Philosophy Workshop: Wonder, Nature & Play

Have you ever wondered about wonder? What exactly is the experience of wondering? Why do we feel it? When do we feel it? Why might it be valuable? And, most pressingly: how can wonder be cultivated to assist us in dealing with modern problems, both on a large scale and in our individual, personal lives?

This 2½-hour workshop led by 2019-2020 Student Scholar Fellow Henry Kramer will include lecture, discussion, and several hands-on exercises where we’ll investigate the connections between wonder, nature, imagination, and play.

Nature

Nature is conventionally, one of the primary sources of wonder for human beings. But have we lost touch with a certain kind of wonder toward nature and what effects might this have on our relationship to, or our treatment of, the natural world?

Imagination & Play

We’ll also explore imagination and play as a primary way of cultivating wonder. How does using our imaginations, or engaging in play, foster wonder and change the way we encounter the world around us? Is play something just for children?  Does play have a deeper meaning for expression within art, ritual, and religion? In what ways could we say our imaginations are “real”?

You will leave this workshop with:

• A deeper understanding of the experience of wonder and how it applies to our lives
• Strategies for cultivating and encouraging wonder in the everyday
• New ways of looking at ordinary things, or at one another, perhaps leading to a fuller capacity for connection to the larger, more-than-human world

No background in philosophy is required to participate in this workshop.  All ages welcome. FREE.  $15-$30 suggested donation (if you are of the means to do so).  Donations help to cover workshop leader honorariums and community workshop and outings scholarships for those in need.  

Light snacks & hot tea provided.  Space is limited.  Learn more about the workshop leader & reserve your spot here!