Wise Scientists 3: Ravi with Marjorie Woollacott
43m | Sep 30, 2025Philosopher-physicist Ravi Ravindra notes that according to all the sages, there are many levels of reality subtler than the mind. So, any enterprise wholly driven by the mind—including science, philosophy, and theology—cannot connect with these subtler levels of reality. In order to relate with these subtle levels one needs to rely on direct perception, not on thought.
Hence, the need to open up and enhance the quality of perception and being among scientists. Then they are more likely to attain knowledge which is closer to wisdom. A wise scientist is interested in truth - which is a subtle combination of knowledge and compassion.
In this Wise Scientists podcast series, Ravi engages in dialogue with leading scientists about the need for more wisdom in society in general, and specifically among scientists due to its cultural power and influence as well as the speed of current technological developments, for instance in AI.
In this episode he talks with Marjorie Woollacott who is Professor Emeritus of Human Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Oregon. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and includes both rehabilitation medicine and alternative forms of therapy such as tai chi and meditation. She is president of the Academy for the Advancement of Postmaterialist Sciences (AAPS) – one of the key partners of the Galileo Commission, the Research Director of the International Association of Near Death Studies (IANDS), and has written more than 200 peer-reviewed research articles—several of which were on spiritual awakening and meditation, which was the topic that motivated her to write her latest book, Infinite Awareness: The Awakening of a Scientific Mind, which is an autobiographical account of her life and spiritual journey.
https://marjoriewoollacott.com/
Production: Martin Redfern, Beacon Hill Broadcast Productions
Music: Time Flies by Roman Senyk
