Ep. 30 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Relevance Realization Meets Dynamical Systems Theory

In this episode of "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis," Dr. Vervaeke explores the problem of relevance realization, arguing against the possibility of a scientific theory of relevance itself. He explains that science relies on inductive generalizations based on homogeneous categories with stable and intrinsic properties, which relevance lacks. Drawing an analogy to Darwin's theory of evolution and the concept of "fittedness," Vervaeke suggests shifting the focus to a theory of relevance realization, framing it as a self-organizing process that dynamically evolves "cognitive interactional fittedness." He proposes that this process is regulated by bioeconomic principles, specifically the logistical norms of efficiency and resiliency, working in an opponent processing relationship to optimize our engagement with the environment.