This is a in-person recorded podcast. The video is available on YouTube.

Michiel van Elk is an Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology at Leiden University and head of the PRiSM Lab, where he studies the cognitive neuroscience of religion and psychedelic experiences. In this episode, we take a sober look at the current state of psychedelic science, moving beyond the cultural evangelism and media hype. Michiel critiques the biomedical model of psychedelic therapy, discusses the disappointing effect sizes in recent clinical trials, and highlights methodological issues like "breaking blind" and selection bias.

We explore why psychedelics are not a "reset" button for the brain but rather amplifiers of meaning, potentially functioning as "super placebos." The conversation covers the theoretical gaps in the field, contrasting the popular "entropic brain" hypotheses with the lack of solid empirical data. Michiel also outlines his vision for the future of the field: a move toward "sober science" that separates the study of these substances from the spiritual fervor that often surrounds them.

00:00 - Meet Michiel van Elk: Academic Background & The PRISM Lab

02:34 - The Role of Philosophy in Psychedelic Science

07:34 - Critiquing "Narrative Theories" in Psychology

11:09 - From Pentecostalism to Atheism: Michiel's Personal Journey

17:59 - Critiquing the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR)

30:36 - "Absorption" & The Process of "Real-Making"

39:59 - The "More Real Than Real" Debate: Perception vs. Meaning

51:14 - The Flaws of the Biomedical Model & 4E Cognition

1:02:18 - Misconceptions & The Hype Bubble in Psychedelic Science

1:15:39 - The "Super Placebo" & The Meaning Response

1:19:09 - Can We Cultivate Transformation? Personality & Openness

1:22:39 - The "Einstein Effect" & Notable Research

1:28:59 - The Future: Toward a More "Sober" Psychedelic Science

1:33:44 - New Research: Magic Truffles & Natural Compounds

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Transcript:

https://tiagovf.com/posts/the-science-spirituality-of-psychedelics-with-michiel-van-elk-anagoge-podcast

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Follow me to get updates on the podcast and my work:

https://substack.com/@tiagovf

https://www.instagram.com/tiagobooks/

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The intro song is by Lief Sjostrom, titled Peril, from the album 'Impossible Parade'.
Website: https://liefsjostrom.com/
Album: https://liefsjostrom.bandcamp.com/album/impossible-parade

Arthur Versluis is the author of Platonic Mysticism: Contemplative Science, Philosophy, Literature, and Art and a Professor of Religious Studies at Michigan State University. His work bridges the gap between rigorous scholarship and the experiential reality of spiritual traditions. We examine the transformative power of art and its ability to mediate between the material and the transcendent. Versluis highlights the Hudson River School and the concept of "Luminism," explaining how the visual representation of light in nature mirrors the internal experience of mystical illumination.

The discussion navigates the complex relationship between the "forms" of Plato and the direct experience of the divine, moving beyond the common accusations of dualism often leveled at the Platonic tradition. We explore the "apophatic" or negative theological tradition, comparing the insights of Western mystics like Meister Eckhart with the emptiness found in the Heart Sutra. Finally, Versluis shares how his background in agriculture informs his work ethic and how Western philosophy can be complemented by the precise "maps" of consciousness found in Vajrayana Buddhism.

0:00 - Introduction: Teaching Plato & The Allegory of the Cave

4:45 - The Eclipse of Platonism & The Dominance of Materialism

10:19 - Reframing the "Forms": Angels, Hierarchy & Non-Duality

16:11 - Gnosticism, The Heart Sutra, and the Apophatic Lineage

24:10 - Luminism: The Hudson River School & The Metaphysics of Art

33:59 - Kant vs. Schelling: Who Opens the Door to Mysticism?

40:21 - The Descent into Darkness & The Ancient Mysteries

50:38 - What is Perennial Philosophy? (Truth vs. Relativism)

58:52 - American Gurus & The Problem with New Age Spirituality

69:17 - Breaking Through the Materialistic Deception

75:23 - Farming, Buddhist Maps of Consciousness & Recovering the West

Follow me to get updates on the podcast and my work:
https://substack.com/@tiagovf

https://www.instagram.com/tiagobooks/

The intro song is by Lief Sjostrom, titled Peril, from the album 'Impossible Parade'.

Website: https://liefsjostrom.com/

Album: https://liefsjostrom.bandcamp.com/album/impossible-parade

This conversation explores the depths of Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) and its radical departure from both analytic and continental philosophy traditions. Graham Harman explains the limitations of "literalism" in science and how great philosophy relies on intuition and rhetoric rather than just rational justification. We discuss the influence of Martin Heidegger's tool analysis and the difference between "real" and "sensual" objects. We also cover the role of architecture in philosophy and why art may be the only way to touch the reality of things.

00:00 - Introduction to Object-Oriented Ontology

05:00 - Heidegger, Husserl, and Tool Analysis

09:00 - The Critique of Literalism

15:00 - Aesthetics and Metaphor

17:50 - Defining "Objects" vs. Materialism

25:00 - Sacredness and Ethical Imperatives

37:50 - Object-Object Interaction

51:19 - Flat Ontology & Human Exceptionalism

55:00 - Animal Intelligence

1:07:50 - Intuition, Truth, and Justification

1:17:50 - Theology, Mysticism, and Essence

1:31:00 - Philosophy and Architecture

www.anagogepodast.com

Follow me to get updates on the podcast and my work:
https://substack.com/@tiagovf

https://www.instagram.com/tiagobooks/

The intro song is by Lief Sjostrom, titled Peril, from the album 'Impossible Parade'.

Website: https://liefsjostrom.com/

Album: https://liefsjostrom.bandcamp.com/album/impossible-parade

This was the first real-life episode of the Anagoge Podcast, recorded in Portugal. The video of the conversation is available on YouTube. James Cooke is a neuroscientist, writer, and contemplative practitioner whose work bridges neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality. In his recent book The Dawn of Mind, he proposes a bold reframing of consciousness—placing it not in the brain alone, but within the deeper relational dynamics of life itself.

In this episode, we explore James' formative mystical experience as a teenager and how it set him on a lifelong journey to understand consciousness through science rather than in opposition to it. We unpack his core thesis of non-dual naturalism, the idea that reality is fundamentally relational, not made up of separate objects, and that consciousness itself may be best understood as an embodied epistemic relation between organism and world.

We discuss the illusion of the self, the role of suffering in revealing the nature of reality, and how insights from contemplative practice intersect with recent developments in neuroscience and quantum physics. Along the way, we grapple with the philosophical implications of groundlessness, the nature of ethics in a world without selves, and the limits of scientific explanation.

0:00 Start

0:45 James Cooke's Background

2:29 Why a Mystical Experience Led to a Scientific Path

5:53 A Broad Overview of the Book's Thesis: Non-Dual Naturalism

9:52 The Epistemic Weight of Mystical Experiences

17:02 The "No-Self" Claim and the Groundlessness of Reality

23:48 How the Infinite Nature of Reality is Relevant to Everyday Life

29:32 The Link Between "No-Self" and Ethics

39:03 The Nuances of Reducing Suffering: Utilitarianism vs. Values

45:57 Defining Life and Consciousness

50:49 How This Perspective Addresses the Hard Problem of Consciousness

1:06:15 Comparing Model-Building in Life vs. AI (LLMs)

1:09:19 The Influence of Kant and the Problem of Anti-Realism

1:15:52 The Power of Stories, Symbols, and Conventional Reality

1:23:35 The Role of Value Systems vs. Survival in Predictive Processing

1:33:41 The Problem of The One and the Many

1:45:13 Exploring Duality

1:48:56 James Future Work

Transcript article: https://tiagovf.medium.com/the-self-consciousness-relationality-54a037bb60a1

My new book, In Search of the Infinite – A Psychedelic Memoir, is a personal and philosophical account written over seven years, tracing my journey through over a dozen psychedelic experiences. It explores the depths of human experience: suffering, beauty, doubt, and wonder, through the lens of altered states and introspection, gradually moving from a strictly rational worldview toward a renewed engagement with religion. Blending memoir with philosophical reflection, it explores a sincere, evolving search for truth and meaning.

Paperback/Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/8MM0JhE

Free Digital Version: https://psychedelicmemoir.com/

If you would like to connect with me on Instagram, you can do so at @tiagobooks: https://www.instagram.com/tiagobooks/

The intro song is by Lief Sjostrom, titled Peril, from the album 'Impossible Parade'.
Website: https://liefsjostrom.com/
Album: https://liefsjostrom.bandcamp.com/album/impossible-parade

Alexander Jech is the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Philosophy Department and a Faculty Affiliate at the Nanovic Institute for European Studies at the University of Notre Dame. His work often explores political philosophy, ethics, and the limits of language. In 2024, he published a new translation of Søren Kierkegaard's influential work, Fear and Trembling.

We explore Alexander's fascinating and serendipitous journey into studying Kierkegaard, which began somewhat reluctantly but blossomed into his main philosophical passion. We dive deep into the inseparable link between Kierkegaard's tumultuous personal life—marked by his complex relationship with his father and his famously broken engagement to Regina Olsen—and the development of his core philosophical ideas.

Alexander unpacks the intricate concept of indirect communication and the use of pseudonyms in works like "Either/Or". A significant portion of our conversation is dedicated to "Fear and Trembling," where we discuss the paradox of Abraham and Isaac, the nuances of translating the text, and the profound concept of the teleological suspension of the ethical, clarifying common misinterpretations along the way.

Finally, we connect Kierkegaard's thought to the modern day, exploring the "leap of faith" as a model for identity transformation. We discuss how this applies to overcoming addiction, the role of transformative or mystical experiences in creating new possibilities for the self, and the mysterious power of love and the sacred in grounding this leap.

0:00 - Introduction & Alexander's Background

3:26 - What Drew Alexander to Kierkegaard?

6:24 - The Serendipitous Path to Becoming a Kierkegaard Scholar

10:07 - Kierkegaard's Relevance for Students

10:38 - Teaching Kierkegaard & The Human Heart

15:20 - How Student Needs Led to a New "Fear and Trembling" Translation

18:12 - Kierkegaard's Historical & Philosophical Context (vs. Hegel & Romantics)

25:54 - The Link Between Kierkegaard's Personal Suffering & His Philosophy

28:05 - Factor 1: The Relationship with His Father

33:03 - Factor 2: The Relationship with Regina Olsen

38:31 - Factor 3: The Art of Indirect Communication

43:26 - How "Either/Or" Was a Tool to Repel Regina

48:14 - The Leap of Faith: Kierkegaard's Personal Failure with Regina

53:28 - Unpacking "Fear and Trembling": The Story of Abraham

58:02 - The Teleological Suspension of the Ethical

1:00:38 - The Correct Interpretation: Kierkegaard's Lack of Faith

1:05:22 - The Paradox of the Teleological Suspension of the Ethical

1:10:06 - Translating the Paradox: The Importance of "Intend" vs. "Want"

1:22:22 - Is Faith a Rejection of Practical Reason?

1:38:00 - The Role of the Revolutionary: Justifying Horrible Acts for a Greater Good?

1:47:17 - Applying Kierkegaard: The Leap, Identity & Transformative Experience

1:58:28 - The Sacred, Possibility, and Bridging the Gap

2:05:28 - Kierkegaard's Answer to the Addict: How to Make the Leap?

2:16:47 - Conclusion

This podcast is available in article format: https://tiagovf.medium.com/the-life-of-kierkegaards-life-the-leap-of-faith-41df3231981f

My new book, In Search of the Infinite – A Psychedelic Memoir, is a personal and philosophical account written over seven years, tracing my journey through over a dozen psychedelic experiences. It explores the depths of human experience: suffering, beauty, doubt, and wonder, through the lens of altered states and introspection, gradually moving from a strictly rational worldview toward a renewed engagement with religion. Blending memoir with philosophical reflection, it explores a sincere, evolving search for truth and meaning.

Paperback/Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/8MM0JhE
Free Digital Version: https://psychedelicmemoir.com/

If you would like to connect with me on Instagram, you can do so at @tiagobooks: https://www.instagram.com/tiagobooks/

The intro song is by Lief Sjostrom, titled Peril, from the album 'Impossible Parade'.
Website: https://liefsjostrom.com/
Album: https://liefsjostrom.bandcamp.com/album/impossible-parade

Jean-Philippe Marceau is a writer and podcaster associated with The Symbolic World, often working with Jonathan Pageau. With an academic background in mathematics, theoretical computer science, and philosophy of mind, his new book addresses the contemporary "meaning crisis" through the lens of Christian metaphysics.

In this episode, we explore the core arguments of JP's book, "Post-Reductionist Christianity." They explore the limitations of reductive materialism, the importance of synthesizing insights from thinkers like Jonathan Pageau and John Vervaeke, and the structure of a post-reductionist worldview. The discussion navigates the metaphysics of emanation and emergence, different approaches to Christian apologetics, and the philosophical challenges posed by panpsychism and idealism, all while seeking a more meaningful understanding of reality.

The nature of consciousness is also covered, in addition to attention, and the profound ontological meaning of 'love', and its connection to the Logos. We grapple with the understanding of miracles, from simple dismissals to explore symbolic and causal interpretations. We tackle the concept of God as Creator in relation to 'The Good,' the idea of a 'naturalist Christianity,' difficulties within religious tradition and scripture, and finally, JP shares his experience with Christianity.

0:00 Introduction and JP's new book.

1:07 JP on the book's conciseness and its audience.

2:27 Synthesizing the worldviews of Jonathan Pageau and John Vervaeke.

7:47 The book's core argument against reductionism towards Christian metaphysics.

12:47 Personal narratives in books and initial feedback on JP's work.

21:47 Contrasting vision-based vs. forceful Christian apologetics methods.

26:17 The metaphysical concept of emanation versus emergence.

30:57 Debating panpsychism, phenomenal consciousness, and potentiality.

38:27 Idealism, metaphysical analogy, and Christianity's view of matter.

46:47 Consciousness, attention, ontological love, and basic sentience.

1:04:47 Ontological love defined and its relationship to the Logos.

1:13:57 Understanding miracles: symbolism, causality, and Christian metaphysics.

1:28:07 God as personal Creator versus the Platonic "Good."

1:41:57 "Naturalist Christianity" vs. traditional faith, scripture, and community.

1:52:17 JP's personal experience with Christianity

Get his book: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisis

My new book: "In Search of the Infinite - A Psychedelic Memoir":

https://amzn.eu/d/8MM0JhE

If you would like to connect with me on Instagram, you can do so at @tiagobooks

John Cottingham is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Reading and an Honorary Fellow of St John's College, Oxford. Renowned for his work on Descartes, moral philosophy, and the philosophy of religion, he has authored over thirty books, including The Spiritual Dimension, Why Believe?, and Philosophy of Religion: Towards a More Humane Approach. His scholarship bridges analytic rigor with a deep concern for the emotional and spiritual dimensions of human life.

His latest book is In Search of the Soul: A Philosophical Essay:
https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691174426/in-search-of-the-soul

In this episode, we explore Cottingham's call for a more 'humane' philosophy of religion—one that acknowledges the roles of emotion, ritual, and embodied practice in shaping belief. He critiques the overly abstract methods of contemporary philosophy and argues that genuine understanding of the sacred requires engaging the full range of human experience. We discuss how rituals and worship practices can be seen not merely as symbolic acts but as vital expressions of our search for meaning and connection.​

We also cover the interplay between science and spirituality, examining how a scientific worldview can either harm or coexist with a sense of the transcendent. Cottingham shares insights on the human longing for the good and how this desire points beyond material explanations, inviting a reevaluation of the role of religion in modern life.

Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:02:59 - Cottingham's Philosophical Journey & "Humane Perspective"
0:06:39 - Philosophy's Accessibility & Bridging the Gap for Non-Specialists
0:12:38 - The Starting Points of Religion
0:17:19 - Critiquing Scientism & the Need for a Broader Epistemology
0:25:33 - Grappling with Christian Doctrine vs. Science
0:38:49 - The Nature of "The Good": Platonic vs. Christian Conceptions
0:49:10 - The Necessity of Religious Practice
0:54:17 - Psychedelics and Spirituality
1:04:05 - Cottingham's Career Reflections
1:08:14 - Closing Remarks

My new book: "In Search of the Infinite - A Psychedelic Memoir":

https://amzn.eu/d/8MM0JhE

If you would like to connect with me on Instagram, you can do so at @tiagobooks

You can find the video recording with the slides at Anagoge's Podcast Youtube Channel.

Delivered at Kitarika 2024.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:31 - Defining Reality

00:07:04 - Foundations of Cognition

00:12:30 - Affordances and Optimal Grip

00:14:26 - 4E Cognitive Science

00:21:46 - Transcendence, Music & Stories

00:28:58 - Music and the Sacred

00:36:03 - Dualities

00:41:30 - Enlightenment

00:45:00 - Practical Wisdom

00:47:00 - Hemispheric Differences

00:50:00 - Cognitive Science of Insight

00:52:00 - Cognitive Continuum

00:53:50 - Psychedelics

00:59:00 - Connectome Harmonics

01:02:00 - History & Culture of Music