In this episode of Cosmosis, Kelly Chase and Jay Christopher King are joined by philosopher James Madden, author of Unidentified Flying Hyperobject: UFOs, Philosophy, and the End of the World. Jim has been part of this journey with us from the very beginning, appearing on The UFO Rabbit Hole podcast and in our docuseries Cosmosis: UFOs & A New Reality.
Together, we take a hard look at the state of ufology and how belief, ideology, and language shape the way we think about the phenomenon. We ask tough questions: Has ufology become a kind of religion? What does it mean to practice good “epistemic hygiene” in a field so vulnerable to disinformation and self-deception? How can we avoid falling into old patterns of certainty while still honoring the mystery?
This is a conversation about curiosity, responsibility, and the courage to sit with the unknown. Whether you’re new to the field or a long-time experiencer, Jim’s insights cut through the noise and remind us that sometimes the most important thing isn’t finding the answer—but learning to ask better questions.
Music for Cosmosis is by Michael Rubino. The show is brought to you by SpectreVision Radio.
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Resources & References
James D. Madden, Unidentified Flying Hyperobject: UFOs, Philosophy, and the End of the World: https://a.co/d/4F2Tpcl
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TIMESTAMPS
04:57 The Evolution of Ufology: A Personal Perspective
07:37 Ufology as a Religion: Belief and Skepticism
14:15 The Hero's Journey in Ufology
29:59 Challenges in Ufology: Secrecy and Belonging
34:43 Navigating Blind Spots in Public Discourse
36:32 The Illusion of Ease in Public Engagement
37:42 The Trap of Daily Grind and Outrage Cycles
40:02 Questioning the UFO Narrative
44:13 Skepticism and Authority in the UFO Community
46:33 The Role of Media and Public Perception
54:02 Positive Aspects of Ufology
56:15 The Power of Unanswerable Questions
59:05 Maintaining Intellectual Sovereignty
01:04:31 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
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