Biosemiotics: A New Way To Understand Non-Human Consciousness | Dr. Yogi Hendlin

Does Nature Communicate with Us?

Introduction to Biosemiotics

• The video introduces biosemiotics, a framework for understanding nonhuman consciousness in nature, suggesting that nature communicates in ways we may not fully perceive.

• It highlights the unique perspectives of different organisms, emphasizing that each sees reality through its own "dashboard," which shapes their interactions and perceptions.

Human Disconnection from Nature

• The destruction of ancient olive trees exemplifies how human actions can disrupt ecological and semiotic relationships that have existed for centuries.

• The speaker contrasts modern technology's dopamine-driven distractions with the natural need for connection, referencing Japan's practice of "shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing as a remedy for disconnection.

Conversation with Dr. Yogi Handlin

• The host welcomes Dr. Yogi Handlin, an environmental philosopher and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Biosemiotics, who has extensive experience in public health science.

• A comparison is drawn between biosemiotics and physicist Federico Feynman's idea that spacetime represents the universe communicating with itself.

Nature’s Language and Microbial Influence

• Dr. Handlin affirms that nature speaks to us in a language often overlooked by modern society, particularly over the last 200 years.

• He discusses how microorganisms exchanged during breathing influence our thoughts and feelings subtly yet significantly.

Communication Beyond Traditional Senses

• There is a breakdown between biotic (living), abiotic (non-living), and artificial realms; communication occurs across these boundaries through various means like light.

• The concept of synesthesia is introduced as a way to understand how different senses can interconnect, allowing broader perception beyond strict sensory channels.

Expanding Perception Through Awareness

• Dr. Handlin suggests that rational thinking narrows our worldview; expanding awareness could allow us to perceive more data influencing us unconsciously.

• He references research on gut microbiomes affecting dietary choices as an example of unseen influences shaping human behavior.

Exploring Agency in Nature

The Concept of Agency

• Discussion on the influence of various entities, including microbes and plants, as active agents in our lives.

• Introduction to the idea of decentralizing agency, contrasting historical views that limited rationality to a small fraction of humans.

• Reference to Robert Sapolsky's work on human behavior, highlighting the tension between autonomy and automaticity in nonhuman entities.

Relational Ontology

• Emphasis on how cognitive science reveals that our minds are shaped by relationships with other beings and environments.

• Questioning the nature of individual consciousness and its dependence on relational factors; exploring continuity of self despite physical changes.

Empiricism and Scientific Inquiry

• Reflection on Francis Bacon's empiricism and its implications for scientific study; critique of viewing science as objective detachment from reality.

• Mention of Antony Van Leeuwenhoek’s discoveries in microbiology coinciding with philosophical developments in science.

The Meta Crisis

• Identification of a "meta crisis" encompassing mental health, chronic diseases, societal issues, and environmental degradation linked to reductionist thinking.

• Critique of current scientific measurements as lacking foundational validity; likening them to a "castle made of sand."

Observational Influence in Science

• Historical reference to early 20th-century physicists like Heisenberg recognizing the observer's impact on scientific outcomes.

• Discussion about color perception influenced by cultural concepts; emphasizing that understanding is relational rather than absolute.

Communication in Biology

• Assertion that biological processes are fundamentally based on communication and relations among entities at all levels.

• Introduction to biosemantics focusing on cellular interactions as an example of awareness within biological systems.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Sciences

The Sequence of Sciences

• Discussion on the hierarchy in sciences, where physics leads to chemistry, which then leads to biology, psychology, and sociology. Emphasizes the importance of not applying rules from a more developed science (like biology) to a less developed one (like chemistry).

Physics Envy and Its Implications

• Introduction of "physics envy" or "physics centrism," which attempts to apply physical laws universally, ignoring emergent processes that cannot be predicted solely by physics. This presents challenges for scientific understanding.

Limitations in Scientific Approaches

• Acknowledgment that while we excel at understanding extremes (very small and very large), there is a significant gap in our comprehension of chemical interactions within biological contexts.

Chemical Colonialism and Its Effects

• Mention of "chemical colonialism" and its impact on life forms. Highlights the need for better understanding how chemistry affects biology, psychology, and ecology.

Relational Quantum Mechanics: A Shift in Perspective

Foundations of Relational Quantum Mechanics

• Exploration of relational quantum mechanics as a paradigm shift emphasizing relationships over isolated facts. This perspective has been evolving over the last 20 years.

Measurement Problem in Physics vs Biology

• Discussion about the measurement problem in physics and its implications for biology. Questions how similar issues manifest within biological research methodologies.

Biological Relativity: Evolutionary Perspectives

Changing Laws of Biology

• Reference to Smolen's work on changing laws of physics over time, suggesting a processual universe. This concept parallels discussions around biological relativity and evolutionary synthesis.

Extended Evolutionary Synthesis

• Advocacy for extended evolutionary synthesis that incorporates epigenetics and group selection rather than focusing solely on individual selection.

Interspecies Communication: Case Studies

Dolphins Collaborating with Fishermen

• Example from Brazil where dolphins assist fishermen by corralling fish into nets—a multigenerational relationship showcasing interspecies cooperation.

Observing Primate Behavior

• Barbara Smutz’s observation of primates engaging in silent meditation highlights the importance of deep listening and trust-building in studying animal behavior.

The Importance of Humility in Research

Deep Listening as a Research Methodology

• Emphasis on humility when approaching unknown scientific systems; advocates for deep listening as essential for understanding interspecies communication dynamics.

What is Biosemiotics?

Understanding Biosemiotics

• Biosemiotics explores how we perceive reality, emphasizing that our understanding is mediated through various sign systems beyond just language.

• It builds on semiotics, which includes gestures and expressions, highlighting the work of Charles Sanders Peirce and Ferdinand de Saussure as foundational figures in this field.

Historical Context of Semiotics

• The development of semiotic theory occurred during a rich scientific period in the 19th and 20th centuries, with Saussure's model focusing on coding and decoding information.

• Peirce's triadic model introduces an interpreter (us), representation, and the object itself, suggesting that direct access to reality is impossible.

Philosophical Underpinnings

• The concept of "gabum," derived from Kantian philosophy by Yakopan Ukul, posits an absolute reality that transcends materiality without adhering to strict dualism.

• This perspective aligns with Donald Hoffman's interface theory of perception, proposing that different organisms experience unique aspects of reality based on their sensory constraints.

The Overlap of Perceptions

Interactions Between Organisms

• Awareness between different organisms suggests a shared understanding or overlap in perceptions rather than a binary view of knowledge.

• The idea of "umbelts" indicates that each organism has its own perception framework; interactions can lead to knowledge exchange among species.

Real-world Applications

• An example from Sri Lanka during the 2004 tsunami illustrates how elephants sensed danger before humans did, leading people to safety by following them.

• Despite advanced human technology failing to predict the tsunami, animals demonstrated an innate ability to detect environmental changes.

The Complexity Beyond Human Understanding

Limitations of Human Knowledge

• There are complexities in nature that exceed human comprehension and current technological capabilities; this challenges our desire for control over our environment.

• A colonial mentality often drives humanity's urge to dominate nature instead of recognizing its intricate systems beyond our understanding.

Symbolic Implications

• The term "seioside" refers to the destruction of meaning-making symbols within nature due to species extinction and environmental degradation.

The Interconnection of Nature, Culture, and Psychedelics

The Impact of Environmental Destruction

• A reference to the film Medicine Man illustrates how environmental destruction can lead to the loss of potential cures, such as cancer treatments found in ants within the Amazon rainforest.

• The speaker emphasizes that every act of genocide is also an ecoside, destroying languages and worldviews alongside physical beings.

• Displacing elderly individuals into care homes instead of allowing them to remain in familiar environments represents a form of semioide, disrupting their connection to their past and senses.

Ethical Considerations in Climate Change

• The ethical implications of climate change are discussed through the lens of semioide, highlighting how rapid changes disrupt natural rhythms and processes.

• Assisted migration for species like corals raises concerns about speeding up natural processes beyond their typical rates, which can have violent repercussions on human behavior.

Cultural Relationships with Nature

• Cutting down forests where cultural rituals occur leads to a loss not just of trees but also of entire cultures and identities tied to those ecosystems.

• Historical movements in India show people physically protecting trees due to deep-rooted relationships with nature that transcend mere ecological concerns.

Personal Connections Through Psychedelics

• The speaker shares a personal journey towards connecting with nature through psychedelic experiences, suggesting these substances facilitate deeper ecological awareness.

• Discussion shifts towards the impact psychedelics have on consciousness by breaking down established mental models (the default mode network), allowing for greater sensory engagement with nature.

Ecodilia: Expanding Consciousness

• The concept of ecodilia is introduced as a way to understand psychedelics not merely as mind-altering substances but as tools for manifesting ecological awareness.

• Emphasizing an interconnected view of consciousness suggests humans are not isolated entities but part of larger ecological systems influencing thoughts and actions.

Psychedelic Experiences and Nature Connection

The Role of Psychedelics in Nature Connection

• The speaker reflects on a personal experience with psychedelics, emphasizing the beauty of nature and the legal status of such substances in the Netherlands. This experience led to a deeper connection with a specific tree.

• Upon returning to normal consciousness, the speaker notes how the judging mind reactivates, questioning whether feelings of love for the tree were merely a psychedelic effect or something more profound.

• A discussion arises about Aldous Huxley's distinction between viewing psychedelic experiences as windows into deeper truths versus mirrors reflecting one's own psychology. The speaker leans towards the "window" interpretation.

Human Connection with Nature

• The speaker discusses humanity's obsession with being loved by the animate world, suggesting that modern humans have lost their animacy and connection to nature compared to ancient times.

• Citing Ian McGilchrist, they argue that our left hemisphere has become dominant, leading us to perceive everything as mere reflections rather than engaging with deeper realities.

Labyrinths of Perception

• The conversation touches on Greek mythology's labyrinths as metaphors for mental constraints shaped by negative emotions like fear and resentment. These perceptions are not what cultures should instill in future generations.

• The idea emerges that love for nature may not strictly be a mirror or window but rather a relational experience that fosters genuine connections leading to action.

Actionable Love for Nature

• The speaker emphasizes that true emotional connections lead to protective actions toward nature, illustrating this point through an example of wanting to protect a beloved tree from harm.

• They assert that if emotions inspire action, it indicates genuine dialogical experiences; otherwise, it may just be superficial projection without real substance.

Healing Through Nature Engagement

• Research is cited regarding "nature connectedness," highlighting practices like forest bathing in Japan which promote healing both for individuals and ecosystems through emotional engagement with nature.

• There’s an assertion that our inability to express grief over environmental degradation contributes to ecological crises. Psychedelics can help break these static patterns by amplifying emotional responses.

• Finally, it's noted that using psychedelics outside natural settings limits their potential benefits; true purpose is fulfilled when experienced within nature's context.

Understanding Psychedelics and Their Role in Healing

The Nature of Imaginal Realms

• Psychedelics can act as a non-specific amplifier, reflecting the user's existing ideologies without external influence.

• If someone holds a specific belief, such as white supremacy, psychedelics will amplify that ideology rather than challenge it.

Community and Connection

• Historically, psychedelics have been used within communities to heal relationships between humans and the more-than-human world. This healing is not just individual but collective.

• Healing these connections may unlock new potentials for what psychedelics can offer us, possibly even outside of their use.

States of Being

• The discussion emphasizes living in an "ecodelic" state where connection with nature transcends the means by which one arrives at that state. Vulnerability and openness are key components.

• Acknowledging our inner conflicts (e.g., confronting negative aspects of ourselves) is essential for personal growth and freedom from ideological constraints.

Perception of Nature

• There’s a historical perspective on seeing divinity or mystery in nature; this perception fosters a deeper connection with the environment around us.

• Modern distractions (like technology) often lead to disconnection from nature, creating a longing for beauty that can only be fulfilled through genuine engagement with the natural world.

Addressing Global Suffering

• The speaker reflects on feelings of disconnect from global suffering due to privilege and comfort, acknowledging this as a form of spiritual bypassing. They explore how this affects their work and consciousness about suffering worldwide.

• There’s recognition of learned helplessness regarding systemic issues like corporate exploitation leading to global suffering; individuals often retreat into personal lives instead of addressing broader problems directly.

Collective Responsibility

• It’s crucial for those in privileged positions to recognize their shared responsibility towards global issues rather than opting out or escaping them through personal indulgences like psychedelics or leisure activities.

• The conversation highlights that there is no true escape from our collective planetary destiny; awareness and action are necessary for meaningful change amidst privilege and comfort zones.

Understanding Suffering and Responsibility

The Nature of Suffering

• Suffering is described as non-optional; it must be transformed into beauty rather than ignored, as ignoring it leads to more suffering.

Personal Agency and Community Engagement

• Emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility in the world, akin to Socratic ideals, to foster pride and support for family and community.

Collective Action vs. Individualism

• Reflects on the shift from active protest in youth to current organizing efforts, highlighting that individual actions alone cannot influence government decisions effectively.

Building Coalitions

• Critiques the lack of coalition-building among individuals with differing political views, arguing that infighting is counterproductive and ineffective.

Seasons of Activism

• Discusses the cyclical nature of activism, suggesting that periods of organization are essential for maintaining societal fabric amidst crises.

Addressing Systemic Issues

Meta Crisis Awareness

• Identifies a "meta crisis" requiring urgent action beyond personal work; stresses the need for collective awareness and response.

Ecological Approach to Change

• Advocates for an ecological perspective in addressing industrial pandemics while recognizing that corporations often operate within governmental frameworks.

Interconnectedness of Freedom and Action

• Defines true freedom as acting collectively with others rather than pursuing isolated desires; emphasizes interconnectedness with fellow humans and nature.

The Role of Science in Society

Rethinking Scientific Inquiry

• Calls for disentangling technoscience from genuine scientific inquiry focused on truth, critiquing current cultural instrumentalization.

Moments of Purposeful Action

• Highlights the significance of recognizing moments where individuals feel alive through purposeful action amidst daily routines.

Crisis of Communication and Skills

Disempowerment Through Comfort

• Discusses how modern comforts have led to intellectual disengagement and a loss of basic skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

Intellectual Weakness

• Describes a broader intellectual weakness stemming from disconnection with reality, emphasizing the need for critical thinking about our environment.

Materialism in Contemporary Thought

Shifts in Philosophical Perspectives

• Notes a decline in naive materialism's popularity while exploring alternative forms like object-oriented ontology that still hold sway today.

AI and Ontology: A Critical Examination

The Intersection of AI and Metaphysics

• The speaker discusses the implications of an ontology that blurs the line between animate and inanimate, suggesting it justifies significant investments in AI development, which could have disastrous consequences.

• They reference their article critiquing object-oriented ontology (OOO) and speculative realism on biosematic grounds, highlighting ethical and logical flaws within these frameworks.

Understanding Object-Oriented Ontology

• OOO posits that objects communicate with us—ranging from everyday items to natural elements—but lacks a discussion on who interprets these communications.

• The speaker explains concepts like apophenia (seeing life where there is none) and pareidolia (seeing faces in clouds), linking them to evolutionary biology's understanding of risk perception.

Evolutionary Implications of Perception

• They emphasize the danger of false negatives in perception, where failing to recognize threats can lead to fatal outcomes, contrasting this with harmless false positives.

• In modern society, perceived threats are often exaggerated (e.g., social media comments), leading to chronic stress responses that are evolutionarily disadvantageous.

Critique of Object-Oriented Ontology's Limitations

• OOO fails to address interpretation processes; it merely categorizes objects without considering how they are understood by observers.

• The speaker argues against the idea that all beings can be open to every experience simultaneously, likening this notion to a flawed omniscient perspective.

Ethical Concerns Surrounding AI Development

• There’s a connection drawn between OOO and long-termism or effective altruism, critiqued for oversimplifying happiness as a universal goal without meaningful distinctions.

• The argument is made that true human desires center around meaning rather than mere happiness; thus, utilitarian approaches may miss the mark entirely.

Dystopian Visions of AI Futures

• A troubling scenario is presented where humanity sacrifices itself for virtual entities' happiness—a critique of misguided technological optimism regarding consciousness creation.

• This narrative parallels discussions on surveillance capitalism and its implications for societal structures driven by profit motives rather than genuine well-being.

Religious Parallels in Technological Beliefs

• The speaker contrasts millenarian Christian beliefs with Silicon Valley's tech ideologies, both seeking transformative ends through different means but sharing delusions about control over destiny.

• They argue against the belief that digital constructs alone can achieve consciousness or meaningful existence without acknowledging necessary analog components.

Conclusion: Meaning vs. Simulation

• Ultimately, creating advanced simulations does not equate to generating real consciousness or life; such efforts may lead only to servitude rather than liberation from labor.

Technological Development and Emotional Awareness

The Mismatch of Emotions, Institutions, and Technology

• The speaker emphasizes that current technological advancements are merely additional weapons rather than necessary tools for progress. They reference E.O. Wilson's quote about humanity's emotional state being outdated compared to our technological capabilities.

• A call for a moratorium on technological development is made until societal institutions are reformed and emotional awareness is addressed, highlighting the impact of unacknowledged emotions on human behavior.

Understanding Our Emotional Landscape

• The discussion shifts to how disconnection from feelings influences rationality, science, and governance. The speaker suggests that true understanding comes from acknowledging our emotional states.

• There’s an emphasis on recognizing fears and feelings of inadequacy as driving forces behind societal issues, advocating for a shift towards sufficiency through community relationships rather than individualistic pursuits.

Building Sustainable Communities

• The importance of creating sustainable ecosystems through community efforts such as food forests and permaculture is highlighted as a means to alleviate existential anxieties about future crises.

• The speaker critiques the ongoing energy consumption patterns and stresses the need for reducing waste instead of solely transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Philosophical Reflections on Existence

• A philosophical exploration begins regarding the nature of existence, drawing parallels between biological processes and broader metaphysical concepts. This includes discussions around evolution and consciousness.

• The conversation touches upon personal experiences with models of understanding reality, emphasizing the balance between structure (models) and fluidity (feeling).

Insights into Consciousness

• Questions arise about whether there exists a larger mind or consciousness that governs existence. This leads to reflections on how cells interact within this framework.

• The speaker shares insights from Carl Jung’s interpretation of biblical texts, particularly focusing on themes of suffering and divine awareness in relation to human experience.

Conclusion: Awareness Beyond Rationality

• Concluding thoughts suggest that while there may be a larger consciousness at play, it lacks self-awareness akin to human cognition. This perspective invites further dialogue about the implications for understanding suffering in life experiences.

Exploring Consciousness and Suffering

The Concept of Oneness and Reporting Back

• The speaker discusses a Jungian perspective on consciousness, suggesting a "mind at large" that is conscious yet distinct from individual experiences. This oneness requires individuals to report back their subjective experiences.

• Personal suffering gains meaning when it contributes to the universe, emphasizing the importance of expressing emotions as part of one's ontology.

Mechanisms of Reporting Back

• The speaker raises questions about how individuals regularly report back to this larger consciousness, referencing Catholicism's practice of confession which includes emotional acknowledgment alongside verbal confessions.

• There is criticism of guilt in religious practices, arguing that self-punishment does not facilitate personal evolution but rather keeps individuals stuck in negative patterns.

Suffering in Different Philosophies

• Transitioning to Buddhism, the speaker highlights the Four Noble Truths, asserting that suffering is an inherent aspect of existence for all beings with differentiated consciousness.

• The discussion emphasizes that even within interconnected consciousness, suffering persists due to individual differentiation and self-awareness.

Embracing Reality and Material Existence

• The speaker critiques views that see life as something to transcend or escape from, advocating instead for cherishing the present moment and recognizing its beauty.

• Rejecting reality leads to a lack of peace and happiness; true meaning arises from accepting life as it is rather than resisting it.

Transforming Suffering into Beauty

• In Buddhism, there’s an encouragement to transform suffering into something beautiful by dedicating it towards greater purposes. Understanding interdependence can lead one to realize their fate is tied with all living beings.

• Creating beauty out of suffering can manifest through art or environmental stewardship, exemplified by indigenous practices that contributed positively to ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest.

Personal Practices for Navigating Life's Challenges

• When asked about personal experiences with suffering, the speaker admits they have not transcended challenges but engage in daily activities such as music-making and spending time outdoors as coping mechanisms.

• Acknowledging both successes (like winning grants) and failures reflects life's ups and downs; creating a supportive environment helps navigate these fluctuations effectively.

Reflections on Healing and Emotional Resilience

The Journey of Personal Healing

• The speaker discusses the need for balance in life, likening it to adjusting one's aim to hit a target, emphasizing the importance of navigating emotions.

• After experiencing a severe accident, the speaker reflects on their emotional journey, highlighting the fear felt by their son and the necessity of self-acceptance during recovery.

• They acknowledge ongoing struggles with emotional blockages inherited from lineage and personal experiences, indicating that healing is both a mental and physical process.

Philosophical Foundations of Support

• The speaker describes a "tripod" of support consisting of Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous practices that help them connect deeply with both sadness and beauty without becoming overwhelmed.

• They express gratitude for their ability to experience profound emotions while maintaining perspective, recognizing moments when they do get caught up in these feelings.

Integrating Mind and Heart

• A discussion unfolds about balancing analytical thinking with emotional intelligence; the mind can sometimes hinder access to deeper feelings.

• The conversation touches on how some individuals have more direct access to their hearts compared to those who are more intellectually inclined.

Sharing Wisdom and Resources

• There is an emphasis on sharing knowledge from various authors and thinkers referenced throughout the conversation for further exploration by viewers.

• The speakers invite questions from viewers for potential follow-up discussions, fostering an open dialogue about healing and wisdom.