November 13, 2025 3:30-5:00pm
TOPIC: SPONTANEITY moderated by Zac Irving

DESCRIPTION
Spontaneous forms of thought such as mind-wandering foster creativity and exploration. But digital technologies may be crowding out spontaneity: In the past, during idle times such as waiting for a bus, our minds were more accustomed to wandering. Now we are stuck on our phones. How can we make room for spontaneity in a digital world?

ABOUT ZAC IRVING
Zac Irving is Associate Professor at the University of Virginia's Corcoran Department of Philosophy, where he works in the philosophy of cognitive science.

About Salon

Salons are monthly open dialogues on cutting-edge research related to contemplation and flourishing with UVA and local community members in the Contemplative Commons, hosted by the Contemplative Sciences Center's CIRCL: Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab. Centered on a single word, these gatherings bring together scholars, scientists, and practitioners from diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, generate knowledge, and seek solutions to global challenges. CSC Research home.