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 Steps

Introduction episode:

Book One:

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…) 👇

Chapters

00:00 Plato's Critique of Images

11:21 The Digital Cave and Modern Society

18:08 Manipulation and the Search for Truth

27:30 Ego-Centrism to Good-Centrism

33:18 The Nature of Transcendence and Imminence

35:02 Navigating the Cave: Plato's Allegory and Virtue Ethics

37:49 The Pursuit of Virtues: Grace and Ideal Excellences

41:50 Understanding Forms: The Reality Beyond Physical Objects

46:42 The Role of Images: Idols vs. Icons in Perception

51:53 The Challenge of Digital Reality: Navigating the Internet's Influence

01:01:30 Finding Footholds: The Search for Meaning in a Digital Age

Want 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.

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 Will

Want 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.

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 Republic

00:04 Structure of the First Dialogue

00:14 Socrates' Descent to the Piraeus

01:55 Encounter with Polemarchus

06:45 Part Three: Polemarchus' Definition of Justice

07:49 Socrates' Counterarguments

10:10 Part Four: Thrasymachus Enters the Scene

11:05 Thrasymachus' Definition of Justice

13:41 Socrates vs. Thrasymachus

18:15 The Conclusion of Book One

Want 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.

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/1250280508

In 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-U

Chapters:

00:00 Socratic Inspirations: A Journey Through Philosophy

10:20 The Socratic Method: Dialogue as Therapy

20:44 Socrates and the Athenian Democracy: A Timeless Relevance

30:14 Social Media and the Modern Sophists: A New Age of Rhetoric

41:50 The Impact of Social Media on Perception

43:25 The Importance of Critical Thinking

45:50 Socratic Method and Its Relevance Today

48:09 Socrates: A Model of Courage and Wisdom

50:57 Reinterpreting Socratic Dialogues for Modern Readers

54:31 The Role of Self-Help Literature in Personal Development

57:50 Cognitive Flexibility and Its Importance

01:01:10 The Dangers of Rigid Thinking

01:03:45 Navigating Self-Help Advice Wisely

01:08:01 The Socratic Approach to Learning and Understanding

Want 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

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 rationality

This 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 translation

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic

00:46 The Historical Context of Plato's Republic

02:31 The Rise of the Sophists

03:55 The Meaning Crisis in Ancient Athens

04:29 The Modern Meaning Crisis

08:53 The Greek Solution: Socrates and Plato

09:43 Socrates' Life and Philosophy

15:11 Plato's Life and Legacy

16:32 Interpreting Plato's Dialogues

19:24 Conclusion and Next Steps

The 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👇

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 Humanity

06:42 The Accidental Nature of Technology

12:43 Navigating Between Digital and Non-Digital Worlds

18:43 The Challenge of Emotional Literacy in a Digital Age

24:21 Active Inference and Digital Behavior

30:23 The Future of Ethical Education in a Digital World

40:18 Contextual Understanding in Digital Spaces

45:38 Business Incentives and Algorithm Control

52:10 Trial and Error in Digital Infrastructure

57:40 Planetary Scale Computation and Governance

01:03:54 Ethics and Technology in a Complex World

Want to support the Substack? You can become a paid subscriber below 👇

https://www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe?gift=true

Best,

Mahon.

Ben graduated from the University of Edinburgh’s flagship Mind, Language, and Embodied Cognition MSc. He is a Leverhulme-funded PhD candidate at the University of Sussex under Andy Clark's mentorship, where his research focuses on neuroscience and digital technology.

Read Ben's research here

Summary

In this conversation, we explore the concept of the meaning crisis, its implications for human agency, and the role of technology in shaping our understanding of meaning. We also discuss how active inference provides a framework for understanding the relationship between individuals and their environments, particularly in the context of education and technology. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by social media and addiction, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to technology that fosters genuine meaning and well-being.

Timestamps:

00:00 Exploring the Meaning Crisis

09:23 Defining Meaning and Its Dimensions

17:57 The Role of Technology in Meaning

29:41 Education, Agency, and Active Inference

41:04 Adaptive Technology and Its Implications

52:26 Addiction, Agency, and Meaning

01:03:10 The Future of Technology and Meaning

Some key takeaways

* The meaning crisis is a developmental crisis that affects our ability to find meaning in life.

* Active inference offers a framework for understanding how agents interact with our environments.

* Technology can both scaffold and diminish our sense of agency.

* Education systems need to cultivate character traits that support meaningful living.

* Addiction often arises from a lack of meaning, leading to short-term pleasure-seeking behaviors.

* Gamification in technology can lead to a loss of genuine engagement and meaning.

* Design strategies for technology should prioritize sincerity and transparency.

* The relationship between agency and technology is complex and requires careful consideration.

* Meaning can be found in both virtual and physical environments, but the nature of that meaning may differ.

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-NP8

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Framing

03:05 The Dismissal of Context in Philosophy

08:47 The Neglect of Top-Down Causality

15:00 Rethinking Ontology and Epistemology

21:01 The Limitations of Artificial Intelligence

22:59 The Failure of the Mechanistic Metaphor for the Mind

35:05 Imagination and Coordination

41:42 Ethics and Constraints

49:06 The Interface between Principle and Practice

54:07 The Attentional Infrastructure

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/653wp

Watch the full conversation 👇

https://youtu.be/ldrtI9CrlSU

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Cybernetics and the Free Energy Principle

11:07 The Big Five Theory in Personality Psychology

14:24 Integrating Cybernetics and the Free Energy Principle

21:08 The Motivation for Integrating Cybernetics and Personality Psychology

22:57 Personality Traits as Control Parameters in Cybernetic Systems

27:21 The Contextual Nature of Personality Traits

30:34 The Relationship Between Personality Traits and World Models

35:59 The Interplay Between Stability and Plasticity in Personality Traits

40:42 Relevance Realization and Personality Traits

43:07 The Role of Personality Traits in Solving the Frame Problem

47:13 Inactivism and Computationalism

51:20 The Role of Representation

54:41 Embodiment and Extended Cognition

59:02 Examining the Homunculus and Cartesian Theater

01:04:39 The Role of the Hippocampus

01:08:03 The Connection Between the Hippocampus and Narrative

01:12:37 Understanding Cortical Gradients

01:14:44 The Complex Relationship Between Embodiment, Self-Modeling, and Consciousness