Ep. 42 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Intelligence, Rationality, and Wisdom

In this episode of "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis," Dr. John Vervaeke delves into the concept of rationality, building upon the work of Stanovich, and its relationship to wisdom, enlightenment, and meaning. He clarifies the definition of psychotechnology, emphasizing its role in enhancing information processing, and discusses the cognitive style of active open-mindedness. Vervaeke explores the need for cognition, highlighting the importance of problem-finding and its connection to creativity and wisdom, referencing Arlen's work. He contrasts Plato's and Aristotle's views on wonder and its role in philosophy, and critiques Stanovich's theory of rationality, arguing for a broader account of competencies and the trade-offs between them, suggesting the cultivation of both active open-mindedness and mindfulness as components of wisdom. Vervaeke also discusses Carol Dweck's work on mindset, emphasizing the existential aspect of rationality and how our identification with cognitive processing impacts problem-solving and self-deception.