Philosophy Workshop: Thinking Ecologically About Virtue & Value (Fall 2019)

For many philosophers, scientists, and ordinary people, “species” are not only descriptive categories of how things are, but ideal models for how things should be. In this workshop, led by David Nowakowski, we took a whirlwind tour of “species” from antiquity to the present, in order to better understand the hidden assumptions behind our own thinking today…and what thinking ecologically might tell us about virtue & value. Access resources & photos here!

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Science on Tap: Three Thought Experiments that Revolutionized Science

Most people can identify the ideas that have revolutionized science as we know it.  But what about the thought experiments behind those ideas?  The ideas behind the ideas that gave rise to our vision of the world today? This free interactive & theatrical presentation was held on January 31st at ExplorationWorks as part of their Science on Tap project and explored three thought experiments that revolutionized science. Guest speakers Marisa Diaz-Waian (who played the role of the student), Martin Richard (the mad scientist) & Michael Chapman (the philosopher) examined the role of imagination and wonder in scientific and philosophical thinking and invited audience members to share in the fun!  

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June 2018 Philosophy Walk (Ideas, History, Values & Design)

Our June philosophy walk was such fun. Accompanied by weather that couldn’t quite make up its mind (but was lovely nonetheless), our group headed out at 9:30am from Reeder’s Alley for a fun jaunt around Helena and a delightful discussion about ideas, history, values & urban design with our guest…

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The Relevance of Philosophy in Modern Times

In this episode of Home Ground Radio, Brian Kahn and Professor Gordon Brittan discuss the origins of western philosophy and why it still has relevance today relative to: Globalization The individual and society Governance & policy Happiness Healthcare Equality and equity Technology The nature (and importance) of dialogue And more……

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Technology in the Classroom

In a time where on-line distractions are at an all-time high, is there room for technology in the classroom?  More precisely, can technology if used correctly help facilitate student engagement & enhance learning?  Recipient of the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer and Chemistry Lecturer and Ohio State…

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The Power of Metaphor

Metaphor is a powerful tool.  Philosophers, poets, scientists, artists, authors, and thinkers across the ages have turned to metaphor to help clarify ideas, make connections, enlarge perspectives and scope, and cross intellectual & emotional terrains.  In this wonderful On Being interview conducted on December 22nd of 2016, Krista Tippett and…

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Does Kindness Matter?

Merlin MCC | Does Kindness Matter?

Does kindness matter?  Can it really that make much of a difference in your life?  What about the lives of others?  What does it even mean to be kind?  His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, for example, speaks of kindness & compassion in conjunction with happiness; he also…

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