What a wonderful way to finish 2018! A great crew and thoughtful discussion, coupled with tasty grog & eats….yes please!! Here is a look at what we explored, some pics of the fun, and a favorite quote from the eve that we still find ourselves giggling over (and relating with on a daily basis!).
Thank you so much to Sarah Elkins of Elkins Consulting for inviting us to be podcast guests on the Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will show. In this interview, “Between Your ‘Why’ and Your ‘How’ Are Your Stories,” Sarah helps us bring to light some of the inspirations behind Merlin, things that make us laugh, why holding room for space is important, and the beautiful symphony that is the Helena community.
Philosophers of the ancient world consistently describe understanding ourselves and our place in the wider world as one of the first steps toward living well. In this 3-hour “philosophy as a way of life”-inspired workshop led by special guest & Princeton scholar, David Nowakowski, PhD (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Union College), we looked at some of the insights provided by Ancient Greek thinkers concerning questions of self, free-will, responsibility, happiness, and more. View photos & access resources here!
Our 2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium Series “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” looked at numerous philosophical issues & perspectives related to ethics, the environment, and conservation stewardship, ranging from public vs. private land (including individual rights, collective rights, indigenous rights, other); landowner/steward-wildlife and habitat relationships, and; current & future environmental/conservation challenges. At this symposium, five panelists from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds focused on the second of these three areas of discussion and spoke for 7-10 minutes each. Then the forum was opened up to free-flowing audience-panelist Q & A. Access audio-video, photos & more here!
Sponsored by the Carroll College Philosophy Department and Merlin CCC, this evening program took place in the Sage Room of the Corrette Library at Carroll College. Directed by philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst, who also served as the moderator, this symposium was an informal conversation about different understandings of the Islamic faith and Middle-East Islamic culture.
Thank you so much to Troy Shockley and Newsradio 95 KCAP Helena for inviting us back on their Morning Coffee Show to talk shop about some of our philosophy in the community, including some things we have on the radar for 2019!
After three summer sessions exploring and discussing the moral dimensions of homelessness, our November Think & Drink marked a return to our normal gathering structure and dialogic style. After a discussion about civil discourse and conversational style — including some of the methodologies involved in Socratic dialogue — our group posed four possible questions. Check out what we landed upon and some of the philosophical things involved here!
Part 2 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on the environment, ethics & stewardship took place on Saturday, November 10th on Merlin Nature Preserve & Little Falcon Farm. The weather was cooperative, overcast with spells of sun (save a fast-moving temperature drop near the close of our gathering)! Sponsored in part by grants from The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization & Humanities Montana, our group shared dialogue about philosophical and other perspectives related to landowner-steward & wildlife-habitat relationships, and featured special guest speakers Christopher Preston, PhD and Jim Williams, MA.
