Merlin Director Featured in Humanities MT Environmental Humanities Perspective Series

Part of a Humanities Montana series on environmental humanities, this short essay by Merlin Director Marisa Diaz-Waian reflects upon nature, friendship, and this special place called home. Read the essay here!

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Philosophy Workshop: “Myth in Philosophy”

This workshop explored the role of myth within philosophy, the life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. What kinds of myths are there? When & how can myths be used effectively and appropriately? What does it mean to engage with myth in a specifically philosophical mode? How do mythic modes of understanding enrich, complement, or complete other ways of thinking and knowing, like the logical or analytical? Access resources & photos here!

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October 2022 Halloween Hayride-Philosophy Walk (“The White Wolf of Merlin”)

Howwwwwl! We had such a great time on our Halloween Hayride-Philosophy Walk this year. And what an insightful, inspiring, and energetic bunch of thinkers — kids, parents, and costumed creatures alike!! Check out pictures & all the things we explored here!

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How Did We Get Here?: Empathy

In this first installment of our new “How Did We Get Here?” series led by 2nd-year Student Scholar Fellow, Julianna Breit, we considered the intellectual history and lineage of the concept of empathy. Access resources & photos here.

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September 2022 Philosophy Symposia Series: Gaia & Indigenous Perspectives on Nature

In this symposia series, led by guest scholars Martin Ogle and Lailani Upham we explored our relationship with nature as viewed by Gaia Theory & Indigenous worldviews, respectively. Events involved discussions and reflections about the inter-connectivity of earth (and its numerous inhabitants), mythology, science, literature, and ethics. Access audio-video, resources & photos here!

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What Our SHARP General Operating Support Grant Helped to Fund & Support

In June of 2021, our organization was awarded a $10,000 grant, known as the SHARP General Operating Support Grant, by Humanities MT and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Operating support grants are rare, but so critical! Check out what sorts of things our SHARP Grant helped to fund & support here!

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Philosophy Workshop: “How to Meditate with a Text”

For thousands of years, people seeking after wisdom have approached important texts as invitations for meditation, whose treasures can be uncovered through careful, deliberate practices of attention. In this workshop, we explored some of these techniques, combining practical instruction with reflections on the theoretical and conceptual background needed to make sense of the practices. Access photos & resources here!

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