Deep Code Dialogos: Session 3 w/ Jordan Hall, John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and Evan McMullen

People & Blogs

Introduction

The Stoa serves as a digital campfire where we gather in dialogue about what matters most amidst the current unfolding of events. Spearheaded by Peter Limborg, the Stoa provides a space for us to cohere in conversations that strike at the heart of our present moment. This particular Reverse Sensemaker Series session delves into the intricate tapestry of the commons and commoning.

Introductory Remarks by Jordan Hall

Jordan kicked off the session by reflecting on the series thus far, notably focusing on the topic of the commons. He proposed that the commons is not only a fundamental mode of governance alongside the market and the state, but that it may indeed be the most fundamental. He put forward the idea that the state's and the market's current dominance is partly due to a forgotten or diminished understanding of commoning. Hall’s takeaway was that revitalizing our knowledge and practices around commoning is essential for our cultural evolution.

John Vervaeke: Relational Relevance Realization

John Vervaeke emphasized the deeply-rooted relationship between the sacred and the commons. He framed the sacred as something that holds us in common rather than something we hold. Vervaeke cited Wittgenstein's layers of normativity: speech acts, language games, and forms of life. He proposed that the form of life held in common is akin to Jordan's idea of commoning. This form requires practices that foster a right relationship with the sacred, emphasizing discernment and the development of reverence as a virtue.

Gregg Henriques: The Influence Matrix and Practicality

Gregg Henriques illustrated the concept of commoning through the lens of the Influence Matrix, which maps out the architecture of our social lives. He discussed how our primate heritage involves tracking value and influence in relationships and how this affects our ability to form meaningful commons. Henriques highlighted the necessity to move away from commodification and instrumental relationships toward practices imbued with intrinsic relational value.

Evan McMullen: Expanding Accountability

Evan McMullen pointed out that, historically, democratic structures have been expanding circles of accountability. He emphasized the importance of including not just humans but also the broader biosphere within our commons. McMullen also touched on the challenges posed by technology, which tends to draw us toward instrumental relationships at the expense of more holistic, interconnected ways of being.

Technological Interference

All speakers converged on the point that current technological and economic systems are deeply problematic for the commons. Vervaeke illustrated that these systems interrupt our ability to form reverent relationships with the sacred. Henriques discussed how negative emotions are often misinterpreted or undervalued in our current cultural landscape. These dialogues directed attention toward the profound need for a revival of the sacred and the commons in our everyday practices.

Developing Fellowship

The concept of fellowship emerged as a pivotal theme. Fellowship involves being in "co-service" towards the sacred. Vervaeke, Henriques, and Hall all suggested that creating spaces where genuine dialogue can occur, like the Stoa, are essential for cultivating fellowship. Through these spaces, we can rediscover and revalorize reverence, thus paving the way toward more genuine commoning practices.

Closing Thoughts

The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the importance of rediscovering reverence and developing fellowship. Every small step within these dialogical forums can echo out to larger spheres, contributing to the monumental shift needed in our collective social fabric. The speakers also underscored the necessity of challenging dominant paradigms that prioritize instrumental relationships over deeply interconnected, reverent ways of being.

Keywords

  • Commons
  • Sacred
  • Commoning
  • Governance
  • Relational relevance realization
  • Influence Matrix
  • Fellowship
  • Reverence
  • Technology
  • Affordances

FAQ

What is the primary focus of this session?

The session focuses on the concept of the commons, commoning, and how these relate to governance, relational relevance realization, and the sacred.

Who introduced the idea of relational relevance realization?

John Vervaeke introduced the idea, drawing on the layers of normativity described by Wittgenstein.

Why is the concept of affordances mentioned?

Affordances are crucial in understanding how individuals interact with their environment to form meaningful commons and how they can increase our capacity for flow and development.

What is the Influence Matrix?

Gregg Henriques used the Influence Matrix to discuss our inherent social architecture and how it affects our ability to create valuable relationships and commons.

How does technology impact commoning?

The speakers pointed out that technology tends to prioritize instrumental relationships and can disrupt our ability to form reverent, interconnected ways of being.