Is the Universe Ensouled with Experience? Consciousness, Cosmology, and Meaning

Matthew David Segall, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Department at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, and the Chair of the Science Advisory Committee for the Cobb Institute. He is a transdisciplinary researcher, writer, teacher, and philosopher applying process-relational thought across the natural and social sciences, as well as to the study of consciousness. He describes himself as a “process philosopher” and transdisciplinary researcher, reflecting his commitment to bridging multiple fields. Segall’s work builds on the metaphysical framework of Alfred North Whitehead, extending Whitehead’s philosophy of organism into new domains of science, religion, and ecology. In doing so, Segall reinterprets the Western philosophical lineage – from ancient ideas of a world-soul to German Idealism and beyond – to articulate a participatory, organismic vision of nature. His philosophy portrays a cosmos ensouled with meaning and experience, challenging mechanistic materialism and inviting a renewed dialogue between science and spirit. Segall integrates insights from Whitehead, Schelling, Goethe, and Steiner into a process worldview, develops an organic (panpsychist) cosmology, practices a bold transdisciplinary methodology, and engages public dialogues that embody a form of sacred activism on behalf of our living planet.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:43 - History of Mind-Body Problem
7:40 - Critiquing Physicalism
12:55 - Quantum Theory Interpretations
16:14 - Addressing Illusionism & Scientism
22:00 - The Metaphysics of Prehension
28:14 - Panexperientialism in Physics
31:55 - Propositional Feelings
37:09 - What is Consciousness?
45:00 - Panexperientialism & Free Will
50:00 - Bridging Science & Philosophy
54:42 - Challenging the Cold/Dead Universe tale
1:00:39 - Misconceptions about Matt's work
1:04:20 - Telos
1:07:44 - Matt's Philosopher recommendations
1:13:00 - Mind At Large (Upcoming Events!)
1:17:40 - Conclusion