Philosophy Workshop: “Friendship & Actions” Reading & Discussion

In his Handbook, the Stoic philosopher Epictetus tells us that “the appropriate actions for us to do are usually measured out for us by our relations.” Epictetus suggests that we can see how to act fittingly in any given situation, based on how we are related to the other people involved, whether as family members, friends, fellow citizens, enemies, or in whatever other way. In this reading & discussion, we used some extended quotations from Simplicius’ commentary as a springboard for reflecting on friendship, and on the appropriate actions that arise from our relationships more generally. Access resources here!

Continue reading

Merlin Director Featured in Humanities MT Environmental Humanities Perspective Series

Part of a Humanities Montana series on environmental humanities, this short essay by Merlin Director Marisa Diaz-Waian reflects upon nature, friendship, and this special place called home. Read the essay here!

Continue reading

October 2022 Halloween Hayride-Philosophy Walk (“The White Wolf of Merlin”)

Howwwwwl! We had such a great time on our Halloween Hayride-Philosophy Walk this year. And what an insightful, inspiring, and energetic bunch of thinkers — kids, parents, and costumed creatures alike!! Check out pictures & all the things we explored here!

Continue reading

Philosophy Workshop: The Philosophy of Friendship (January 2020)

In this 2½-hour workshop led by David Nowakowski, we explored some classic arguments about friendship offered by Aristotle, the Stoic philosophers Epictetus and Seneca, and the traditions of ancient commentaries on these philosophers’ work.  We examined the what’s and why’s of friendship, in order to find guidance on how to navigate the difficult, challenging, and perplexing situations that all-too-often arise among friends. Access resources & photos here!

Continue reading

August 2018 Philosophy Read-In

Our August Philosophy Read-In was so much fun! We read two stories by Byrd baylor and enjoyed wonderful conversation. View pictures, a synopses of the stories, and some of the things we talked about here!

Continue reading

June 2018 Philosophy Drive-In

We had a wonderful time at our June Philosophy Drive-In.  Our group watched Stand By Me (one of our all-time favorite coming-of-age stories) and enjoyed a great post-film discussion about friendship, change, mortality, vulnerability, and growing up.  Some of the questions we explored included: Is it possible to have a coming-of-age…

Continue reading

May 2018 Philosophy Read-In

Our May Philosophy Read-In was so very special! Much like our maiden philosophy walk in October of 2015 (which consisted of a small but mighty crew), we were honored to have embarked on our maiden philosophy read-in voyage with a wonderfully insightful and kind young lad, named Thomas, and his mother, Janet.

Continue reading

DOJO TWO (WEEK 6r): “The Good Life,” Plato’s Symposium (Part 1)

This portion of week 6 we will begin our exploration of “The Good Life” and dive into Plato’s Symposium (part 1). NOTE: This week is split between two dojos — Dojo One & Dojo Two. The ‘r’ represents the Thursday of week 6.

Continue reading