How Did We Get Here?: Freedom

In this installment of “How Did We Get Here?” with philosopher Ed Glowienka we considered something we all want, but can’t agree on how to get: freedom. We explored the shift between classical and Enlightenment notions of political freedom and looked at how reactions to this shift inform modern conservative and liberal values. Along the way, we did a bunch of other stuff, too, and hopefully gained a deeper appreciation of why we value freedom and of the philosophical positions underlying contemporary debates. Access photos & more here!

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August 2019 Philosophy Think & Drink (Missoula)

This month’s Think & Drink — facilitated by 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer — was chock-full of inquiry, tasty grog, and great discussion. Check out what sorts of things we explored & access resources here!

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2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium – “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” (Part 1)

Our 2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium Series “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” looked at numerous philosophical issues & perspectives related to ethics, the environment, and conservation stewardship, ranging from public vs. private land (including individual rights, collective rights, indigenous rights, other); landowner/steward-wildlife and habitat relationships, and; current & future environmental/conservation challenges. At this symposium, six panelists from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds focused on the first of these three areas of discussion and spoke for 7-10 minutes each. Then the forum was opened up to free-flowing audience-panelist Q & A. Access audio-video, photos & more here!

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September 2018 Philosophy Walk: The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship (Part 1)

Part 1 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on the environment, ethics & stewardship took place on Sunday, September 9th on Merlin Nature Preserve & Little Falcon Farm. What a spectacular day! The weather was beautiful — soft fluffy clouds, a slight breeze, and warm sunshine — and the conversation and company was equally wonderful! Sponsored in part by grants from The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization & Humanities Montana, this walk explored philosophical and other perspectives related to public vs. private lands and rights (individual, collective, indigenous, other) and featured special guest speakers Shane M. Doyle, EdD and Edward Glowienka, PhD.

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Merlin Philosophy Symposium in the Helena Independent Record

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to be interviewed by the Helena Independent Record about our 3-part philosophy symposium series on the environment, ethics & stewardship, the first of which will take place on Sept. 20th 2018 and will focus on philosophical issues and perspectives related to public vs. private lands & rights and responsibilities.

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May 2018 Philosophy Think & Drink (squared)

Our May Think & Drink (squared) was good fun. We enjoyed a wonderful discussion about morality & law led by Merlin advisory committee member & volunteer, Ryan Aikin. Click here to view what articles we read to prepare for our philosophical discussion and some other resources!

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Wildlife Management & Policy: Disease and De-listing

In these two articles, wildlife management and policy regarding disease control and the endangered species act are explored.  While measures aimed at controlling the spread of disease are not as controversial, the de-listing of once endangered species remains a highly debated topic. Article 1 In this article, chronic wasting disease…

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The Ethics of Hunting: Some Philosophical Questions to Consider

In these two articles, some philosophical questions about the morality of hunting are explored. Article 1 In the first article, “Is Hunting Moral?  A Philosopher Unpacks the Question,” Philosophy Ph.D. candidate, Joshua Duclos, discusses: Some of the rationales for why people hunt — conservation, subsistence, and trophy/sport hunting What bothers…

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