Between Phenomenology, Science, and Process Ontology (dialogue with James Schofield)

In this video,  James Schofield and I have detailed discussion about process philosophy, with a focus on our respective backgrounds, interests, and scholarly work. James begins by introducing his academic journey, highlighting his studies in anthropology, consciousness, and philosophy, which led to his book on Errol Harris.

He shares his dissatisfaction with traditional anthropology and psychology, which propelled him towards a deeper exploration of the metaphysics of science and phenomenology.

I expressed my interest in James’ work and drew parallels to my own academic trajectory, noting my early fascination with consciousness and cognitive science. We delve into the nuances of phenomenology, discussing the role of tools and technology in shaping cognition, and the need for integrating phenomenology with scientific practices. James critiques the resistance of some phenomenologists to extend their analysis to include scientific methodologies and metaphysical practices, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the internal relations between phenomena and the tools we use to study them.

We explore the concept of unifying principles and the notion of self-differentiation within the context of metaphysical and phenomenological frameworks. I introduce Whitehead’s philosophy, discussing the idea of actual occasions, concrescence, and the ingression of eternal objects. James challenges some aspects of Whitehead’s metaphysics, particularly the need for appealing to eternal objects and creativity in explaining processes in nature.

Our dialogue highlights the interplay between different philosophical traditions, with references to Hegel, Harris, Bohm, and Whitehead, and their respective approaches to understanding consciousness, nature, and metaphysics. We emphasize the importance of synthesis, the role of metaphysics in addressing the limitations of scientific abstraction, and the need for a pragmatic, experiential approach to philosophy.

Towards the end, we discuss the state of academic philosophy and the potential for philosophical inquiry outside traditional university settings, noting the rise of autodidactic philosophical education and online communities. James mentions his involvement with academic contracting and support services for graduate students, reflecting on the evolving landscape of academic mentorship and the opportunities for philosophical engagement beyond academia (learn more about this).

See also James’ article “Towards a Phenomenological Ontology” (2022).