aspects of living: https://lovephilosophy.substack.com/ Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #34: Heideggerian Robots of Phenomenology and Cognitive Science with Michael Wheeler and Mirko Prokop | 17 Oct 2024 | 01:50:19 | |
Join Michael Wheeler and Mirko Prokop as they dive into Heidegger’s phenomenology and its relevance for cognitive science as well as Michael’s recent work in the nascent field of the cognitive arts and humanities. Touching on philosophical and existential questions about the nature of mind and our relationship to the world and others, they explore the structure of human experience, its bodily, biological and social dimensions and discuss how artistic improvisation and creativity can lead us to see authenticity as the basic dynamic of thinking. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #33: Synchronizing Mind, Nature, and Neuroscience: Spacetime Experimentation with Georg Northoff | 10 Oct 2024 | 01:31:01 | |
Join us in an intriguing exploration of the connections between the brain, body, and environment with esteemed neuroscientist and philosopher, Dr. Georg Northoff. Discover Dr. Northoff's ground-breaking research on spatiotemporal patterns in brain activity, which illuminates our understanding of consciousness and mental states such as depression and mania. Learn about the dynamic brain processes crucial for psychological well-being and the significance of personalized spatiotemporal patterns in mental health therapy. This episode weaves through Dr. Northoff's philosophical journey, influenced by nature, and thinkers like Kant and Whitehead, advocating a non-reductive neurophilosophy of human interconnectedness, inspired by Chinese philosophy. Expect a thought-provoking discussion that redefines traditional views on the mind and offers a fresh perspective on mental health and ecological ontology. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #73 Life Together on the Möbius Strip with author, educator and activist Parker Palmer | 03 Oct 2025 | 01:21:05 | |
Exploring Life's Paradoxes 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. Center for Courage and Renewal Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #32: The Minds of Plants with Paco Calvo: Are plants intelligent? | 02 Oct 2024 | 01:37:26 | |
Paco Calvo leads the MINT Lab and is the renowned author of 'Planta Sapiens,' as we explore the revolutionary concepts of plant intelligence and co-evolution. In today’s rapidly advancing scientific world, the idea of plant intelligence often sparks a heated debate. Can plants think? Do they possess some form of intelligence or cognition? Paco Calvo, the renowned cognitive scientist and philosopher, presents compelling evidence suggesting that plants do indeed have a unique form of intelligence. Calvo elaborates on the critical role of ways plants make their way in the world, promoting a paradigm shift towards ecological humility and interconnectedness. This conversation underscores the importance of redefining scientific practices and education to better understand the vital yet often overlooked relationships between humans and plants. Embrace a new perspective on our ecological allies and their intrinsic value as we advocate for a more integrated and respectful approach to nature. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #31: Power in Polarity? Rethinking opposition in design and life with Alastair Duckworth | 25 Sep 2024 | 01:21:05 | |
Andrea Hiott chats with award-winning designer Alastair Duckworth to investigate the influential role of polarity and paradox in our lives and creations. They discuss how engaging with seemingly contradictory elements—from religious texts to marketing campaigns like Michael Jordan's Nike ad and VW Beetle—can enhance our understanding and spark creativity. The dialogue covers a spectrum of topics, including design strategies of companies like Airbnb, the impact of extreme sports, and the importance of provocative methods to inspire deep thought and meaningful change. Discover how embracing the tension of opposites can lead to a richer human experience and innovative design solutions. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #30: Swimming Against the Fame Stream: the Power in Taking Life Slowly and with Purpose, Lucas Vos | 23 Sep 2024 | 01:13:51 | |
Lucas shares his journey from being driven by societal pressures and material success to finding deeper meaning and purpose through conversations, psychedelics, and a profound connection with nature. We discuss his recent studies in Egyptology, his thoughts on thinkers like René Girard, and his shift from superficial goals to becoming a school teacher. Lucas also opens up about his transformative relationship with his wife and how it has grounded him, embodying the harmonious balance of opposites. Tune in to explore how Lucas navigates the challenges of modern life while holding space for deeper truths and meaningful relationships. Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||
| #29: Pattern Language, Wholeness and Place-synergy: discussing Christopher Alexander with geographer David Seamon | 08 Sep 2024 | 01:21:40 | |
Understanding Wholeness and the Patterns of Place with David Seamon Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it. 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. | |||