worldview Archives - Merlin CCC

October 2019 Philosophy Walk: Story & Imagination Across Cultures

We had so much fun on our October Philosophy Walk. Our group of 15 enjoyed the splendors of Mother Nature on Merlin Nature Preserve and explored the role of story and imagination across cultures. As a special treat, we also got to experience drumming & singing with Shane Doyle, an immersive “imagination cultivation” exercise with Henry Kramer, and to be part of the joyous news delivered by some of our walk-goers that (as of the morning of the walk) they had become new grandparents! What a great way to start a story!!! Access audio recordings & photos from the walk here!

Thought Experiments & Change: Is Abandoning Utopia a Mistake?

Can utopianism be salvaged? Should it be? For many, the answer is no. But there are reasons to suggest, claims philosopher Espen Hammer, that a fully modern society cannot live without a utopian consciousness. But even if we were to adopt this stance, we must do this with caution. What preoccupies our utopian imagination is of utmost importance.

Discovering the Jerk in You

Sure…we all know people who are jerks. Maybe we’re even a jerk at times. But what exactly does it mean to be a jerk? Professor of philosophy, Eric Schwitzgebel discusses his “Theory of Jerkitude” in detail and claims that one of the great benefits of such a theory: in addition…

Cynicism & Dementia

A healthy amount of doubt and skepticism (in its generic sense) is a good thing. But what happens when skepticism goes radically awry or turns into cynicism? According to George Carlin, “Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.” Put in context…yes! However, one could also argue that idealism…