In this evening’s program, we looked at some of the major ways in which the concept of philosophy has evolved over the centuries. In doing so, we traced some of the important ways in which philosophers have understood the subject-matter of their discipline. And we examined how, from very early on, philosophers have been especially self-conscious of the history of philosophy, in a way that is unique from other sciences. Access photos & resources here!
Why is it worthwhile to act justly, even if we could “get away” with injustice? Doesn’t the successful thief or tyrant have a life that’s attractive and enviable? How does the kind of society that we live in shape our character, values, and attitudes as individuals? Is it even possible to be a healthy person, in a society that’s profoundingly sick and unbalanced? Over the winter and early spring, we’ll be exploring these and other main themes from Plato’s Republic. For 5 every-other-Wednesday sessions, we’ll balance our time and attention between close reading of Plato’s text, and considering the implications of Plato’s arguments for our own lives and times. Access resources here!
Thank you to John and the DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown family for your support of our organization. Your 2024 in-kind sponsorship will help to support our philosophy in the community activities through the provision of lodging for our out-of-town guest speakers.
What is (a) religion? What are religions for? Whom are they for? And conversely, if someone is “spiritual but not religious” (or simply not religious), what exactly is it that they aren’t? In this evening’s program, we explored some of the ways that the concept of “religion” has evolved and radically changed over time, along with the related concepts of spirituality and atheism. And we considered some of the social, political, and historical factors which have spurred changes in dominant and popular notions of religion, without necessarily reducing the domain of religion to merely those other factors. Access phots & resources here!
Thank you so much to the Public Philosophy Network for their support of our 2024-2025 special project on homelessness. Learn more here!
And just like that….it’s 2024. Whooo-wheee…what a ride it was! We’re so grateful and proud to be part of such a wonderful community and find ourselves continually inspired by each and every one of you, and all of the joy that philosophy brings! Here’s our Merlin Mailer year-in-review newsletter highlighting some of the happenings from 2023…and some of the things we have planned for you THIS YEAR, including your invite to come celebrate with us at On Broadway for our 10-year anniversary!! Check it out here!
Two-year Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Julianna Breit, graduated Carroll College in Spring of 2023. We’re excited to watch the next chapters of her life unfold. Check out a synopsis of her fellowship work, what she’ll be getting into in 2024, some fun post-graduation adventure photos, and some parting thoughts by Julianna (and us to her) here!!
We so enjoyed being invited to open up for PLATO’s Roundtable discussion on cultivating an ease with changing course. Learn more about PLATO and check out the recording here!
