Hello friends! What challenging times we are in! We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy and managing to navigate the waters of our current local and global health and economic climate as best as possible. We have created this page in an attempt to keep you abreast of any changes we have made to our community program scheduling due to COVID-19.
Philosophy is not just about critical, creative thinking. It is also about community – about a shared space for reflection, contemplation, inspiration, perspective, and growth. Philosophy can, we believe, bring us together…even when apart. As such, we have been hard at work to adapt our programming in ways that will continue to allow opportunities for us to come together, to learn from and with one another, and to be there for (and with) each other in times of need…as a community.
COVID PROTOCOL FOR OUR IN-PERSON THINK & DRINKS AND WORKSHOPS: According to the our current COVID protocol in Helena, it is required that masks be worn indoors (with some exceptions) and outdoors (for groups of 50+ when appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained). Our philosophy think & drinks and workshop gatherings fall well under the threshold in terms of group size and are set-up outdoors with adequate spacing between chairs for people to maintain social distancing. NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS NOT CONDUCIVE FOR OUTDOOR GATHERINGS, OUR THINK & DRINKS ARE ON HOLD AND WILL RECONVENE INDOORS ONCE COVID SITUATIONS IMPROVE.
COVID PROTOCOL FOR OUR PHILOSOPHY WALKS & IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS: According to the our current COVID protocol in Helena, it is required that masks be worn indoors and outdoors (for groups of 50+ when appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained). Our philosophy walks and in-person workshop gatherings usually fall well under the threshold in terms of group size. Even so, we do ask people to please be respectful and and practice appropriate precautions. We want to do our best to make everyone feel safe and comfortable as a community.
*For the purposes of our walks, we are encouraging people to bring their own masks with them as a precaution (if appropriate social distancing at our stopping/discussion spots along the trail is not possible) and, in general (in consideration of whatever the varying comfort levels of our numerous walk participants might be).
**ONGOING PROJECTS**
This project invites people to explore Helena afoot & consider questions about “place” – an oft overlooked but critical element to the understanding and appreciation of a city and its history. A space is abstract; a place is a space with meaning. From its historic storefronts and iconic architecture to its meandering natural walls and pathways, Helena is packed with “place.” But why? What is it about Helena that continues to call out — not as a dot on map but as a unique lived experience that beckons and makes one feel at home? Learn more about this project here!
“What Say You?” is a fun and casual internet-based philosophy in the community activity inspired by our belief that physical distancing need not equate to social distancing. Each week philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst will share some of his philosophical musings on our Merlin Facebook page and invite readers to comment and discuss.
Ideas and dialogue can be shared in a variety of ways. “What Say You?” is one way to do this and a casual means by which to explore philosophy with a guest scholar on-line. Think SNL’s “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy”….only with somewhat more gravity (maybe). Learn more here!