The Meaning Crisis, Process Cosmology & Whitehead's Universe | Mind-at-Large Project

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Oct 29, 2025

Dr. Andrew M. Davis, a process philosopher and theologian at the Center for Process Studies, delves into the modern meaning crisis and the evolution of consciousness. He explains why materialism falls short in addressing consciousness and presents Whitehead's process cosmology as a living metaphysics. Topics include the relationship between mind and value, the implications of exo-life, and the connection between philosophy and ecology. The conversation also touches on the exploration of psychedelics, the nature of free will, and the role of storytelling in reshaping worldviews.

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ADVICE

Rethink God With Panentheism

Use panentheism to hold transcendence and immanence together when rethinking God-world relations.
Frame theological claims so God is internal to the world while the world remains internal to God.

INSIGHT

Exo-Life Implies Exo-Mind

If mind and life co-arise, extraterrestrial life implies extraterrestrial mind, expanding consciousness across the cosmos.
Exo-axiology extends debates about value, meaning, and divinity beyond Earth into plural worlds.

INSIGHT

Exceptional States Reveal Deeper Mind

Exceptional states (psychedelic, mystical, NDEs) reveal deeper strata of experience beyond sensory perception.
Whitehead's 'causal efficacy' locates many non-sensory experiential processes that can surface into consciousness.

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In this conversation, Dr Andrew M. Davis joins Dr Tevin Naidu for a deep exploration of meaning, process philosophy, and the evolving story of consciousness. They discuss the modern meaning crisis, Alfred North Whitehead’s process cosmology, philosophical praxis, and how value, agency, and mind might be fundamental features of an unfolding universe. From metaphysics to existential risk, and from science to spirituality - this conversation explores how philosophy can help us re-enchant our understanding of reality itself.Andrew M. Davis, PhD. is an American process philosopher, theologian, and scholar of the cosmos. He is research and academic director for the Center for Process Studies where he researches, writes, teaches, and organizes conferences on various aspects of process-relational thought. He is author, editor, and co-editor of nearly a dozen books including Mind, Value, and Cosmos: On the Relational Nature of Ultimacy (2020); Process Cosmology: New Integrations in Science and Philosophy (2022); Metaphysics of Exo-Life: Toward a Constructive Whiteheadian Cosmotheology (2023); and Whitehead's Universe: A Prismatic Introduction (forthcoming, 2026).TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) – Introduction | Meaning, Mind, and the Future of Philosophy(03:12) – What Is Philosophical Praxis? Reconnecting Thought and Action(07:30) – The Meaning Crisis and Modern Disconnection(11:24) – Process Philosophy and the Need for a Living Metaphysics(15:10) – Whitehead’s Vision: The Universe as Becoming, Not Being(19:18) – Panpsychism, Panentheism, and the Mind at Large Framework(24:02) – Existential Risk and the Evolution of Consciousness(28:37) – How Reductionism Distorts Reality and Meaning(33:25) – Reclaiming Teleology: Value, Purpose, and Cosmic Direction(37:44) – Science, Spirituality, and the Death of Materialism(42:20) – Psychedelic States and the Expansion of Experience(46:48) – Axiology and the Centrality of Value in the Cosmos(51:36) – Philosophical Therapy: Healing the Worldview Divide(56:42) – The Crisis of Meaning as a Crisis of Perception(1:02:15) – Whitehead, Deleuze, and Creative Becoming(1:08:10) – Is the Universe Conscious? The Panexperiential Turn(1:14:00) – Towards a Cosmology of Value and Participation(1:19:28) – The Role of the Philosopher Today: From Critic to Creator(1:25:36) – Mind-Body, Mind-at-Large: Bridging Consciousness (and Cosmos(1:32:02) – Hope, Purpose, and the Next Evolution of Thought(1:38:27) – Closing Reflections | Re-Enchanting the World EPISODE LINKS:- Mind-at-Large Project Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPacM28YkMQCHdQl2_3OvDmHPl6jJRJcz&si=MxhDoX6bJjkEzMXK- Mind-at-Large Project: https://mindatlargeproject.com- Andrew's Website: https://andrewmdavis.info- Whitehead's Universe: www.whiteheadsuniverse.com- Andrew's YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Andrew-M-Davis- Center for Process Studies: https://ctr4process.orgCONNECT:- Website: https://mindbodysolution.org - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MindBodySolution- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.