Loss & Legacy: 2023 Fall Series Archive

Our 2023 philosophy symposia series looks at what it means to be at the interface of loss and legacy.  In Fall, we examined the question “How do we think about our ancestors?” during our symposium (held at the Helena Avenue Theater on October 19th) and considered a similar question focused on our military and ancestors in service by way of a WW1 Memorial documentary & community conversation (conducted in Reeder’s Alley on November 2nd). Access resources & watch the audio-video recording here!

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Loss & Legacy: 2023 Spring Series Archive

Our 2023 philosophy symposia series looks at what it means to be at the interface of loss and legacy.  In Spring, we examined the question “How do we think about grief?” during our symposium (held at the Helena Avenue Theater on April 19th) and considered the business of death by way of a film & community conversation (conducted in Reeder’s Alley on May 3rd). Access resources & watch the audio-video recording 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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2022 Philosophy Symposium: The Ethics of War & Autonomous Weapons Systems

Our philosophy symposium on the ethics of war & autonomous weapons systems (AWS) was part of our 2022 philosophy symposia series supported in part by grants from Humanities Montana and The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization. In this symposium led by guest speaker Major Hunter Cantrell, we explored just war theory and some of the implications of emerging technologies/autonomous weapons systems on just war theory, military ethics, and social/political philosophy. Access audio-video, resources & photos here!

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2022 Philosophy Symposium: The Military Experience & Culture

Our philosophy symposium on the military experience & culture was part of our 2022 philosophy symposia series supported in part by grants from Humanities Montana and The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization. In this symposium led by guest speaker (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Barrs, we explored perspectives on military life & culture for active duty members and veterans, as well as family members and loved ones (who are also “on duty” in an important sense). Access audio-video, resources & photos here!

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Jim “Poz” Posewitz: He was the Real Deal

There was no B.S. about Poz.  He was the real deal.  His best shots” have made Montana a better place.  And his legacy will continue to do the same.  These are the marks of a great teacher.  Someone who walks the walk.  Someone who inspires greatness in others.  Someone whose “best shots” never end. It has been an honor and privilege knowing you, friend. Here’s to continuing kicking up dust!

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Ancient Greek Insights for Today’s America: A Philosophical Conversation

Sponsored by Merlin CCC and the Carroll College Philosophy Department, this free evening program was an informal conversation about greek philosophical insights and how they relate to and can help us navigate our everyday lived experiences. Invited guest scholars included: Barry Ferst, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College); David Nowakowksi, Philosopher & Senior Mentor for Fellowship Scholars (Merlin CCC; and, Mark Smillie, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College). 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer, served as moderator. Access audio-video & photos here!

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2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium – “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” (Part 3)

Our 2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium Series “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” looked at numerous philosophical issues & perspectives related to ethics, the environment, and conservation stewardship, ranging from public vs. private land (including individual rights, collective rights, indigenous rights, other); landowner/steward-wildlife and habitat relationships, and; current & future environmental/conservation challenges. At this symposium, six panelists from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds focused on the third of these three areas of discussion and spoke for 7-10 minutes each. Then the forum was opened up to free-flowing audience-panelist Q & A. Access audio-video, photos & more here!

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