In this philosophy walk led by philosopher Christopher Preston we explored five core questions centered around our relationship with and conceptions of the wild. Access audio recordings and photos here!
In this philosophy workshop led by student scholar fellow Julianna Breit, we explored our roles in empathy, questioning the aim of empathetic interactions, and analyzing what empathy looks like when it’s done well. After looking at the aesthetic foundations of empathy, we considered the interplay between savoring the other’s emotion and mitigating our own emotional overload. Access resources & photos here!
This workshop explored the role of myth within philosophy, the life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. What kinds of myths are there? When & how can myths be used effectively and appropriately? What does it mean to engage with myth in a specifically philosophical mode? How do mythic modes of understanding enrich, complement, or complete other ways of thinking and knowing, like the logical or analytical? Access resources & photos here!
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!
In this walk led by philosopher David Nowakowski, we explored what it means for us to strive for excellence in our own lives and to appreciate the excellence of others. Access audio recordings and photos here!
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!
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!
In this workshop designed and led by Merlin Student Scholar Fellow Julianna Breit, we offered a framework for acknowledging and understanding grief’s role in our lives through the lens of philosophy. Access resources & photos here.
