Hyperobjects: A New Cognitive Paradigm with Jordan Hall

John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall dive into the intricate concept of hyperobjects, as conceptualized by philosopher Timothy Morton. The discussion revolves around the defining characteristics of hyperobjects, such as their vast distribution in time and space, their non-local and viscous nature, and their challenging temporal scales. They explore examples like evolution and global warming, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach in our cognitive and perceptual frameworks to understand and engage with these complex entities. The conversation also touches on the implications of hyperobjects on distributed cognition and the necessity of developing new modalities of understanding and interaction in the face of such overwhelmingly large-scale phenomena.

Resources and References:

Jordan Hall

John Vervaeke

The Vervaeke Foundation

John Vervaeke YouTube

Awakening from the Meaning Crisis Series

The Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show

Books, Articles, and Publications

HyperobjectsPhilosophy and Ecology after the End of the World Timothy Morton

The Republic by Plato The Internet Classics Archive

The Sovereignty of Good Iris Murdoch

The Enigma of Reason Hugo Mercier, Dan Sperber

Quotes

"Hyperobjects, like global warming and evolution, are non-local. You can't point and say, there's evolution." - John Vervaeke

"The horror and the fascination are two facets of a deeper thing, which is the mystery of the thing." - John Vervaeke

"We need a practice that will continually remind us of our proclivity to trying to subsume the hyper object space into the object space." - Jordan Hall

"Until you have learned fully what it means to have unconditional love for and with and from yourself, it is in fact both impossible and inconceivable that you can do this with someone else and from someone else." - Jordan Hall

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction to the special "Voices with Vervaeke" series with Jordan Hall on the topic of hyperobjects​​.

[00:07:30] Discussion on the non-locality of hyperobjects like global warming and evolution, which cannot be pointed to in a specific time and space.

[00:15:00] Exploration of the concept of hyperobjects revealing properties of every object, demanding a fundamental transformation in our relationship to all of being.

[00:22:15] Jordan Hall reflects on the emergence of complexity and chaos theory in the 1980s, and its implications for understanding reality beyond linear analysis.

[00:30:00] The challenge of adapting to hyperobject space and developing new modes of agency beyond the limitations of object space.

[00:38:00] Discussion on the aesthetics of the numinous as an alternative to the aesthetics of horror in relation to hyperobjects.

[00:45:30] The need for a new practicum for engaging with hyperobjects, including practices of meditation and contemplation.

[00:52:00] The importance of distributed cognition in understanding and relating to hyperobjects, highlighting the concept of dia logos.

[00:59:30] Emphasizing the need for a practicum that addresses modal confusion and the tendency to subsume hyperobject space into object space.

[01:03:00] Exploring the role of psycho-technologies in stabilizing our engagement with hyperobject space.

[01:10:00] The significance of vocation in provisionally responding to shared needs in a hyperobject-influenced world.

[01:15:00] Discussion on how belief systems and religions can serve as frameworks for managing cognitive loads in collective coherence.

[01:17:00] Reflecting on the contrast between finite and infinite games in the context of engaging with hyperobjects.

[01:23:00] Technology as a hyperobject transforms our core reality, necessitating a balance between its weaponization and the curiosity-driven creation of new possibilities.