Iain McGilchrist, Rupert Sheldrake and Alex Gomez-Marin in conversation

TL;DR

Rupert and Ian discuss the coordination between the hemispheres of the brain and suggest a possible role of an overarching field or resonance in their coordination.

Transcript

foreign I've had the honor and pleasure to spend many hours in conversation with you two and we're here at Rupert's house um because we've recorded a series of conversations with Rupert and also with Ian and the last one covering his book the matter with things and so we couldn't miss this opportunity to be the three of us and especially you two in... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 Split-brain operations have revealed that the nervous connections between the two hemispheres of the brain may be largely unnecessary for coordination, suggesting the presence of an overarching coordinating field.
• 🌐 This coordinating field could be an electromagnetic resonance or a morphic resonance that allows for the coordination of the two hemispheres of the brain without direct nervous connections.
• 🧠 Severing the corpus callosum, which joins the two hemispheres of the brain, has little manifest effect on individuals, indicating that there are other ways for the hemispheres to communicate.
• 🎹 Individuals who play the piano coordinate the right and left hand parts, which are controlled by different hemispheres, suggesting that music involves a unique type of coordination.
• 🎓 Education should go beyond technical skills and encourage creativity, imagination, and flexible thinking through the integration of music, poetry, and other disciplines in the curriculum.
• 🎓 There is a need to nurture and facilitate the development of original and flexible thinkers in both science and philosophy, as these individuals are often found outside of mainstream institutions.
• 📚 Institutions that provide a balance of freedom and discipline, as well as the time and space for individuals to explore their interests and think deeply, are valuable for intellectual growth.
• 📚 The professionalization and bureaucratization of science have limited the freedom and creativity of scientists, causing a loss of originality and new discoveries. There is a need to revisit the philosophical meaning and independence of science.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do split brain patients demonstrate coordination even without a fully intact corpus callosum connecting the two hemispheres?

Split brain patients, who have undergone surgery to sever the corpus callosum, can still coordinate movements and function normally, suggesting that there may be another form of communication between the hemispheres. This could be through shared sense organs and the overall internal environment of the body, as well as coordination at the brain stem level and above.

Q: How does resonance and an overarching field potentially explain the coordination between the hemispheres of the brain?

The conversation suggests that the coordination between the hemispheres may be facilitated by a resonant field or an overarching organizing field, similar to how atoms within a molecule are coordinated by an electron cloud surrounding the whole molecule. This field would influence both hemispheres and coordinate their vibratory frequencies and activities, resulting in holistic coordination.

Q: How does the coordination between the hemispheres of the brain relate to music and playing the piano?

Music is abnormally lateralized in the brain, with melody and harmony predominantly processed in the right hemisphere and rhythm processed in the left hemisphere. Playing the piano involves coordinating both hands, which requires the integration and communication between the hemispheres. The organization of piano keys, with higher notes on one side and lower notes on the other, may be influenced by the natural development of the brain and its asymmetry.

Q: How can education nurture creativity, originality, and interdisciplinary thinking?

The conversation highlights the importance of nurturing creativity and originality in education, suggesting that an emphasis on disciplines like music, poetry, and the humanities can facilitate more imaginative and intuitive ways of thinking. Balancing discipline and freedom, allowing time for exploration and inquiry, and encouraging both analytic acumen and imaginative thinking can foster a more holistic and fulfilling education.

Q: What challenges do scientists face in pursuing non-conventional ideas and research within the mainstream scientific community?

The conversation acknowledges the challenges faced by scientists who pursue non-conventional ideas and research. These challenges include resistance from colleagues, difficulties in obtaining funding and support, and the risk of being perceived as non-conformist or unorthodox. The conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing an environment that encourages and values originality, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches to scientific inquiry.

Q: How can institutions foster an environment that encourages creative thinking and exploration?

The conversation suggests that institutions should strike a balance between structure and freedom, giving individuals the opportunity to pursue their own interests and explore a wide range of disciplines. Smaller private colleges and institutions that prioritize individual growth, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches may thrive in fostering creativity and originality. Additionally, providing opportunities for sabbatical years and alternative forms of accreditation can further support individuals in their pursuit of intellectual exploration and growth.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The conversation explores the coordination between the hemispheres of the brain, focusing on split brain patients and the role of the corpus callosum.

• They discuss the possibility of an overarching field or resonance that coordinates the two hemispheres, drawing parallels to coordination in physical systems like crystals and coordination in organisms.

• The importance of nurturing creativity, originality, and interdisciplinary thinking in education is highlighted.