Merlin | Finding Your Way with Philosophy

ENRICHING LIVES & STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY THROUGH PHILOSOPHY

A Community Philosophy Non-Profit

Our programs are free to the public & support critical, creative thinking, the exchange of ideas, and the application of philosophy to everyday life. More broadly, they’re opportunities for people of all backgrounds & ages (from children to elders) to gather, to learn from and with one another, and to uniquely cultivate their personal and civic selves.

About Us

Inspiring Hearts & Minds

Exploring Big Ideas Under Big Skies

This video by philosophy-walk goer & narrator, Stephen Maly, of Helena Civic Television offers a glimpse at what we do on our philosophy walks on Merlin Nature Preserve.

Cross-disciplinary, innovative & fun

What Our Programs Aim to Do

Spark & encourage the exchange of ideas & the fun of doing philosophy
Promote critical, creative thought & reflection
Cultivate philosophical dispositions
Nurture & contribute to a sense of imagination of wonder
Reconnect people with nature by way of doing philosophy in inspiring places
Facilitate the application of philosophy to everyday of life
Inspire leadership & meaningful action
Build, foster, and strengthen the community & environment

What We Offer

PHILOSOPHY IN THE COMMUNITY

Philosophy Walks

Leisurely, outdoor meanderings on local trails that exercise your body and mind & help you reconnect with nature.

Think & Drinks

Fun “thinky” socials where people come together to explore questions and ideas together over snacks & beverages.

Philosophy Shorts

Shorter “hoot-worthy” gatherings that offer a chance to dive deep, no matter how much time you have to spread your wings.

Workshops & Series

Rigorous & accessible opportunities for people to engage in philosophical thinking & practice about various topics.

Philosophy Symposiums

Philosophy-inspired community conversations that examine special topics from different lenses & perspectives.

Philosophy Outings

Fun, outdoor get-away’s aimed at providing opportunities for sustained philosophical exploration in unique places. Coming soon…

Fellowships

Opportunities for local scholars/students to cultivate their philosophical sides under the mentorship of our Fellowship Team.

Fundraisers

Fundraisers help support our programs & keep critical, creative thinking alive! We have a number of ways to participate each year.

Special Programs

Philosophers love their categories…but sometimes, things just don’t fit into a box. That’s where our special programs come into play.

Support Community Philosophy

Love philosophy and want to help support our endeavors in the community? There are a number of ways you can do this. Become a donor, a sponsor, or a volunteer! Add your name to our Merlin Mailer list to receive periodic updates about our programs and events, announcements & philosophy in the community news!

Get Involved Merlin Mailer

From below side view of small white bird spreading dark wings and looking ahead while flying in sky

Testimonials

It’s not often that a lively public discussion tumbles out into a bar after the main event closes for further hashing, but it’s happened more than once with Merlin events I’ve gone to. Gone are the days of round-table cafe’ philosophical confabs sprouting spontaneously on street corners. Merlin fills a wonderful social role of providing forums for discussion of critical issues to our community. It provides a kind of fountain of ideas percolating among us in this time of rapid transformation and creative foment.

Tim Holmes,

Artist

Merlin is so important to our community because it promotes critical thinking and thoughtful interaction between anyone and everyone who wants to participate in an ongoing conversation about what it means to live our best lives. Without Merlin we would be leaving some of our most beautiful opportunities to interact intellectually with one another to chance, and what a misguided strategy that is. Thank you, Merlin, for getting us together and sharing our passions, fears and blessings.

Shane Doyle,

Educator & Native Nexus Consultant

I happened to be in Helena for three days in May 2024. On a whim, I walked up Reeder’s Alley, appreciating its historic aesthetic. I happened upon the sign for Merlin’s Think & Drink event, which happened to be that evening. It was awesome if not a bit intimidating — 25 intellectuals sitting in a circle, mulling over life’s big questions. And completely respectful of one another’s ideas. That’s a rare treat in today’s politically charged atmosphere. Something that really appealed to me was the tone of authentic relating amongst the group. I walked away with new friendships and an appreciation for philosophy, which I had not had much exposure to previously. So much so that I would love to see something like this back home where I live.

Rod Amacher,

Industrial Hygienist

Awesome! Just what our community needs!! Keep the critical thinking processes active & alive!!!

Brian Coplin,

Founder/ED, HELP Institute

I have always left Merlin’s Philosophy Think & Drinks and other events with new insights, ideas and questions and ponder these still. The value of a thoughtful exchange of ideas with people who I might not have had the opportunity to meet or encounter in my normal social circle has expanded my knowledge and often made me aware of a prejudice I had not recognized in myself. The way the sessions are structured allows for presentation of alternative ideas and views in a safe environment. Many times I’ve read a book or sought additional research on a topic after the event. I’ve met and gained new friends due to these sessions. My worldview has been expanded and this keeps me coming back.

Marie Z. Bourgeois,

Civil Engineer & Biomimicry Scholar

Anyone with a serious interest in philosophy is probably familiar with the experience of seeing someone’s eyes glaze over at the mere mention of philosophy or philosophical concepts. What makes Merlin so special is that it manages to make philosophy accessible, relatable and fun for everyone & it keeps things fresh with a wide range of activities. People from all walks of life, many of whom may never have thought of themselves as philosophers, are drawn to the opportunity to engage in thoughtful, civil discourse with their neighbors. I have had many friends, coworkers & acquaintances approach me to continue conversations that began at Merlin events. As a newcomer to Helena, I feel incredibly lucky to be one of Merlin’s beneficiaries. I was eager to make new friends in the community when I arrived. Joining local organizations & activities can be a good way to meet people, but it can be slow-going, often because meaningful engagement with others is a byproduct of some other, overarching goal. With Merlin, engagement is the goal. Through engagement, we develop respect for one another, build friendships, and strengthen the bonds of the community. I can confidently say that I, and Helena community, have benefited immensely from Merlin’s efforts.

Ryan Aikin,

Lawyer at Aikin Law Office

One of the primary ways Merlin brings value to the Helena community is by offering unique opportunities that pull diverse folks together to talk about stuff that otherwise wouldn’t be talked about.

Dennis McCahon,

Artist, Historian & Urban Design Geek

Over the past years, my wife and I have participated in several of Merlin’s activities & they always keep us coming back for more. First, I often hear things that make me question my own thinking. I get the opportunity to examine why I believe what I believe. In some cases, this solidifies my opinions & attitudes. In other cases, it truly has caused me to shift my perspective. Second, Merlin provides a safe forum for discussion & serves as the conduit for bringing together diverse groups of people with distinctly unique backgrounds. They create an encouraging & safe environment for social discourse, free of animosity and attack. That is something that is increasingly disappearing from our society. Third, Merlin activities are fun. Being new to the Helena area, Merlin has opened the door to meeting new people & making friends with folks that I would not otherwise have met. These relationships have helped my wife & I build a sense of community that transcends our jobs and immediate family, helping us feel part of the Helena region.

John Kesler,

Musician, Author & Consultant for Veteran’s

A Community Philosophy Non-Profit

Exploring Big Ideas Under Big Skies

What Our Programs Aim to Do

Community

Philosophy as a Way of Life

Some PWOL Principles

Some PWOL Principles Applied to Program Design