Dr. John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey explore the intricacies of meaning, spirituality, and the human experience. The episode commences with a succinct recap of their previous discussion, touching on Neoplatonism and Zen, before diving into Brendan's recent work on the concept of meaning. The conversation spans a wide array of topics, from the epistemic aspects of meaning to the philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and meditation. The duo also delves into the influence of historical figures like Plotinus, Dante, and Proclus, examining how their ideas can be integrated into a modern understanding of spirituality. With a focus on the potential for a synthesis between cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom, this episode offers a fresh perspective on some of the most pressing questions of our time. Brendan Graham Dempsey is a respected voice in the realm of metamodern spirituality. With a BA from the University of Vermont and a master's degree in religion from Yale, he brings a strong academic background to his work. Authoring the influential 7-volume "Metamodern Spirituality Series" and host of its companion podcast, Dempsey is a thought leader who navigates the intricate corridors of post-postmodern culture. Resources: Brendan Graham Dempsey Website: https://www.brendangrahamdempsey.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrendanGrahamDempsey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGrahamDempsey Books: Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics - Catherine Pickstock: https://www.amazon.com/Aspects-Truth-New-Religious-Metaphysics/dp/1108840329 Bonaventure: The Soul's Journey into God, The Tree of Life, The Life of St. Francis: https://www.amazon.com/Bonaventure-Classics-Western-Spirituality-Paperback/dp/0809121212 Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti (Editor): https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X God Without Being - Jean-Luc Marion: https://www.amazon.com/God-Without-Being-Hors-Texte-Postmodernism/dp/0226505650/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UOK1K1W8OR4A&keywords=God+Without+Being+by+Jean+Luc+Marion&qid=1694029428&s=books&sprefix=god+without+being+by+jean+luc+marion%2Cstripbooks%2C373&sr=1-1 Plato's Critique of Impure Reason: On Goodness and Truth in the Republic - D.C. Schindler: https://www.amazon.com/Platos-Critique-Impure-Reason-Goodness/dp/0813228247 Publications The phenomenological given and the hermeneutic exchange: which holds priority? - Catherine Pickstock: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/items/372b73a1-53b5-400d-b1a0-77d43e7a3266 Videos: Metamodern Spirituality | Updating Neoplatonic Spirituality (w/ John Vervaeke) Part 1: https://youtu.be/Seg3Q5ndkmw?si=hI8GAlp49BLVVYgI Neoplatonism and the Path of Transformation | Dr. John Vervaeke: https://youtu.be/vazO36OnGKI?si=EpVZDTEZShzG8RMZ The Cognitive Science Show | Transcendent Naturalism Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vui6TIS24xcDk5dsxSaIeN7T&si=15d3O4HT7s6EVaap Misc: PLOTINUS, Ennead, Volume IV: https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL443/1984/volume.xml Auguries of Innocence by William Blake | Poetry Foundation: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43650/auguries-of-innocence People: Gregg Henriques Martin Heidegger John Hick Benedict De Spinoza Immanuel Kant Dante Alighieri Alicia Juarrero Emmanuel Levinas Martin Buber Ludwig Wittgenstein Timecodes: