In this episode, I sit down with philosopher Esther Lightcap Meek to explore how our understanding of knowledge shapes everything, from faith to creativity to everyday life. Esther challenges the modernist assumption that knowledge is merely information gathering, arguing instead for a view of knowing that is personal, participatory, and artful.Listen or watch as we discuss:

* How the "knowledge as information" paradigm cuts us off from reality

* Michael Polanyi's concept of subsidiary-focal integration

* Why imagination is essential to all knowing (including science!)

* The relationship between attention, love, and knowledge

* How artful knowing can help us navigate crises of faith

* The doctrine of creation and wonder in the ordinary

* Re-enchantment vs. the “lively real”

* Comparing Esther's work with Iain McGilchrist’s brain hemisphere approach

Whether you're wrestling with doubt, seeking deeper understanding, or simply curious about how we know what we know, this conversation offers profound insights into making contact with reality.

Also available to watch on YouTube.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction & Opening Reflections

2:43 - Welcoming Esther Meek

4:23 - How did Esther come to philosophy?

8:35 - On navigating crises of faith

13:33 - How Polanyi helps us

17:32 - Subsidiary focal integration

20:57 - Attention, love and knowledge

29:23 - Is re-enchantment helpful?

42:15 - The creativity of logic

49:16 - Imagination and reason - one form of knowing?

53:33 - Imagination as a point of integration

57:02 - Practicing artful attention

1:02:09 - Concluding reflections

Books Mentioned

* Doorway to Artistry - Esther Lightcap Meek

* Longing to Know - Esther Lightcap Meek

* Loving to Know - Esther Lightcap Meek

* A Little Manual of Knowing - Esther Lightcap Meek

* Personal Knowledge - Michael Polanyi

* The Master and His Emissary - Iain McGilchrist

* The Matter with Things - Iain McGilchrist

* Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder

Connect with Esther Meek

https://www.estherlightcapmeek.com

https://facebook.com/estherlightcapmeek

https://twitter.com/esther_l_meek

https://instagram.com/estherlightcapmeek

Also mentionedEsther Meek on Grail Country: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMYjXpgoMNc&pp=0gcJCXwKAYcqIYzvCaleb's article on C. S. Lewis, Iain McGilchrist, creativity and inspiration: https://www.biggerinside.co.uk/p/creativity-and-spiritual-inspiration

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