Young Plato: The Power of Caring Philosophy & Education for Dealing with Intergenerational Trauma at Holy Cross with Neasa Ní Chianáin and Kevin McArevey

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure to talk with Irish filmmaker Neasa Ní Chianáin and the main protagonist, principal, and philosopher Kevin McArevey about the astounding, moving, and inspirational documentary Young Plato. We talk about the importance and relevance of philosophy and education both for students and parents at the Holy Cross Primary School in Belfast’s Ardoyne amidst the fragility, isolation, and despair felt and experienced within the community.

These children are taught to not only think for themselves but at the same time to accept other viewpoints and opinions and to not engage in violence but to replace reflexive actions with reflective behaviors. We also talk about Elvis who is not only Kevin’s muse of choice but whose music, voice, and life move, inspire, and build bridges.