The Mattering Instinct

3/26/2016

In this conversation, philosopher Rebecca Newberger Goldstein explores the concept of the "mattering instinct" - the innate desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Goldstein discusses how this instinct is deeply ingrained in human nature and propels individuals to seek significance and validation in their lives. She explains that humans have a natural tendency to think about their existence in terms of its impact on others and the world, and that this drive to matter often shapes our beliefs, actions, and decisions. The conversation delves into various philosophical and psychological perspectives on the mattering instinct, highlighting its profound influence on our sense of self and the way we engage with the world.

consciousness ꞏ human nature ꞏ philosophy ꞏ cognition ꞏ thought ꞏ existence ꞏ meaning ꞏ purpose ꞏ mind ꞏ self ꞏ identity ꞏ perception ꞏ reality ꞏ knowledge ꞏ science ꞏ evolution ꞏ psychology ꞏ neuroscience ꞏ philosophy of mind ꞏ philosophy of science ꞏ philosophy of language ꞏ philosophy of psychology ꞏ philosophy of biology ꞏ rationality ꞏ free will ꞏ morality ꞏ ethics ꞏ truth ꞏ reason ꞏ epistemology ꞏ metaphysics ꞏ social sciences ꞏ intellectual inquiry ꞏ existentialism ꞏ naturalism ꞏ determinism ꞏ reductionism ꞏ materialism ꞏ dualism ꞏ introspection ꞏ self-awareness ꞏ consciousness studies ꞏ human experience ꞏ the self ꞏ the mind-body problem ꞏ the nature of reality ꞏ nature versus nurture ꞏ consciousness and evolution ꞏ consciousness and language