white and black i love you print on gray concrete wall
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Merlin Awarded $1,250 Grant from PLATO for “Building Community through Laughter” Project

GRANT AWARD for public philosophy “BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH LAUGHTER” project An interactive public philosophy program with philosopher and comedian, Rodney Norman, that explores the relationship between comedy, community, and the good life. We are so excited about this project and to have the support of The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization. Thank you so much,…

book lot on black wooden shelf

Philosophy Shorts: the Virtues of the student

What are the qualities of an excellent student? Or, as ancient Greek philosophers would put it, what are the virtues, or excellences, which belong to students in general, and especially to students of philosophy? In this evening’s Zoom program led by community philosopher David Nowakowski we examined some passages on this theme, written by thinkers in the Hellenistic philosophy tradition, and engaged in lively conversation about the goals and methods of education, how virtues correspond, and how these apply in our lives today. Access resources here!

Meet Our 2026-2027 Student Scholar Fellow Jess Holmes
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Meet Our 2026-2027 Student Scholar Fellow Jess Holmes

STUDENT SCHOLAR FELLOW U of M PHILOSOPHY GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDED 2026-2027 FELLOWSHIP We are delighted to announce and introduce you to our 2026-2027 Student Scholar Fellow, Jess Holmes. Over the next year, Jess will be assisting us with various philosophy in the community projects, including our 2026 Art as Transformation & 2027 Community Hubs projects,…

white and black i love you print on gray concrete wall
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Building Community through Laughter: Comedy & the Good Life

An interactive public philosophy program that explores the relationship between comedy, community, and the good life. Featuring a live comedy performance & post-performance talk-back with professional comedian and philosopher Rodney Norman, audience members will be invited to consider themes like identity, perception, courage, love, friendship, justice, happiness, and community. Learn more here!

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2025 Reeder’s Alley Summer Series Highlights

2025 Reeder’s Alley Summer Series Reeder’s Alley Summer Series Highlights 2025 marked the second year of our live music & community-oriented summer series in historic Reeder’s Alley. Check out some of the highlights below. Our 2025 Musicians Thank you to all of our wonderful musicians and songwriters for putting on such amazing shows for the…

Storyelling & Animals

Storyelling & Animals

A storytelling event for youth that featured heartwarming tales starring animals such as coyote, raven, wolf, and more. Weaving story, song, dance, and community together, our storytellers — Louise Fischer & Shane Doyle — invited youth to imagine, wonder, question, and play, and learn more about indigenous perspectives on the enlightening & enchanting role of animals in our lives and collective history. Kids and adults alike came dressed as their favorite critter to add to the fun! Access resources, listen to audio & view pictures here.