Love & Philosophy

Beyond Dichotomy | Andrea Hiott
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From the heart. Mostly unscripted. Exploring philosophical, scientific, technological & poetic spaces beyond either/or bounds. Living into the questions. Loving as knowing. Philosophy as a verb. Hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Andrea Hiott. 

  1. 6H AGO

    Love, Life and Logic: Another Dialectic with Hegelian scholar Karen Ng (from the archive)

    Send a love message  From the archive. First aired in Jan of 2025. A conversation about Hegel. Andrea talks with Karen Ng, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. The discussion delves into Hegel's ideas on contradiction, self-consciousness, life, and love, revealing how these notions are intricately intertwined in his work. Karen Ng brings forward her insights from her award-winning book 'Hegel's Concept of Life,' highlighting the radical nature of Hegel's thought and its relevance in modern contexts. Together, they explore deeply challenging philosophical concepts, making connections to contemporary issues in philosophy, environmental science, and cognitive theory. Join us as we navigate through Hegel’s complex ideas and uncover their enduring significance. 00:00 Hegel's Contradictory Philosophy 00:47 The Machine Model vs. Organic Unity 02:55 Introduction to Karen Ng and Her Work 06:40 Karen Ng's Journey with Hegel 16:17 Kant's Influence and the Copernican Turn 24:57 The Concept of Life and Internal Purposiveness 39:55 Exploring the Conditions for Intelligibility 40:27 Hegel's Radical Thought on Life and Meaning 41:44 Primitive and Sophisticated Sense-Making 42:09 Self-Conscious Forms of Life 42:37 Hegel's Connection Between Life and Meaning 43:56 The Speculative Identity Thesis 44:41 The Shock of Hegel's Absolute Idea 45:53 Thinking and Corporeality 47:51 The Radical Nature of Self-Conscious Life 48:52 Challenging Cartesian Dualism 49:38 Kant's Dualism and Moral Philosophy 50:37 The Speculative Identity Thesis and Cognition 52:42 The Radical Connection Between Life and Cognition 53:05 Contemporary Philosophers on Life and Mind 53:32 Hegel's Influence on Modern Thought 01:06:06 The Importance of Teaching Philosophy 01:07:46 Hegel's Thoughts on Love and Life 01:09:12 The Concept of Free Love 01:10:03 The Role of Love in Hegelian Philosophy 01:13:26 Concluding Thoughts on Hegel and Love Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

    1h 15m

  2. FEB 3

    What Relates Creates with life & computer scientist Richard Watson (from the archive)

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

    1h 22m

  3. JAN 23

    Trust, Games and Sculpting Agency with C. Thi Nguyen (new edit from the archive)

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

    1h 6m

  4. JAN 1

    #80 Pure Consciousness with Thomas Metzinger

    Send a love message AI, Suffering, Remedy and Love as the voluntary suspension of habitual responses into awareness: This episode is with philosopher and cognitive scientist Thomas Metzinger, a Professor Emeritus at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz and a member of the German National Academy Leopoldina. He has worked mainly in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and applied ethics, particularly focusing on neurotechnology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores a wide range of topics including the critical intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, meditation, and artificial intelligence. Metzinger shares his skepticism about separating deep philosophical inquiries from meditation and psychedelics, and the dialogue touches upon the impact of AI on human cognition, the concept of suffering in both humans and machines, and the responsibility of philosophers in an age of epistemic crisis. The discussion underscores the need for a balanced and multifaceted approach to understanding consciousness and suggests that new paradigms may emerge from current technological and philosophical shifts. This episode aims to foster an expansive and hopeful outlook as we move into the new year. The idea of pure consciousness as used in phenomenology via Husserl is to be discussed later. 00:00 Introduction to Fundamental Issues and Meditation 00:44 Epistemic Crisis and AI Concerns 01:15 Buddhism and Suffering 02:09 Philosophical Insights on Suffering and Awareness 04:47 Welcome to Love and Philosophy 05:43 Introducing Thomas Metzinger 07:43 Thomas Metzinger's Contributions to Philosophy and AI 09:53 Exploring Minimal Phenomenal Experience (MPE) 13:49 Narrative and Pure Awareness 22:09 Philosophical and Scientific Exploration of Consciousness 29:30 Thomas Metzinger's Personal Journey in Philosophy 56:11 Criticism and Meditation 56:55 Epistemic Authority and Consciousness 59:27 Embodiment in AI and Philosophy 01:01:52 Challenges in Academia 01:05:31 AI, Critical Thinking, and Future Concerns 01:15:29 The Nature of Suffering 01:22:50 Compassion and Love 01:44:12 Closing Thoughts and Reflections 01:44:30 A Poetic Farewell Thomas Metzinger phenomenology of 'pure' consciousness Link to Elephant and the Blind full book New book Bewusstseinkultur MPE discussion mentioned in Intro MPE project Philosophy Babble conversations Beyond Nondual Thomas Metzinger (*1958 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany) was Full Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the Johannes Gut Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

    1h 43m

  5. 12/23/2025

    #79 Loving to Know and Subsidiary Focal Integration with Esther Lightcap Meek

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

    1h 35m

  6. 12/14/2025 · BONUS

    Hippocampus Love: Action at a Distance and the bridge of Memory, Part 4 with Lynn Nadel

    Send a love message Maybe memory is a way we communicate with ourselves and the world at various layers, a bridging experience of what we call time and space. In this episode, Andrea Hiott and Lynn Nadel continue their ongoing talks about memory. This time they explore the intricate workings of the hippocampus, focusing on its role in bridging spatial and temporal gaps. They delve into how memory, navigation, and cognitive maps are interconnected, challenging traditional views and opening up discussions on the dynamic nature of memory.  Lynn shares insights from this paper, discusses how past research has evolved, touching upon philosophical perspectives from Kant and modern neuroscience findings. The conversation also briefly touches on the broader implications, including how understanding the hippocampus might extend to broader cognitive functions and societal interactions. There’s an in-depth ‘research ramble’ from Andrea at the beginning for those interested in the wider themes of this whole project, but you can also skip past that and go to the main conversation if you wish. The main paper discussed here is The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance Lynn Nadel is an American psychologist who is the Regents’ Professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. Nadel specializes in memory, and has investigated the role of the hippocampus in memory formation. Together with John O’Keefe, he coauthored the influential 1978 book The Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map. 00:00 Introduction to Hippocampal Function 02:07 The Role of Memory and Space 11:38 Philosophical Insights on Space and Time 15:50 Quantum Entanglement and Memory 28:48 Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map 43:43 Encouragement and Introduction to Lynn Nadel 44:30 Discussing the Paper: The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance 44:55 Linking Time and Space: The Role of the Hippocampus 47:21 Memory and Cognitive Maps 49:59 The Evolution of Cognitive Map Theory 51:34 Intertwining Memory and Navigation 01:04:30 Philosophical Perspectives on Space and Time 01:09:37 Innate Structures and Evolutionary Adaptations 01:16:08 Plant Cognition and Tropisms 01:16:59 The Importance of Memory 01:17:39 Cognitive Maps in Animals 01:17:57 Symposium and Research Updates 01:19:08 Locomotion and Cognitive Needs 01:20:54 Internal Models and Memory 01:23:27 Temporal Contiguity vs. Contingency 01:29:26 Dynamics of Memory 01:35:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans 01:36:34 Hippocampus and Social Interactions Previous conversations with Lynn and Andrea Support the show The Hippocampal Formation and Action at a Distance Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack. Support the show Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

    1h 40m

  7. 12/07/2025

    #78 Holding Love & Power (Without Losing Either) with policy advisor Jamie Bristow

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

    1h 28m

  8. 11/30/2025

    #77 Evolving Language by Embracing Paradox with Lisa Maroski

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

    1h 4m
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About

From the heart. Mostly unscripted. Exploring philosophical, scientific, technological & poetic spaces beyond either/or bounds. Living into the questions. Loving as knowing. Philosophy as a verb. Hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Andrea Hiott. 

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond Dichotomy | Andrea Hiott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Love & Philosophy
  • Show Website
    Love & Philosophy

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