In this conversation, Darren Iammarino shares his journey into process philosophy and theology, describing how he was first drawn to Whitehead’s ideas and how these concepts have shaped his teaching and spiritual practice. Darren and Jared then turn to questions at the intersection of AI and process metaphysics, considering whether artificial intelligences can truly be conscious, how parasocial relationships with AI complicate our notions of self and society, and what Whitehead’s philosophy might contribute to these debates. Finally, they delve into theological questions about novelty, divine creativity, and the role of eternal objects, envisioning a cosmos where creatures participate in the ongoing creation of new possibilities.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Darren’s efforts to connect process thought with yoga communities and other non-Christian spiritual practices
- The challenges of making process ideas accessible beyond academic contexts
- Reflections on AI, consciousness, and the nature of relationships with inorganic agents
- Darren’s critiques of Whitehead’s notion that God eternally contains all possibilities
- A vision of novelty and creativity emerging from the interplay between God and creatures
- Speculation on the cosmological function of quantum randomness
- Connections between process thought, interfaith dialogue, and ecological civilization
Guest Bio
Darren Iammarino
Dr. Darren Iammarino joined the faculty at the University of San Diego in 2022. He specializes in comparative religious studies, interreligious dialogue, and process theology. He earned his doctorate in philosophy of religion from Claremont Graduate University in 2010. In 2024 Dr. Iammarino launched a YouTube channel called Two Truths, which explores controversial topics in: religion, philosophy, and history. Darren’s current book project, which is informed by tantra and yoga philosophy, presents a system for establishing strong bonds and deep connections within any relationship. His previous book—Religion and Reality—explores an alternative methodology for facilitating enriching interreligious dialogue. While teaching at SDSU, Dr. Iammarino earned the Favorite Faculty Award from 2011-2013, along with the Mortar Board Recognition Award.
Host Bio
Jared Morningstar
Jared Morningstar is an independent scholar living in Chicago with academic interests in philosophy of religion, Islamic studies, comparative religion, metamodern spirituality, and interfaith dialogue. Their work in these areas seeks to offer robust responses to issues of inter-religious conflict, contemporary nihilism, and the “meaning crisis,” among other things. Jared graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2018 with degrees in religion and Scandinavian studies and currently works for the Center for Process Studies and the Psychedelic Medicine Association.