Nick Spencer speaks with Clare Carlisle, Professor of Philosophy at Kings College London. 11/11/2025

The idea of transcendence is common, perhaps even universal, among human beings. But what it means (if anything) is much more debatable.

There are different ways of understanding transcendence, some orthodoxly religious; others more heterodox and surprising.

How should we understand transcendence? If you can be spiritual but not religious, can you experience transcendence without religion? What does it mean to live a transcendent life?

This week, Nick speaks to Clare Carlisle, Professor of Philosophy at Kings College London, about her latest book ‘Transcendence for Beginners’.

Purchase a copy of Clare’s book here.

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