In this episode we delve into the trouble with SCIENTISM and whether or not pigs can fly. SCIENTISM: the too often unquestioned belief that only what can be measured, quantified, or experimentally verified is real. While I love science (I spent years alone in a dark microscope room figuring out how RNA viruses interact with our immune systems), I have a PROBLEM with scientism.We’ll talk about:- How gatekeeping and scientism keep certain questions off the table- The surprising data from a 2018 study on meditators that was almost blocked from publication- Why subjective, first-person experiences still matter (even if they can’t be easily quantified)BONUS! I’ll share a personal story from a student about a mystical experience that made me question how much we’re missing when we ignore lived experiences.Meditation study referenced: Future directions in meditation research: Recommendations for expanding the field of contemplative science. Vieten et al. 2018. PLOS One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0205740BOOKS:Real Magic by Dean RadinScience Set Free by Rupert SheldrakeTHE FLIP by Jeffrey Kripal
