How Did We Get Here?: Empathy

In this first installment of our new “How Did We Get Here?” series led by 2nd-year Student Scholar Fellow, Julianna Breit, we considered the intellectual history and lineage of the concept of empathy. Access resources & photos here.

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September 2022 Philosophy Symposia Series: Gaia & Indigenous Perspectives on Nature

In this symposia series, led by guest scholars Martin Ogle and Lailani Upham we explored our relationship with nature as viewed by Gaia Theory & Indigenous worldviews, respectively. Events involved discussions and reflections about the inter-connectivity of earth (and its numerous inhabitants), mythology, science, literature, and ethics. Access audio-video, resources & photos here!

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What Our SHARP General Operating Support Grant Helped to Fund & Support

In June of 2021, our organization was awarded a $10,000 grant, known as the SHARP General Operating Support Grant, by Humanities MT and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Operating support grants are rare, but so critical! Check out what sorts of things our SHARP Grant helped to fund & support here!

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Philosophy Workshop: “How to Meditate with a Text”

For thousands of years, people seeking after wisdom have approached important texts as invitations for meditation, whose treasures can be uncovered through careful, deliberate practices of attention. In this workshop, we explored some of these techniques, combining practical instruction with reflections on the theoretical and conceptual background needed to make sense of the practices. Access photos & resources here!

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Merlin Receives $5,500 Grant from Helena Area Community Foundation for their Philosophy in the Community Program(s)

Thank you so much to the Helena Area Community Foundation for their support of our philosophy in the community program, home to numerous free activities that get us thinking together and learning from and with one another! Learn more here!

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May 2022 Philosophy Walk: “Place, Climate Change & Urban Design – Some Practical Applications”

In this walk featuring Dennis McCahon and Patrick Judge, we’ll explore the connections between Helena’s “sense of place,” climate change, and urban design. Access info and photos here!

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Philosophy Workshop: “Beyond Mindfulness – Western Meditation Techniques in Theory & Practice”

In this workshop, we explored several techniques of meditation with deep roots in Western spiritual, religious, and philosophical life and practice.  We examined two daily practices, popular among the ancient Pythagoreans and Stoics, for developing the power of recollection and preparing ourselves for challenging circumstances.  And we considered more broadly the ways in which meditative practices can help us to develop our powers of attention, concentration, clarity, and discernment.  Learn more & access resources here!

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