Thank you for joining us live for this month's Silk Road Seminar, featuring JP Marceau. JP Marceau is a philosopher and author specializing in the integration of Neoplatonism, Thomism, and Cognitive Science. With a Master's degree in the Philosophy of Mind, his work emerges from a personal and intellectual journey that moves from early materialism and reductionism toward a non-reductionist, participatory understanding of reality. His research focuses on bridging abstract philosophical frameworks with lived religious practice, particularly within a renewed vision of Christianity. He is the author of Post-Reductionist Christianity: A Path of the Meaning Crisis, where he uses the language of cognitive science to articulate and defend a Platonic vision of Christianity. JP is also a frequent collaborator with Jonathan Pageau and contributes to The Symbolic World through French-language content, helping extend symbolic and participatory approaches to meaning-making. In this seminar, JP explores the limitations of reductionism and materialism, offering an alternative framework grounded in relational ontology, symbolism, and participatory knowing. The conversation moves through topics such as the hard problem of consciousness, the role of myth and symbolism, the contrast between substance-based and relational metaphysics, and the integration of Eastern and Western Christian thought. At its core, the dialogue points toward a vision of reality rooted in love, transformation, and the co-participation of the human and the divine. Silk Road Seminars are live, hour-long conversations hosted by John Vervaeke, weaving together ideas from cognitive science, philosophy, psychology, and wisdom traditions. Each seminar is streamed live on YouTube and followed by an exclusive Q&A where participants can engage directly with John and the guest. To be entered onto the guest list for the live Q&A, sign up at the Gamma Tier (or above) on The Lectern: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lectern-lounge University students (undergraduate through doctoral level) receive free access to the Q&A. Email proof of student status to: ethan@vervaekefoundation.org Students added to the guest list also receive access to previous Silk Road Seminars. If you'd like to support John's work through a goodwill donation, consider joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke John Vervaeke online: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/drjohnvervaeke https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke