God and the Between:
The Philosophy of William Desmond
In this 8-week course, John Vervaeke will bring together Desmond’s central ideas about the fourfold sense of Being which will lead us into a discussion of transcendence and God.
If you find yourself lost because of the decadent dichotomies of modernity, and the hermeneutics of suspicion from postmodernity, "God and the Between" will offer you insights into life's deep connections and ways out from the (post-)modern predicament.
Course Overview
Through live lectures, discussions with John and other participants, and guided readings we will explore how William Desmond’s philosophy can show us paths to strong transcendence and the sacred in a secular age and how transformation is possible.
You can choose self-study and follow along at your own pace, be there live over Zoom during lectures and Q&A with John Vervaeke, or even book a private tutorial with John. More below under Pricing Options.
Texts We Will Read
Religion, Metaphysics, and the Postmodern: William Desmond and John Caputo by Christopher Ben Simpson (RMP)
Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Age: Desmond and the Quest for God by Ryan G. Duns, SJ (SESA)
The William Desmond Reader edited by Christopher Ben Simpson (WDR)
Course Structure:
Each session includes a 90-minute lecture followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
Access to Discord Server for continued discussion with your peers.
Lecture Schedule:
Lecture 1:
The Modern and Postmodern Challenge to the Sacred
Explore the decadent dichotomies of modernity and the hermeneutic suspicion from postmodernity.
Focus on Caputo's perspective at the intersection of modernity, postmodernity, and religion.
Read: Introduction and Chapter 1 of RMP.
Lecture 2:
Desmond, Supplemented by 4E Cognitive Science, and Metaphysics
Delve into Desmond's fourfold sense of Being, the notion of the Between (metaxological), and transjectivity.
Compare Desmond’s views with John's work on strong transcendence.
Read: Chapter 2 of RMP and Part 1 of WDR.
Lecture 3:
Desmond, Supplemented by the Cognitive Science of Religion, and Religion
Examine Desmond’s theories on religion and the divine experience.
Read: Chapter 4 and Conclusion of RMP.
Lecture 4:
Desmond and God
Discuss how Desmond conceptualizes transcendence, transjectivity, Being, ultimacy, and God.
Explore Desmond's orientation towards Christianity and his notion of God as relational non-duality.
Read: Part 3 of WDR.
Lecture 5:
A Secular Age and Spiritual Exercises
Engage with Desmond's philosophy as spiritual practice, influenced by Charles Taylor’s concept of a secular age.
Read: Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2 of SESA.
Lecture 6:
Metaxological Metaphysics as Spiritual Exercise
Understand metaphysics as a form of spiritual practice.
Read: Chapter 3 of SESA.
Lecture 7:
Exercising Transcendence and Indirect Ways to God
Explore indirect methods to approach the divine in Desmond's philosophy.
Read: Chapter 4 of SESA.
Lecture 8:
Epiphanic Attunement
Conclude with an exploration of how one might attune to the epiphanic in everyday life.
Read: Chapter 5 and In(con)clusion of SESA.
Transform your understanding of the divine and strong transcendence through spiritual exercise and epiphantic attunement.
Course runs from
April 2nd - May 21st, Every Wednesday at 1pm EST/6pm UK time
Payment plans and student discounts available below!
See you in class!
Strong Transcendence
Exploring the Metaxological Horizons of Desmond's Thought
Illuminating
Shedding Light on the Potencies of the Between in Desmond's Philosophy
Transformative
Changing Perspectives through the Lens of William Desmond's Metaphysics
Your instructor: John Vervaeke
John Vervaeke is professor of Cognitive Science at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments in psychology, cognitive science, and Buddhist psychology. His academic journey is marked by a profound dedication to tackling existential questions, which he explores through his well-known public lecture series, "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" and "After Socrates." These series are a testament to his commitment to dissecting the human condition and offering pathways to overcome contemporary existential challenges.
Dr. Vervaeke's passion for uncovering knowledge stems from his fascination with ultimate reality and the deeper, often overlooked, dimensions of existence. His teaching of philosophy is innovative, blending cognitive science with spirituality and philosophy to foster a learning environment where students not only gain intellectual insights but also experience personal growth. Through his courses, he encourages a journey into the complexities of the mind, spirituality, and the sciences, providing a holistic education that challenges conventional thinking and invites exploration into the expansive realms of spiritual and cosmic understanding.
