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.

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