Beyond Atheism: Finding Meaning in the Secular Age

This podcast delves into the "meaning crisis" facing our secular society, questioning whether it arises from secularism itself or from a decline in shared narratives. The conversation features atheist philosopher Alex O'Connor and psychology professor John Vervaeke as they explore humanity's quest for meaning and its historical background. O'Connor contends that meaning isn’t derived from logical reasoning but rather from non-propositional experiences, such as art and storytelling. He references Pascal's views on boredom and Tolstoy's insights into the fragility of faith. Meanwhile, Vervaeke presents four types of knowing, emphasizing the significance of non-propositional understanding in shaping our sense of meaning. He also suggests practical methods like meditation and journaling to enhance this process. The podcast wraps up by stressing the importance of grassroots, community-driven strategies to foster meaning in a secular world, countering top-down approaches.