Mahon McCann

In this fifth installment of Mahon McCann’s lecture series on Plato’s Republic, we delve into Book Five to explore one of Plato’s most influential and controversial ideas: philosopher kings. McCann, a philosophy PhD researcher and lecturer, breaks down the concepts of love of wisdom, the distinction between appearance and reality, and the significance of forms in understanding true knowledge. This episode specifically addresses why Plato argues that philosophers should be rulers and provides an in-depth analysis of the philosopher king’s characteristics and their ability to discern real justice from mere appearances.Chapters: 00:00 Philosopher Kings in Book Five of Republic00:17 Overview of Book Five01:02 The Concept of Philosopher Kings02:21 Philosophy vs. Politics02:59 The Nature of Philosophical Love05:04 Plato’s Theory of Forms13:48 Conclusion: Why Philosophers Should Be KingsWant to support the series and the production of more lectures like these?? Consider sharing or becoming a patron 👇👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Dom, creator of The Logos Project and a thought leader in theology and philosophy, delves into the intricate relationship between modernity and the Catholic Church. He discusses how modernity's rise has created a secular-religious divide and the impact of the Renaissance on individualism. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a relational ontology, advocating for a blend of theology and philosophy. Dom also reflects on Vatican II's efforts to overcome dualisms and the need for a return to tradition in addressing contemporary issues.

This video explores the 'Meaning Crisis,' a profound cultural and historical phenomenon affecting mental health and existential stability in the West. Drawing inspiration from John Vervaeke's extensive lecture series and works, we delve into the scientific revolution, materialism, and their impacts on traditional cosmologies and personal worldviews. The discussion highlights key figures like Nicholas Copernicus, Galileo, and Jordan Peterson, analysing their contributions and effects on modern thought. The video also addresses the resurgence of interest in Christianity, proposing that a reclamation of the core Christian structure could solve the ongoing crisis. The conversation touches upon the role of online media in fostering new avenues for faith and community, suggesting a pivotal moment for re-evangelising secular spaces. Talk was given at the Legion of Mary Young Adult Apologetics conference in Dublin, 2025. Disclaimer: the views expressed in the talk are the speaker's own and do not represent any of the thinkers mentioned or John Verveake's original framing of the meaning crisis. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Meaning Crisis00:20 John Verveake and the Historical Context02:14 Scientific Revolution and Its Impact03:57 Materialism and Its Consequences05:20 The Mechanical Universe and Nihilism11:27 Reconnecting Morality and Mythology15:57 21st Century Revival and Online Influence21:46 Challenges and Opportunities for Modern Evangelism23:58 Q&A and Personal Reflections Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In the fourth part of our lecture series on Plato's Republic, we delve into Plato's concept of the tripartite psyche and the four cardinal virtues. We explore how the three parts of the psyche—the appetite, the rational self, and Thymos—interact and often conflict with one another, causing inner turmoil. Plato's model is foundational for many subsequent theories in psychology, from Freud to modern generative and predictive processing models. Learn how Plato's notion of justice as psychological integration provides a framework for reducing inner conflict and fostering alignment among the different parts of the psyche, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and connected existence. A good deal of the content from this lecture is inspired by John Verveake's Awakening From the Meaning Crisis Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDutbcedUY&ab_channel=JohnVervaeke Introduction to the series: https://youtu.be/TZ8_rQNFfLU Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic Lecture Series 00:56 The Appetite: Immediate Desires and Motivations 02:42 Thymos: The Social and Emotional Self 07:54 Consequences of Inner Conflict and Injustice 10:31 Conclusion: The Intrinsic and Consequential Good of Justice Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Jordan Hall is a philosopher, futurist, and recently, a Christian. He played a significant role in the digital media landscape at MP3.com and later as the founder and CEO of DivX, a company instrumental in the online digital video revolution. After this, Hall focused on stopping the “Meta-crisis” and co-founded the Game B movement, seeking alternative societal structures to address systemic challenges. SummaryIn this conversation, Mahon McCann and Jordan Hall explore the concept of the meta-crisis, emphasising its roots in spiritual warfare and the breakdown of modernity. They discuss the implications of digital culture on virtue, identity, and community, advocating for a return to the sacred and the importance of accountability in the digital realm. The dialogue highlights the need for reconciliation among Christians and the transformative power of faith in navigating contemporary challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Meta Crisis02:45 Understanding the Nature of the Meta Crisis05:46 The Role of Spirituality in Crisis08:49 Virtue vs. Virtue Signaling in the Digital Age12:05 Transitioning from Modernity to Digital Age15:01 Digital Identity and the Commons18:01 The Need for Accountability in Digital Spaces20:55 The Sacred and the Governance of Digital Identity24:09 Reconnecting with the Sacred in a Digital World27:00 The Foundation of Virtue and Relationship with God31:33 The Nature of Virtue and Conviction34:08 Grounding in Relationship with God36:44 The Challenge of Modernity and Faith39:36 Understanding Faith as Relationship43:25 Restoring Meaning and Language47:28 The Weight of Responsibility in Faith51:13 The Process of Growth and Transformation52:51 Navigating the Meta Crisis56:15 The Spiritual Challenge of Growth58:43 Listening to God and Mutual Commitment01:00:05 The Dance of Relationships and Digital Encounters01:03:00 The Challenge of Love and Presence01:05:56 Hierarchy and Leadership in Crisis01:08:55 The Universal Church and Reconciliation01:12:10 The Role of Tradition and Interpretation01:18:01 The Call to Action and Personal Mission Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Colin Deyoung is a personality psychologist, personality neuroscientist, the creator of the Cybernetic Big Five Personality theory and professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota. Adam Safron, Ph. D., is a Cognitive Scientist and psychologist who studies the nature of preferences and motivation from mechanistic, developmental, and evolutionary perspectives. Recently, he has proposed a model of embodied agency and free will and is working on a unified mechanistic account of psychedelics. This conversation delves into the complex nature of the self, exploring its psychological, philosophical, and practical implications. The discussion begins with the distinction between the 'I' and 'me' aspects of self, as articulated by William James, and extends to the illusory nature of self as viewed in Buddhist philosophy. The speakers examine how consciousness functions as a model that shapes our understanding of reality and the self. They also discuss the importance of values in defining identity and the challenges of integrating conflicting goals. The conversation concludes with reflections on the implications of selfhood in the context of artificial intelligence and future developments.Check out the papers: https://journals-sagepub-com.dcu.idm.oclc.org/doi/full/10.1177/10888683221083777Timestamps:00:00 Exploring the Concept of Self07:07 The I and the Me: Understanding Selfhood10:40 Epistemology vs. Ontology: The Nature of Consciousness18:03 Illusions of Self and Consciousness22:45 The Role of Consciousness in Action34:28 Transformations of Self: Continuity and Change36:36 The Nature of Self and Values39:12 Core Values and Personality41:03 Understanding Self Through Values43:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery46:32 Integration and Self-Realization49:22 The Role of Goals in Self-Understanding54:05 AI, Selfhood, and Alignment Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Father Benedict McGlinchey ( ⁨@irishdominicans⁩ ) shares his journey to becoming a Dominican friar, reflecting on his upbringing in Northern Ireland, the impact of a positive Catholic experience, and the challenges posed by secularism and new atheism. He discusses the importance of intellectual rigor in faith, the revival of interest in spirituality among younger generations, and the need for creating spaces for divine encounters in modern life. The dialogue emphasizes the search for meaning and happiness in a world increasingly detached from traditional religious practices.Chapters:00:00 Journey to Faith: A Personal Background11:06 The Role of Positive Experiences in Faith13:50 Cracks in the Foundation: The Decline of Faith17:29 Political Context and Its Impact on Faith20:01 The Rise of Secularization and New Atheism20:19 Materialism vs. Spirituality: The Celtic Tiger Effect22:07 Transitioning from Law to Religious Life23:40 A Journey of Faith and Illness25:47 Reevaluating Life Choices26:43 Discovering Dominican Spirituality28:35 The Role of Preaching in Modern Faith32:15 The Shift in Cultural Perception of Faith35:05 The Revival of Faith in Contemporary Society40:20 Experiencing the Divine in Modern Life43:31 Creating Spaces for Spiritual ExperienceWant to support the Wisdom Dojo? Consider sharing this post or becoming a patron 👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

JP Marceau, a writer and philosopher with expertise in mathematics and computer science, challenges reductive materialism's grip on modern thought. He critiques its limitations in understanding consciousness and argues for a more holistic view of reality. Marceau posits that Christianity, especially through the lens of the Eucharist, offers a profound antidote to the contemporary meaning crisis. The conversation dives into the power of higher patterns in shaping meaningful lives and how theological insights provide a pathway back to community in an increasingly disconnected world.

Join Jacob Kishere, a host and cultural commentator, as he dives deep into the curious resurgence of Christianity. He shares his fascinating journey from atheism to Catholicism, amidst the backdrop of the contemporary meaning crisis. The conversation covers the impact of modern technology on spirituality and the significance of traditional rituals. Jacob also explores the challenges facing the church today, from skepticism to religious trauma, while advocating for transformative practices that can renew faith and community.

This is the third part of a series unpacking Plato's Republic. This episode dives into Book Three, focusing on the critique of Greek literature, the educational program divided into music and physical training, the introduction of the rulers from the warrior class, and the famous 'Noble Lie' that establishes the city's caste system. Discover how Plato criticises the Homeric myths, redefines moral standards, and proposes a structured society with an emphasis on ethical and harmonious living. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic Series 00:17 Overview of Book Three 04:06 The Role of Imitation in Education 09:55 Selection and Role of the Rulers 11:39 The Noble Lie and Caste System Introduction:Episode 1:Episode 2:Want to support the educational work of the wisdom Dojo? Consider becoming a supporter below 👇Best,Mahon. Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe