Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Immortality, and Dad

Immortality is a common theme in circles of philosophical, theological, and others fields of thought…and for obvious reasons.  When we lose the ones we love, its hard to let them go.  When James Vlahos’ father was diagnosed with cancer, he wondered if there was a way to keep the essence…

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The History of Hunting and Conservation: Ethical Dilemmas & Concerns

The relationship between hunting and conservation has a long, complex history and poses numerous ethical dilemmas. On one side of the argument is the claim that hunting fees help fund conservation; on the other side is the claim that these benefits are exaggerated and that killing game animals is wrong. In between…

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Neuroscience: A New Model for Punishment & Reform?

In this article of the Atlantic, neuroscientist and author, David Eagleman, examines our criminal-justice system and the brain and advocates for a more “biologically-informed jurisprudence.”  Why?  “Acts cannot be understood separately from the biology of the actors, says Engelman, ” and this recognition has legal implications.” This (among other obvious…

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September 2017 Philosophy Think & Drink

Our September Think & Drink was a particularly lively one with a bunch of new faces added to the mix. What fun! After some deliberation, our group decided to run with a question posed by Dayna Baumeister about discourse — namely, “How do we transition from a polarized society to…

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Merlin to Lead MWA Staff Philosophy Walk in October

We are elated (and honored) to have been asked to lead a special Philosophy Walk for the MWA staff on the environment, conservation/preservation, stewardship, epistemology & more!

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2017 Think on the Links Philosophy Classic Charity Golf Tournament

Our 2nd Annual Fall fundraiser — Think on the Links Philosophy Classic — was rad! While Mother Nature threw us a bit of a curve ball — it’s hard to complain about rain & snow when we severely needed it — our crew of 30 hung in there during the colder parts of the morning and were rewarded with sunshine and stellar (and smoke-free) blue skies.

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September 2017 Philosophy Walk (Environmental Ethics, Conservation & Preservation)

Part 1 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on environmental ethics, conservation, preservation, hunting and hunting ethics, governance/policy and community took place on Sunday, September 24th on Merlin Nature Preserve.  And we couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day!  The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and…

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Merlin Receives $500 Grant from Helena Exchange Club

We are thrilled to announce that our organization has received our SECOND GRANT! Thank you so much to HELENA EXCHANGE CLUB for believing in our vision and awarding us $500 for our Philosophy in the Community Program(s) for youth, teens, and children.

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