“Philosophy In & By the Community”: Merlin & Helena Community Members featured in Vernon Press Anthology

A 2021 Vernon Press anthology series edited by Stephen Kekoa Miller featuring eight chapters about doing philosophy in innovative ways, both in the schools and the community at large. In our chapter, “Philosophy In & By the Community,” we explore how Merlin CCC — with the help & support of community — has taken shape in interesting, delightful, and unexpected ways.  In the process, we discuss our approach to philosophy, the kind of work we do, and some of its characteristics…as well as the significance & beauty of community & place. Learn more here!

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Merlin Featured in APA: An “Into Philosophy” Series Interview

An American Philosophical Association special series by Jeremy Bendik-Keymer and the “Into Philosophy” Team. This interview with Merlin CCC Founder & Director, Marisa Diaz-Waian, is part of a collection of collaborative essays/mini-series called “Philosophy as a Way of Life.” Read the interview here!

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Spotlight on Helena: Field Education & Research

Field education and research is an important part of public philosophy.   Helena and its residents are a huge source of inspiration for us.  We learn and grow from you.  We also get to share how amazing you are with people outside of Helena!  As part of our commitment to living the philosophical life and enriching and fine-tuning our craft, we regularly participate in several conferences and workshops throughout the year. This is also where we get to brag about you, Helena! Check out some highlights from 2019…and things on the radar for 2020!

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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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Philosophy as a Way of Life: Reviving the Art of Thinking & Living Well

Philosophy as a way of life has begun to re-emerge, thanks to the efforts of countless individuals — within and outside of formal academia — who have held tight to the belief that philosophy is and can be a guide to living well (in all that that entails). The NEH “Reviving Philosophy as a Way of Life” Summer Institute — led by Professors Meghan Sullivan, Steve Angle & Stephen Grimm and attended by a diverse group of scholars (of which we were lucky enough to be a part!) — is a vibrant example of a movement to re-align the seating arrangements (no more back seat for you practical side of philosophy!) and revive philosophy as the art of thinking and living well. To have been selected to participate in the National Endowment for Humanities Summer Institute was a tremendous honor! We are grateful for the amazing opportunity and to everyone in the PWOL/Stoa family!

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The Moral Dimensions of Homelessness: Special Topic Philosophy Discussions

In light of the rise in concern about homelessness in Helena, we are dedicating our August and September Think & Drink sessions [as well as our September Think & Drink (squared) session] to discuss the moral dimensions of homelessness.

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Merlin Selected for NEH Summer Institute Philosophy Workshop

Philosophy as a “way of life” is integral to what we do as an organization. Philosophy is not meant to be closed away in some book but, rather, to be lived! To have been selected to participate in the National Endowment for Humanities Summer Institute “Reviving Philosophy as a Way of Life” is such an honor! We are so excited for the opportunity!

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Philosophy in the Community at the APA Conference

Thank you so much to PLATO for inviting us to serve as panelists at the American Philosophical Association Pacific Division Conference in San Diego, CA in March 2018. It was an honor to speak alongside such amazing scholars doing great work in the field and to contribute to such an important movement. Long live philosophy in the community!

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