Exploring Consciousness: Cognitive Science Meets Meditation | Philosophy of Meditation #5 with Evan Thompson

Dr. John Vervaeke

In the fifth episode of the Philosophy of Meditation series, hosts John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti engage with Evan Thompson, a renowned cognitive scientist and philosopher, to explore the symbiosis of meditation, cognitive science, and philosophy. The episode highlights how Evan's early meditation practice shaped his philosophical outlook, emphasizing the experiential depth revealed by meditative states about consciousness. Discussions cover the transformative social aspects of meditation and philosophical views on death, underscoring Evan's perspective that meditation enriches, but should not solely define, philosophy. This insightful conversation traverses the transformative potential of meditation beyond calming the mind, delving into its role in personal development and intellectual growth. By merging philosophical rigor with meditation's lived experience, this conversation offers a nuanced understanding of meditation's role in enhancing human cognition and self-awareness, presenting a compelling case for its profound impact on philosophical thought.

Evan Thompson is a renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of 4E cognitive science, which emphasizes embodied, embedded, enactive, and extended aspects of cognition. His work intricately bridges Western philosophy with Eastern contemplative practices, particularly Buddhism, exploring the intersections of consciousness, meditation, and the human experience. Thompson's influential writings include discussions on the philosophy of mind, meditation, and the nature of self, making him a respected figure in both academic and contemplative circles.

Glossary of Terms

4E Cognitive Science: A framework in cognitive science emphasizing four key factors: embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended cognition.

Contemplative Perspectives: Approaches to understanding and experiencing reality that involve introspection and focused attention, often used in the context of meditation and mindfulness.

John Vervaeke:

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Rick Repetti:

Website: https://www.rickrepetti.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickrepetti/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophicalpractitioner/

Evan Thompson:

Website: https://evanthompson.me/

X: http://twitter.com/evantthompson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evan.timothy.thompson

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The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/

Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/

John Vervaeke YouTube

• Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ

Books, Articles, and Publications

• Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti

https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X

• Mind in Life: Biology, Phenomenology, and the Sciences of Mind - Evan Thompson https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Life-Biology-Phenomenology-Sciences/dp/0674057511/

• Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy - Evan Thompson https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Dreaming-Being-Consciousness-Neuroscience/dp/0231136951/

• Why I Am Not a Buddhist - Evan Thompson https://www.amazon.com/Why-I-Am-Not-Buddhist-ebook/dp/B082P4FFRG/

• Trying Not to Try: Ancient China, Modern Science, and the Power of Spontaneity - Edward Slingerland https://www.amazon.com/Trying-Not-Try-Ancient-Spontaneity/dp/077043763X/

• The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - Adam Frank, Marcelo Gleiser, Evan Thompson https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Spot-Science-Cannot-Experience/dp/0262048809/

Quotes

"I think of myself as first and foremost a philosopher of mind who works very much on cognitive science and in collaboration with cognitive scientists." - Evan Thompson [00:04:31]

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Series Introduction and Evan Thompson's Cognitive Science Expertise

[00:02:13] - Integrating Western Philosophy with Buddhist Concepts in Cognitive Science

[00:04:09] - Philosophical and Meditative Perspectives on Dying and Death

[00:07:44] - Cognitive Flexibility and Death Reflection in Meditation Practice

[00:16:15] - Mindfulness Practices Across Various Traditions and Philosophical Inquiry

[00:36:01] - Transformational Aspects of Meditation, Rituals, and Self-Cultivation

[00:50:29] - The Role of Mindfulness in Modern Culture and Science

[00:57:56] - Meditation as a Conduit Between Diverse Philosophical and Cultural Contexts

[01:00:43] - Enhancing Consciousness and Attention Through Mindfulness Practices

[01:14:00] - Concluding Dialogue