Archive by category "Announcements"

Merlin Community Scholar Fellow in the Paper with His Article on Wolf Conservation

Congratulations to 2019 Merlin Community Scholar Fellow, Thomas Baumeister, for making the paper with his research and writing project on the democracy of wolf conservation. Prompted by bills currently being proposed in Montana that will decide the fate of wolves for years to come and the democratic process of conservation, Thomas asks us to consider the role of adaptive management and pragmatism (over blind ideology) and engaged citizenry(so that the ends do not justify the means) in wolf conservation. The article went live on the Merlin website on Friday, February 8th, was submitted for consideration as an op-ed to the Helena Independent Record on the same day, and appeared as a featured “guest view” article on-line and in print on Wednesday, February 13th.

Congratulations Henry Kramer: 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow

We are thrilled to announce our 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer. A graduate student at the University of Montana, Missoula, Henry is currently working toward two Master’s Degrees — one in Environmental Philosophy, and the other in Literature. As part of his fellowship work with Merlin, Henry will be developing, conducting and co-leading several philosophy in the community projects related to the human-nature relationship, environmental ethics, ecology, eco-phenomenology, and the phenomenology of imagination and story.

Merlin Community Scholar Fellow Makes the Paper with His Elk Project

Congratulations to 2019 Merlin Community Scholar Fellow, Thomas Baumeister, for making the paper with his research and writing project on elk. Prompted by a concern for the state of hunting and conservation and ethical questions regarding the measure of the hunt, fairness, and respect, Thomas offers valuable & important food for thought — for hunters and non-hunters alike. The article is a perfect example of how philosophy reaches beyond the classroom and why asking philosophical questions matter to our everyday lives (and the lives of others), practices, and policies. The piece went live on the Merlin website on Sunday. January 13th, was submitted for consideration as an op-ed to the Helena Independent Record on Monday, Jan. 14th, and appeared as a featured “guest view” article on-line and in print on Thursday, Jan. 17th.

Merlin Receives $1,000 Grant from Humanities Montana for their 2019 “Big Ideas by Little Philosophers” (BiLP) Program

Woo-Hoo! We are excited to announce that our organization has been awarded a $1,000 grant for our 2019 “Big Ideas by Little Philosophers” (BiLP) program from Humanities Montana. Our BiLP program is a dynamic, philosophy-inspired television-classroom series designed to help youth share their big ideas with the world. A collaborative venture with Helena Civic Television and Cottonwood School, the program combines classroom and one-on-one mentorship, pedagogy, philosophy, and theater. Learn more about the program and Humanities Montana here!

Merlin Philosophy Program Selected by Humanities Montana for 2019 “Montana Conversations”

We are thrilled to announce that our program, “Philosophy: What Is It Good For?”, has been selected as a Montana Conversations program by Humanities Montana for 2019.

Philosophy as a Way of Life: Reviving the Art of Thinking & Living Well

Philosophy as a way of life has begun to re-emerge, thanks to the efforts of countless individuals — within and outside of formal academia — who have held tight to the belief that philosophy is and can be a guide to living well (in all that that entails). The NEH “Reviving Philosophy as a Way of Life” Summer Institute — led by Professors Meghan Sullivan, Steve Angle & Stephen Grimm and attended by a diverse group of scholars (of which we were lucky enough to be a part!) — is a vibrant example of a movement to re-align the seating arrangements (no more back seat for you practical side of philosophy!) and revive philosophy as the art of thinking and living well. To have been selected to participate in the National Endowment for Humanities Summer Institute was a tremendous honor! We are grateful for the amazing opportunity and to everyone in the PWOL/Stoa family!

Merlin Philosophy Symposium in the Helena Independent Record

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to be interviewed by the Helena Independent Record about our 3-part philosophy symposium series on the environment, ethics & stewardship, the first of which will take place on Sept. 20th 2018 and will focus on philosophical issues and perspectives related to public vs. private lands & rights and responsibilities.

Welcome Jonathan Drake: Newest Member of the Merlin Volunteer Crew

We are delighted to welcome Jonathan Drake as one of the newest members to the Merlin Volunteer Crew. A Helena native, Jonathan received his B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Montana and is volunteering while he applies to graduate school to further his study of new religious movements. As part of his volunteer work, Jonathan will be regularly contributing to the resources library of our website and assisting in several of our philosophy in the community events.