David Lorimer's Guest today is Dr Athena D. Potari,  Fellow at the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University (2022/23). She received her PhD from the University of Oxford, specializing in Political Philosophy, and holds an MA in Political Theory summa cum laude from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In 2020, she was the youngest female scholar to receive the prestigious Academy of Athens Award of Philosophy. She has previously taught at the Universities of Oxford, University of Patras and University of Toulouse 1-Capitol (Athens branch). In 2019 she founded Atheonoa - a school of philosophy based in Greece devoted to the study of Ancient Hellenic Philosophy as an experiential path to the lived realization of non-dual awareness (gnosis) and eudaimonia, combining rigorous textual study with meditation and other embodied practices inspired by the ancient scriptures. She is a Member of the Galileo Commission Steering Group and the author of “A Call for a Renaissance of the Spirit in the Humanities” published by the Galileo Commission.

Imaginal Inspirations is hosted by David Lorimer, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network and Chair of the Galileo Commission, an academic movement dedicated to expanding the evidence base of a science of consciousness. Imaginal cells are responsible for the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly, which is the Greek symbol for the soul. These cells are dormant in the caterpillar but at a critical point of development they create the new form and structure which becomes the butterfly.

scientificandmedical.net 

galileocommission.org

beyondthebrain.org

Works and links mentioned:

Papers by Athena Potari https://harvard.academia.edu/DespoinaAthenaPotari

https://uk.bookshop.org/books/1605839924_shining-light-on-transcendence-the-unconventional-journey-of-a-neuroscientist/9781786771070

Plato: The Republic https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-republic-9780008480080/9780008480080

Kahlil Gibran: The Prophet https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-prophet/9781513263229

Yogananda Paramahansa: Autobiography of a Yogi https://uk.bookshop.org/books/autobiography-of-a-yogi-9788189535513/9788189535513

Production: Martin Redfern

Artwork: Amber Haas

Music: Life is a River, by Magnus Moone