Ancient Greek Insights for Today’s America: A Philosophical Conversation

Sponsored by Merlin CCC and the Carroll College Philosophy Department, this free evening program was an informal conversation about greek philosophical insights and how they relate to and can help us navigate our everyday lived experiences. Invited guest scholars included: Barry Ferst, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College); David Nowakowksi, Philosopher & Senior Mentor for Fellowship Scholars (Merlin CCC; and, Mark Smillie, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College). 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer, served as moderator. Access audio-video & photos here!

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2019 Reeder’s Alley Block Party Community Fundraiser Event

We had a great time hosting the 5th Annual Reeder’s Alley Block Party this year and are thankful that so many people came out to enjoy the festivities despite the persnickety weather!  A celebration of community & ideas (and, of course, one of Helena’s most beloved historic sites — Reeder’s Alley), our fun and festive block party fundraiser was dog-friendly, kid-friendly, fun for all ages. Check out photos, videos, and more here!

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Merlin “Philosophy in the Community” Program Featured on PLATO

The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization has been by our side from day one.  They were our first grantors and have continued to support our organization annually in various ways since 2017.  In June of this year, we were interviewed by PLATO and asked various questions about Starting a philosophy community initiative, our program highlights, our goals & visions, and more. Check out the interview here!

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Merlin Philosophy Programs Selected by Humanities Montana for 2019-2020

We are pumped to have been asked & selected by Humanities Montana to create two programs about philosophy — both of which speak to the relevance and import of philosophical thinking in our everyday lives.

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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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Merlin Philosophy Walk on HCTV: Exploring Big Ideas Under the Big Sky

Produced by Stephen Maly and Jeanie Warden of Helena Civic Television, this video offers a snapshot of what you might experience on one our philosophy walks. Featuring guest speakers Ed Glowienka and Shane Doyle, this walk took place on Sunday, September 9th 2018 on Merlin Nature Preserve and Little Falcon Farm, and was part of our 3-part series on the environment, ethics & stewardship.

Thank you to the Helena Civic Television crew for joining us on our outing, capturing such beautiful footage, and adding such heart-warming commentary !  

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Congratulations Henry Kramer: 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow

We are thrilled to announce our 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer.  A graduate student at the University of Montana, Missoula, Henry is currently working toward two Master’s Degrees — one in Environmental Philosophy, and the other in Literature. As part of his fellowship work with Merlin, Henry will be developing, conducting and co-leading several philosophy in the community projects related to the human-nature relationship, environmental ethics, ecology, eco-phenomenology, and the phenomenology of imagination and story.

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Merlin on “Your Stories Don’t Define You” Podcast with Sarah Elkins

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.

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