In this third instalment of the series on Plato's Republic, we will be diving into Book 2 of The Republic! The lecture explores the foundational questions posed by Glaucon and Adeimantus about the nature of justice and its value compared to injustice, Glaucon's myth of 'the ring of Gyges' and its implications on human behaviour are discussed, along with the comparison to Tolkien's narrative in 'The Lord of the Rings'. The video also examines the formation of the ideal city, Kallipolis, as an analogy for justice and the psyche. It concludes with insights into the educational program for the guardian class and Plato's critique of poets like Homer. Watch the video below for a deep dive into one of philosophy's most enduring texts 👇 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Course Overview 00:25 Main Themes of Book Two 01:12 Glaucon's Challenge and the Nature of Goods 03:10 The Ring of Gyges and Ethical Relativism 10:34 The Ideal City and the Role of Guardians 19:06 Education and the Role of Stories 23:34 Conclusion and Next StepsIntroduction episode:Book One: Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

This might be my favourite podcast of all time, no messing around!Dc Schindler has returned for the third time and we are discussing Plato’s critique of the images in the Republic and particularly how this applies to the internet and modern digital culture? Daring to ask the question, has the internet literally put us in Plato’s Cave? We discuss the nature of truth and manipulation in world ever increasingly dominated by images, being trapped inside a scientistic tyranny, and how we can escape the cave and return to standing on solid ground with the Platonic conception of reality as “the good”. A lot of the discussion is based on DC’s brilliant book “Plato’s Critique of Impure Reason” (which I highly recommend)Check out the full video conversation (ironically in moving images…) 👇Chapters00:00 Plato's Critique of Images11:21 The Digital Cave and Modern Society18:08 Manipulation and the Search for Truth27:30 Ego-Centrism to Good-Centrism33:18 The Nature of Transcendence and Imminence35:02 Navigating the Cave: Plato's Allegory and Virtue Ethics37:49 The Pursuit of Virtues: Grace and Ideal Excellences41:50 Understanding Forms: The Reality Beyond Physical Objects46:42 The Role of Images: Idols vs. Icons in Perception51:53 The Challenge of Digital Reality: Navigating the Internet's Influence01:01:30 Finding Footholds: The Search for Meaning in a Digital AgeWant to support the mission of the Wisdom Dojo to provide free philosophical education at the end of the meaning crisis? Consider becoming a patron below 👇Best,Mahon. Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Dr Peter Larsen is a lecturer in Philosophy at Dublin City University, specialising in ancient philosophy and particularly the cognitive psychology of Plato and Aristotle. In this conversation, we discusses Plato's Timaeus, exploring its themes of cosmology, the nature of the cosmos, and the relationship between natural science and ethics. We emphasizes the importance of understanding both divine and necessary causes, the role of the forms, and the overarching concept of the good in Plato's philosophy. We delve into the intersections of philosophy, science, and causation, exploring the contemplative tradition, the limitations of physicalism, and the role of teleology in understanding reality. They discuss the aims of science, the insights of Plato and Berkeley, and the implications of causation on free will and determinism, ultimately questioning the completeness of scientific explanations in light of philosophical inquiries. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Plato and the Timaeus 06:11 Exploring the Nature of the Cosmos 12:53 Divine and Necessary Causes in Natural Science 20:11 The Forms and Their Relation to Physical Reality 30:34 The Good and Its Role in Understanding Reality 35:36 Exploring the Contemplative Tradition 36:22 The Aim of Science: Beyond Physicalism 39:43 The Limits of Physicalist Natural Science 41:49 The Role of Regularities in Understanding Reality 42:19 Berkeley's Insights on Causation 45:10 Causal Hierarchies and the Divided Line 48:29 Constraints and Causality in Science 50:11 Teleology and Causation: A Philosophical Inquiry 53:11 Revisiting Plato's Causation in Modern Contexts 57:41 Understanding Causation: Necessary vs. Divine 01:01:30 The Debate on Determinism and Free WillWant to support the mission of the Wisdom Dojo to provide philosophical training for the digital age? Then consider sharing this post or becoming a supporter below 👇Best,Mahon. Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into Book 1 of Plato's Republic. The focus is on understanding what justice is not, through detailed analyses of dialogues and key themes. From Socrates' descent to the Piraeus symbolizing a philosophical journey into the world of appearances, we examine the contrasting definitions of justice provided by Cephalus, Polemarchus, and Thrasymachus. The philosophical tension between power, wisdom, and the ultimate purpose of justice is explored, setting the stage for a deeper inquiry in Book 2.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic00:04 Structure of the First Dialogue00:14 Socrates' Descent to the Piraeus01:55 Encounter with Polemarchus06:45 Part Three: Polemarchus' Definition of Justice07:49 Socrates' Counterarguments10:10 Part Four: Thrasymachus Enters the Scene11:05 Thrasymachus' Definition of Justice13:41 Socrates vs. Thrasymachus18:15 The Conclusion of Book OneWant to support the mission of the Wisdom Dojo to provide philosophical training for the digital age? Then consider sharing this post or becoming a supporter below 👇Best,Mahon. Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Donald is a Scottish-born cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and author, known for his work in integrating modern cognitive-behavioral therapy with Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, particularly Stoicism. He is the CEO and founder of the Plato’s Academy Center in Athens and the author of several best-selling books such as “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” and “Stoicism and the Art of Happiness”.His latest book “How To Think Like Socrates” is the best book I’ve ever read on Socrates! It’s a delightful blend of biography, novel, philosophy and psychology and as Donald said, it’s the book he wishes he had about Socrates growing up and I’m very glad that he has written it. Highly recommend picking up a copy if you are interested in philosophy, history, psychology or just fancy a good read:https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Think-Like-Socrates-Philosophy/dp/1250280508In this conversation, we discuss the relevance of Socratic philosophy in today's world, particularly in the context of modern democracy and social media. Donald emphasises the importance of the Socratic method as a form of dialogue that serves as a therapeutic tool for self-knowledge and understanding biases. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of cognitive flexibility, the dangers of rigid thinking, and the need for a nuanced approach to self-help advice, ultimately advocating for a Socratic approach to learning and understanding.Watch the full conversation 👇https://youtu.be/DztbWigcO-UChapters:00:00 Socratic Inspirations: A Journey Through Philosophy10:20 The Socratic Method: Dialogue as Therapy20:44 Socrates and the Athenian Democracy: A Timeless Relevance30:14 Social Media and the Modern Sophists: A New Age of Rhetoric41:50 The Impact of Social Media on Perception43:25 The Importance of Critical Thinking45:50 Socratic Method and Its Relevance Today48:09 Socrates: A Model of Courage and Wisdom50:57 Reinterpreting Socratic Dialogues for Modern Readers54:31 The Role of Self-Help Literature in Personal Development57:50 Cognitive Flexibility and Its Importance01:01:10 The Dangers of Rigid Thinking01:03:45 Navigating Self-Help Advice Wisely01:08:01 The Socratic Approach to Learning and UnderstandingWant to support the mission of the Wisdom Dojo to provide philosophical training for the digital age? Then consider sharing this post or becoming a supporter below 👇https://www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe?gift=true Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

The first lecture of the Plato's Republic course.This will be the first of eleven lectures, the following lectures tracking each of the ten books of the Republic 🏛️This lecture is an introduction to Plato and his Republic through the lens of John Vervaeke’s concept of a Meaning Crisis.Expect to learn about:👉 Plato's context: the Peloponnesian war, natural philosophers and the Sophists.👉 The Meaning Crisis from @johnvervaeke and how the fall of golden age Athens is similar to the modern age👉 Why the meaning crisis fuels existential issues, the mental health crisis and the rise of pseudo-religious ideologies👉 How Socrates, Plato and Aristotle offer a solution to the meaning crisis through the pursuit of wisdom and rationalityThis lecture and lecture series draws will draw on important secondary works on Plato such as "Plato's Critique of Impure Reason" by DC Schindler, The Awakening From the Meaning Crisis series by John Verveake and Michael Sugrues's YouTube lectures on Plato.If you’re picking up a copy of the Republic recommend getting the G.M.A Grube edition (edited by CDC Reeves) or the Allan Bloom translationChapters:00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic00:46 The Historical Context of Plato's Republic02:31 The Rise of the Sophists03:55 The Meaning Crisis in Ancient Athens04:29 The Modern Meaning Crisis08:53 The Greek Solution: Socrates and Plato09:43 Socrates' Life and Philosophy15:11 Plato's Life and Legacy16:32 Interpreting Plato's Dialogues19:24 Conclusion and Next StepsThe next lecture will be available towards the end of February. If you want to support the provision of free philosophical education and transformation, consider becoming a supporter, sharing the dojo with a friend or leaving a comment👇 Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Brandon Griggs is the author of the Tech For Life Substack (check it out here https://www.techforlife.com/) exploring the central question: How do we get good at godlike technology?In this podcast, we delve into the multifaceted relationship between technology and society, exploring the ethical implications of digital advancements, the challenges faced by digital natives, and the necessity for a universal ethical framework. The conversation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the digital landscape and the role of community in shaping ethical norms.Chapters:00:00 Exploring Technology's Impact on Humanity06:42 The Accidental Nature of Technology12:43 Navigating Between Digital and Non-Digital Worlds18:43 The Challenge of Emotional Literacy in a Digital Age24:21 Active Inference and Digital Behavior30:23 The Future of Ethical Education in a Digital World40:18 Contextual Understanding in Digital Spaces45:38 Business Incentives and Algorithm Control52:10 Trial and Error in Digital Infrastructure57:40 Planetary Scale Computation and Governance01:03:54 Ethics and Technology in a Complex WorldWant to support the Substack? You can become a paid subscriber below 👇https://www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe?gift=trueBest,Mahon. Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Ben White, a Leverhulme-funded PhD candidate at the University of Sussex, dives into the 'meaning crisis' and its interplay with technology and neuroscience. He discusses how active inference can help us understand our relationship with the environment and the implications for education. The conversation highlights the dual role of technology—scaffolding meaning yet potentially diminishing human agency. Ben also explores the challenges of addiction and social media, advocating for a more authentic technological landscape that fosters genuine well-being.

Alicia Juarrero is President and co-founder of VectorAnalytica, Inc., and Visiting Research Scholar at the University of Miami. She is the author of Dynamics in Action (MIT Press) and recently, Context Changes Everything: How constraints create coherence (2023). Grounding her work in the problem of causation, Alicia challenges previously held beliefs that only forceful impacts are causes. Constraints, she claims, bring about effects as well, and they enable the emergence of coherence.Get the book 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262545667/Summary:In this conversation, we discusses 'Context Changes Everything' and the dismissal of context in philosophy. She highlights the role of context in intentions, behavior, identities, and more. Juattero explains how the reductionist worldview and the focus on bottom-up causality have led to the neglect of top-down causality and the inability to understand coherent wholes. She explores the importance of understanding wholes as emergent properties and the need to rethink ontology and epistemology. The conversation also touches on topics like artificial intelligence, evolvability, and the limitations of the mechanistic metaphor for the mind.Full podcast 👇https://youtu.be/a14Q1-q-NP8Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Framing03:05 The Dismissal of Context in Philosophy08:47 The Neglect of Top-Down Causality15:00 Rethinking Ontology and Epistemology21:01 The Limitations of Artificial Intelligence22:59 The Failure of the Mechanistic Metaphor for the Mind35:05 Imagination and Coordination41:42 Ethics and Constraints49:06 The Interface between Principle and Practice54:07 The Attentional Infrastructure Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

New podcast with Colin Deyoung & Adam Safron on their integration of Cybernetic Big five Personality theory and the Active Inference Framework to model persons for therapeutic purposes and possibly the creation of better AI.Colin Deyoung is a personality psychologist, personality neuroscientist, the creator of the Cybernetic Big Five Personality theory and the associate professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota, and a former student of Jordan Peterson.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.Check out their paper!!!https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/653wpWatch the full conversation 👇https://youtu.be/ldrtI9CrlSUChapters:00:00 Introduction to Cybernetics and the Free Energy Principle11:07 The Big Five Theory in Personality Psychology14:24 Integrating Cybernetics and the Free Energy Principle21:08 The Motivation for Integrating Cybernetics and Personality Psychology22:57 Personality Traits as Control Parameters in Cybernetic Systems27:21 The Contextual Nature of Personality Traits30:34 The Relationship Between Personality Traits and World Models35:59 The Interplay Between Stability and Plasticity in Personality Traits40:42 Relevance Realization and Personality Traits43:07 The Role of Personality Traits in Solving the Frame Problem47:13 Inactivism and Computationalism51:20 The Role of Representation54:41 Embodiment and Extended Cognition59:02 Examining the Homunculus and Cartesian Theater01:04:39 The Role of the Hippocampus01:08:03 The Connection Between the Hippocampus and Narrative01:12:37 Understanding Cortical Gradients01:14:44 The Complex Relationship Between Embodiment, Self-Modeling, and Consciousness Get full access to Wisdom Dojo at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe