414. The Rebirth of the Sacred with John Vervaeke | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” Dr. Jordan Peterson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. John Vervaeke about the counter-enlightenment, the meaning crisis, and the rebirth of the sacred. They explore the concept of the sacred in various traditions, the importance of dialogue between cultures, and the role of AI in interpreting texts. Dr. Vervaeke also shares insights into his upcoming series, “Walking the Philosophical Silk Road,” which aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophy.

Main Takeaways

Rediscovering the Sacred

• Dr. John Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson discuss the counter-enlightenment and the endeavor to rediscover the sacred and meaningful.
• They are working on the edge of counter-enlightenment to rectify the meaning crisis.
• The series will explore the new advent of the sacred as a response to the meaning crisis.

Walking the Philosophical Silk Road

• Dr. Vervaeke is planning to film a series called “Walking the Philosophical Silk Road,” which aims to resurrect the shared passageway and philosophical dialogue between the East and West.
• The series will delve into the concept of the God beyond the God of Theosam and the nothingness beyond God, as represented in Zen and Neoplatonism.
• The Silk Road serves as a metaphor for the interaction between different cultures and ideas, allowing for mutual correction and the birth of new concepts.

The Vervaeke Foundation

• Dr. Vervaeke is managing the enterprise practically by raising funds through the Vervaeke Foundation and incorporating music, animation, and geofilosophy into the project.
• The Vervaeke Foundation is a non-profit organization that channels income from Patreon, advertising, donations, and books towards wide audience reach and safety.
• The foundation’s team includes an executive director, chair, and other staff members, as well as volunteers working on a Codex and using AI to create a wiki with various levels of access.

The Sacred and the Divine

• Dr. Vervaeke discusses the scientific, philosophical, and spiritual implications of machines in his book “Mentoring the Machine.”
• He emphasizes the need to confront the decision points regarding the rationality and agency of machines with more awareness and rational thought.
• The concept of the sacred is explored, with a focus on the God beyond the God of theism and the transformative effects of encountering the ultimate reality.

Summary

Rediscovering the Sacred and Meaning Crisis

Dr. John Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson delve into the counter-enlightenment and the need to rediscover the sacred and meaningful in a world facing a meaning crisis. They explore the concept of the sacred as a response to this crisis and discuss the importance of rectifying the disconnection between the individual and the transcendent.

Resurrecting the Philosophical Silk Road

Dr. Vervaeke shares his plans for the upcoming series, “Walking the Philosophical Silk Road,” which aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophy. The series will delve into the concept of the God beyond the God of Theosam and the nothingness beyond God, drawing insights from Zen and Neoplatonism. The Silk Road serves as a metaphor for the interaction between different cultures and ideas, allowing for mutual correction and the birth of new concepts.

The Vervaeke Foundation and AI Interpretation

Dr. Vervaeke manages the practical aspects of his enterprise through the Vervaeke Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds and ensures wide audience reach and safety. The foundation utilizes music, animation, and geofilosophy to enhance the project. They also employ AI to interpret and analyze texts, such as biblical chapters, raising ethical questions about the use of AI in generating new content.

The Sacred and the Divine

Dr. Vervaeke’s book, “Mentoring the Machine,” explores the scientific, philosophical, and spiritual implications of machines. He emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to the rationality and agency of machines. The discussion delves into the concept of the sacred, with a focus on the God beyond the God of theism and the transformative effects of encountering the ultimate reality. The sacred is seen as a process that calls individuals to a complete transformation of their identities and lives.

Conclusion

Dr. John Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson engage in a captivating conversation about the counter-enlightenment, the meaning crisis, and the rebirth of the sacred. They explore the concept of the sacred in various traditions, the importance of dialogue between cultures, and the role of AI in interpreting texts. Dr. Vervaeke’s upcoming series, “Walking the Philosophical Silk Road,” aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophy and delve into the transformative effects of encountering the ultimate reality. Through their discussion, they shed light on the significance of rediscovering the sacred and the potential it holds for addressing the meaning crisis of our time.