About Us
Who We Are
We’re a Helena-based public philosophy non-profit dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening the community & environment through philosophy.
Meet the Team
Marisa Diaz-Waian
Founder/Director & Community Philosopher
Marisa Diaz-Waian is community philosopher, educator and Founder & Director of Merlin CCC. A “generalist” by nature, training, and practice, she has an M.A. in Philosophy from San Diego State University (Summa Cum Laude), serves on the board & education committee for The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization, and is a speaker for Humanities Montana.
She is also an NEH scholar, has philosophical practitioner credentials in Logic-Based Therapy, is a volunteer for the U.S. LBT Institute of Critical Thinking & the National Philosophical Counseling Association, a published author and co-author of numerous scholarly works, and an (occasional) Adjunct Philosophy Instructor at Carroll College in Helena, MT.
Born in Santa Monica, CA, Marisa was a high school & collegiate scholar-athlete. She spent the majority of her formative years along the coastlines of Southern & Northern California, exploring tidepools, playing basketball and volleyball, body surfing, and getting into good-hearted mischief. As she grew older, Ennis, Bozeman & Helena, MT became regular stomping grounds. Her summers were frequently spent fly fishing, bird watching & “wandering into the great wide open” with her late father (and buddy), Lee. B. Waian.
“The first person to introduce me to philosophy was my poppa. We would spend hours talking shop — holding ideas up against the light of reason, taking them apart & putting them back together again…having fun exploring the terrain. But it was more than just that. My father was a man who put his (& others’) ideas to the test…who walked the walk….and who showed me (by virtue of who he was) that thought & action (must) go hand-in-hand…That talk (thought, feeling) is not enough…we must also strive to do & be. Over the years, the philosophy-seeds that he & countless others in my life have helped to sow & nurture, took shape…ultimately resulting in the formation of Merlin CCC. I am grateful and elated to be part of such an amazing process…and feel passionately about the power of philosophy to transform & inspire in each of us…grace, humility, beauty & strength.”
Marisa
An active member of the Helena community, Marisa lives off-grid and happily “hangs her hat” at Merlin Nature Preserve, where she serves as its resident-steward.
Marisa has a special interest in ethics & ancient philosophy, as well as existentialism, humor, and “fuzzy” things at the intersection of philosophy and psychology. (She also really loves wolves, the ocean, art, jazz, basketball, dancing, laughing, reggae, and doing things outside of the box).
Her work focuses on philosophy in the community, across all ages and backgrounds, and frequently involves an interdisciplinary, environmental, and intergenerational bent.
Marisa can be reached at [email protected] or via phone at #406-439-5788 (Cell) or #406-502-2122 (Office).
Tricia L. Clemons
Administrative & Donor Relations Director
Tricia L. Clemons is the Administrative & Donor Relations Director for Merlin CCC. Born in Long Beach, CA and a resident of Southern California for most of her childhood and early adulthood, she eventually found herself drawn northward to the beautiful states of Montana and Alaska. Tricia resides in Helena with her husband, Tom Clemons — retired Alaska Trooper and Chief of Police in Seward.
The sole proprietor of a successful small business (a massage therapy practice named TLC Bodyworks) since 1996 and armed with 25+ years of high-level administrative experience, Tricia is adept in a variety of areas, including: office and records management, accounting, and project planning and coordination. She is also extremely proficient in numerous computer programs and platforms, and has superior communication, managerial, and interpersonal skills.
As a massage therapist, I have had many wonderful opportunities to make a positive difference in people’s lives, both physical and emotional. Utilizing the many years experience of administrative work I had prior to becoming a massage therapist, as well as running my own massage therapy practice since 1996, I hope to play an important role in the successful operation of Merlin CCC, and thus continue my quest to help people.”
– Tricia
An active member of the Helena community, Tricia is an avid lover of reading, learning, nature, wildlife, gardening, and botanical photography. Her vast experience, passion for life, and sincere desire to give back to the world are among the many attributes that make her a valuable and indispensable member of the Merlin CCC team.
You can reach Tricia at [email protected] or #907-362-2355 (Cell).
David Nowakowski
Community Philosopher & Senior Fellows Mentor
David Nowakowski is as a community philosopher and educator in the Helena area whose professional work is dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds access, understand, and apply the traditions of ancient philosophy to their own lives. A lover of philosophy and the great outdoors, David moved to Helena (originally from Pennsylvania) in 2019 to build his consulting practice and serve as a Community Philosopher & Advisor for Merlin CCC, as well as Senior Mentor for scholars in the Merlin Fellowship Program.
David began studying ancient philosophies and classical languages in 2001, and has continued ever since. A scholar of the philosophical traditions of the ancient Mediterranean (Greece, Rome, and North Africa) and of the Indian subcontinent, reading Sanskrit, Latin, and classical Greek, he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University in 2014. His work has appeared in a variety of scholarly journals, including Philosophy East & West, Asian Philosophy, and the Journal of Indian Philosophy; as well as in presentations to academic audiences at Harvard, Columbia University, the University of Toronto, Yale-NUS College in Singapore, and elsewhere.
After half a decade teaching at liberal arts colleges in the northeast, David chose to leave the academy in order to focus his energies on the transformative value of these ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions in his own life and practice, and on building new systems of education and community learning that will make this rich heritage alive and available to others.
A hermit by nature and by committed choice, he balances contemplative solitude with his active work in teaching, counseling, and the healing arts. We are elated to be collaborating with David on our philosophy in the community activities, fellowships, and other Merlin projects. David can be reached at [email protected] or via his personal website.
Mitchell Conway
Community Philosopher & Youth Programs Advisor
Mitchell Conway is a Community Philosopher at Merlin CCC, an adjunct philosophy instructor at Carroll College, a branch facilitator/educator at Cottonwood ALC, and serves on the Academic Advisory Board & Questions? Journal for The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization.
A student of philosophy, a theater maker, and a teacher who cares ardently about empowering young learners, his work has often been an interweaving of education, story, and inquiry. At the BIRD Theatre in Tottori, Japan, among other productions, he collaborated with Korean group TUIDA to create The Poetry Class about the colonial period and Pacific war; he also directed students at Kei Ai High School in Romeo & Juliet. Using applied theater, he performed with Village Playback Theatre creating improvisations from audience members’ personal stories, and for a three-month residency he taught embodied methods of community dialogue through the Colombo Americano in Medellin, Colombia. He has also taught theater to elementary school students at 82nd St. Academics and middle school students at Summer Institute for the Gifted.
For a year, Mitchell taught at the English Immersion Program in Umphium Mai refugee camp on the Thailand-Myanmar border using a curriculum based in literature and critical thinking. With the New York Foundling at Queens College, he supervised the academic component of The Dorm Project, a program supporting youth in foster care through college.
Mitchell has a Bachelor’s degree in Theater from Skidmore College and a Master’s degree in Philosophy & Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Mitch has recently presented at the North Eastern Philosophy of Education Society (NEPES) and Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) conferences. He also relishes walking in the forest.
Mitchell helps to facilitate & design several of Merlin CCC’s philosophy in the community programs, including programs for youth.
Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].
Luciano
The Merlin Meower & Our Beloved Mascot
Every organization needs a mascot, right?! Our resident furry four-legged is Luciano…affectionately known as the ‘Merlin Meower.’ While not formally trained in philosophy, Luciano has spent many years contemplating the mysteries of the universe, including mankind. A lover of the outdoors, yoga/stretching, high places, and a huge fan of snoozing in the sun, Luciano is kind, loving, astute & extremely insightful.
“Cats were considered gods in ancient Egypt. No doubt, this also means that they received praise & gifts of some sort…like belly rubs, tuna fish or crunchy treats. If I were a cat during that time frame, I would have dropped some hints about cardboard boxes and dangling strings. You show me a cat who can resist either…and you will have arrived upon the equivalent of ‘un-catness’”!
– Luciano
A loyal & affectionate member of the Merlin CCC team, we love Luciano and are thrilled to have such a “paws-itively” marvelous critter on board who so diligently works to keep us on our collective toes!
a birdseye view
If you would like to download a packet of our organization’s contact info, mission statement, story & facts sheet, logos, testimonials, images, audio-video links and more, click on the image below.
Merlin press Packet
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Our Board
Arnold McMahon
Board Member, Arnold McMahon, was born in England. After high school, he was offered a scholarship to study in the United States. His academic journey in the U.S. began with the exploration of numerous courses in physics, psychology and sociology. Due to some fundamental questions about the human condition and other such matters that the aforementioned could not seem to adequately (or rigorously enough) address, Arnold turned to philosophy. So began his lifelong commitment to the discipline.
Teaching at such places as University of Southern California, CSU Dominguez, Humboldt State University, Saddleback College and Los Angeles City College, Arnold has enjoyed helping others to embrace and value philosophy and the love of learning.
It has been a great joy teaching! I have always felt like I was the luckiest man in the world being able to do what I really wanted to do. And the quest continues.
Retired in 2009, Arnold is still active in the philosophical community, has authored several books and articles, and continues to lecture and present at numerous venues. He also moonlights by still teaching some classes at Saddleback College. To view Arnold’s CV click here.
J. Angelo Corlett
Board Member, J. Angelo Corlett, was born and raised in Southern California. He received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Arizona in 1992, specializing in ethics and philosophy of law. Angelo was driven to pursue philosophy during his early college years when he first read Plato’s Apology wherein Socrates’ trial is recounted. His goal then was to study philosophy and become a philosopher, writer and teacher. Why philosophy? To paraphrase Socrates: so that we can become better for the rest of our lives (and help others do the same).
Angelo’s passions concern matters of social justice, identifying problems, and discovering solutions to those problems. In particular, he claims: “Life is a constant learning process that usually has practical implications. Responsibility and compassion must be brought into delicate balance.”
I feel fortunate to be able to serve as Professor of Philosophy & Ethics at San Diego State University in Southern California, and to be able to pursue my life’s passion with enthusiasm.
Angelo served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Ethics: An International Philosophical Review and lectures locally, nationally and globally on various philosophical issues, and publishes on a wide range of moral problems. To view Angelo’s bio click here.
Troy DaRonco
Board Member, Troy DaRonco, was born in Superior, WI. After growing up on a country farm, he moved to Minneapolis and later to San Diego. Determined to make a difference in the world and fueled by an avid love of learning, Troy has studied a range of subjects in the Science and Humanity fields, including: Botany, Health and Nutrition, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Spiritualism, and Faith.
A business owner, strategic interventionist, bereavement and grief counselor/mentor, and life coach, Troy is a compassionate and skilled communicator who is constantly looking for opportunities to serve.
To me, being an interventionist means being there for a person through some of their most harrowing life-moments and then, with time, helping them see the possibilities that lie beyond their pain.
In addition to counseling, mentoring, and coaching, Troy is a volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a mentor for the Boys to Men Mentoring organization, is authoring his first book, and launching his website FromHereForwardCoaching.org. Troy currently resides in San Diego, CA, with his wife Julie and dog Chewy.
Mike McGuire
Michael “Mike” McGuire is a native Montanan who is endeared to his home state and has been lucky enough to live, work, raise a family, and play in the Last Best Place his entire life (Montana).
An amateur philosopher whose introduction to Lady Sophia came via martial arts training and devouring classics such as Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings, and Laozi’s Tao Te Ching, Mike also enjoys learning from modern authors such as Lt. Col. Forrest Morgan (Living the Martial Way) and Donn F. Draeger (Classical Budo).
In his professional life, Mike’s passion is business architecture, lean six sigma process improvement, and strategy development and implementation. A strategy & process consultant with over 26 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, he has experience in direct sales, market research, communications, and government contracting.
Mike’s foyer into Merlin started with his regular participation in our monthly Philosophy Think & Drinks. It spread from there into other events, and then regular volunteering. Mike enjoys learning from and with other thinkers who share his admiration of community philosophy and the quality discussion and analysis that it brings to his hometown (Helena).
Our Volunteers
In Memoriam Volunteer
Martin Richard (1947-2024) was a dear friend & one of Merlin’s first volunteers. He gave his time, expertise, energy, and every wildly fun ounce of his sense of humor & imagination to our organization through the end of his life. A regular philosophy walk leader for our Halloween Hayride-Walks for youth, curriculum development contributor, and guest speaker for various philosophy in the community endeavors, his enthusiasm was inspiring and contagious & his ability to translate complex ideas in relatable and ways remarkable.
Martin was passionate about science since he learned to read. He fondly recalls devouring the “All About” series of science books for kids before fourth grade and never missed an episode of “Watch Mr. Wizard.” In high school he regularly assisted teachers in prepping for chemistry and physics classes and gave lengthy presentations on lasers (which were then brand new). Martin was the first National Merit Scholar from his high school.
Later in life he continued his love of science by writing book reviews on popular science in East Lansing, Baton Rouge, and St Petersburg. He began his volunteer teaching work of middle schoolers in the 80s, and continued doing so, intermittently, up to his final days. He was also a science tutor to several families over the years and a teacher of chess to many in the community.
Over the years, Martin’s interests expanded to include history and the philosophy of science.
It is increasingly clear that in an era where the universe of disinformation is expanding more rapidly than the real one, we desperately need to teach how to sort good argument from bad. Those who learn nothing from history are doomed to retweet it.
Martin Richard
By igniting and stoking the fires of what Einstein called “holy curiosity,” Martin aspired to teach not just the practice of science and reason, but the appreciation of it as the best means we have by which we apprehend the deep beauty and interconnectedness of all things. Read more about Martin, view photos, watch videos, and more!
Our Volunteers
Why Philosophy?
Philosophy is the backbone of civil discourse and the heartbeat of a critical, creative and thinking community. Watch our video below.
What We Believe
The idea that philosophy has a practical side is not new. Many ancient traditions conceived of philosophy in these terms (i.e., as a way of life), as well as a practice concerned with knowledge and understanding. For many, if not most, of these thinkers, the art of thinking and the art of living were two sides of the same coin, both of which were integral to the philosophical life in general, as well as the strength, resilience and health of a community as a whole and the lives of the individuals within that community. To echo Pierre Hadot, John M. Cooper and thinkers like Socrates and Plato, the Stoics, Chu Hsi, Nietzsche, Descartes, Aristotle, Spinoza, and many more: the love of wisdom does not merely just cause us to ‘know’, “it makes us ‘be’ in a different way.”
We believe in the value and relevance of philosophy and its ability to transform and improve our everyday lives. We also believe that it is (and should be) a resource for everyone — regardless of background or age — and that it is not meant to be closed away in some book, but to be lived.
Marisa Diaz-Waian, Founder/Director
We see philosophy as a “hands in dirt” activity rooted in the joys, sorrows, and challenges of everyday life and believe that cultivating this side of ourselves has tremendous value. It’s not just an activity that involves careful and rigorous thought but also a mechanism for thriving and fulfillment.
Philosophy as a good in itself
The idea that something can be a good in itself might sound odd. But philosophy fits the bill. It is a genuinely fun, exciting & challenging activity that is beautiful and worth doing for its own sake. And it’s also about as practical as you can get.
a Compass & Navigational Tool
Philosophy is often thought of as nothing more than pointless musings with no practical effect. But nothing could be further from the truth. Philosophy is a valuable compass & navigational tool that can help you find your way.
Why philosophy? So that one might be better for the rest of their lives.
— Plato (paraphased)
In its commitment to “follow reason where reason guides” & “get closer to the truth about a matter,” philosophy helps us clarify and answer matters of thought (ideas, concepts, emotions, etc.) & action (behavior). In other words, philosophy helps us remain open to the world and understand what we think & why and, further, whether or not our thoughts are philosophically justified. It also helps us translate these (conceptual) activities into practical terms (actions/behavior) so that we can structure our lives in ways that help to promote health & happiness and enrich our lives (and the lives of others) in meaningful ways.
Some of the skills & Dispositions that Philosophy helps cultivate
- Sharpens analytical skills
- Helps with problem-solving
- Sparks & sustains imagination and curiosity
- Helps clarify thoughts & feelings
- Deepens awareness about your experiences in the world & the world around you
- Informs decision-making & action plans
- Contributes to a feeling of fulfillment
- Builds character & strength
- Encourages creative thinking
- Cultivates compassion & empathy
- Develops skills & confidence to ask good questions
- Provides & expands perspective
- Helps facilitate good habits & discipline
- Encourages a disposition of openness & wonder
- And so much more…
Why a philosophical Approach is Valuable
In addition to the sheer joy & beauty of engaging in philosophy as an end in itself, taking a philosophical approach to life can be very advantageous. Simply put, it can help us “clear the thicket” of our thinking in meaningful ways by facilitating a kind of perceptual capacity that allows us to narrow our focus (much like a scientist in a lab looking through a microscope) and broaden our view (to include connections beyond the microscope to the world beyond and within). Philosophy can also help us identify & examine some of the philosophical undercurrents present beneath our (and others’) thinking/reasoning while, importantly, also providing us with a set of tools to navigate those spaces in between.
Philosophy arms us with a set of oars & a looking glass and a means by which to approach, recognize & more successfully navigate the vicissitudes inherent in life.
— Marisa Diaz-Waian, Community Philosopher & Founder/Director of Merlin CCC
Hands, Heart & Mind
There are many ways to define philosophy. Our conception of it is inspired by numerous “way of life” traditions that (according to our interpretation) characterizes philosophy as a hands-in-dirt activity involving a full embrace of the “heart & mind” aspects of philosophical thinking and living. In line with the following sentiment, we agree that:
Philosophy is not about authoritative pronouncements. It is not about one person claiming to be deeper than others or making allegedly wise assertions. It is about leading the examined life, with humility about how little we really understand, with a commitment to arguments that are rigorous, reciprocal, and sincere, and with a willingness to listen to others as equal participants and to respond to what they offer.”
— Martha Nussbaum, American Philosopher & Erns Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law & Ethics at the University of Chicago
A Thinking Activity, Way of Life & Art
- Philosophy is a thinking activity. This means that you approach any topic of investigation you encounter in a way that honors critical, creative thinking (reasoning) & employ methods commonly associated with philosophy, such as argument, refutation, systematic doubt, logic, justification of belief, and so forth.
- Philosophy is also a way of life. This means that you approach a topic of investigation & experiences in your life with certain dispositions, including open-mindedness, a sense of wonder, imagination, sincerity, humility, and dialectical justness.
- Together, philosophy (as a thinking activity & way of life), is an art.
The Questions of Philosophy are the Questions of Life
Philosophy is concerned with a lot things, all of which in some form and to varying degrees, concern questions having to do with the human condition, our lives, and the world around us. In other words, the questions of philosophy are the questions of life.
While philosophy frequently entails examination and reflection about general and often abstract questions (e.g., what is justice? what is beauty? what is fairness?), typically it is in the particular features of our lives that these questions are raised. The capacity to identify abstract questions of everyday experience, to see as Bertrand Russell professed, “familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect,” is central to philosophical sensitivity [and philosophy as a thinking activity, a way of life, and an art.]
— Jana Mohr Lone, Philosopher & Founder of PLATO
Darien Pollock said it really well in his article, “Philosophizing in the Streets”: all philosophical dispositions are products of a “street disposition.” Philosophy “presupposes a particular kind of civic engagement.”
Some Areas of Philosophy
Traditionally, areas of philosophical inquiry are broken into what we fondly refer to as “the four cornerstones of (human) living”: Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology & Logic.
- Metaphysics. The way the world is. Questions about what sorts of things exist & their nature.
- Ethics. What we should do. Questions about how one should & ought to live. (In ancient philosophical traditions, ethics were derived from/part-and-parcel with metaphysics. Ethics was not a sperate branch of study.)
- Epistemology. What we can know. Questions about how/what we can know & our justificatory platform for claiming so.
- Logic. What is good versus bad reasoning. Questions about the correct principles of reasoning.
Within these pillars lie a variety of specialties which speak to the layers & complexity of life (e.g. philosophy of science, existentialism, environmental ethics, aesthetics, philosophy of mind, eastern philosophy, philosophy of religion, personal identity, philosophy of language). Philosophy’s investigatory journeys are led by reason & the general maxim that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”
Philosophical Sensitivity
When talking about embracing philosophy as a “thinking activity, an art, and a way of life,” its important to consider what sorts of things facilitate might facilitate this. Cultivating “philosophical sensitivity” is a helpful (and we feel necessary) means by which to do so.
The development of a general capacity to engage in questioning and reflection about the…questions underlying the human condition and the world in which we live. It is a kind of ‘perceptual capacity’ — in the Aristotelian sense of a natural faculty that can be developed over time and with training..[.] We traditionally recognize as important the development of [our] physical selves, intellectual selves, moral selves, and social and emotional selves, but we pay little attention to the cultivation of the philosophical self. Consequently, the philosophical selves…remain undeveloped…This is a loss.”
— Jana Mohr Lone, Philosopher & Founder of PLATO
- Why philosophical sensitivity is important to the practice of philosophy. Philosophical sensitivity is an important aspect of approaching life philosophically and a critical skill (and ‘virtue’) to develop. Just like other forms of sensitivity — like that of a naturalist, for example, that involves (according to J.M. Lohr) a particular sort of awareness about the world that enables her to “see relationships, details, and changes in the natural world that many of us [who have not cultivated this sense of awareness might] miss” — philosophical sensitivity involves a particular way of “seeing” and reflecting upon the world that equips us with important mechanisms by which to make sense of & navigate the world and our everyday lives.
Philosophical sensitivity is like a pair of eyeglasses that allow you to pick up on the philosophical dimensions of life that you would not have without putting them on. This “perceptual capacity or faculty” is important and integral to embracing philosophy as “a thinking activity, an art, and way of life.” It is necessary but not sufficient for the latter, which has the distinguishing feature of pushing further by demanding that one never take these glasses off.
— Marisa Diaz-Waian, Community Philosopher & Founder/Director of Merlin CCC
- How to cultivate philosophical sensitivity. How do we cultivate philosophical sensitivity? In two words: practice & training. “You got to lace up and get in the game!” There are a number of ways to do this. Here are some examples offered by Jana Mohr Lone.
- Engage in structured philosophical conversations
- Read philosophical works
- Listen to philosophical lectures
- Observe the facilitation of philosophy discussions
- Take philosophy classes
- Participate in a community of philosophical inquiry (in which philosophical topics are explored in a collaborative group)
Some Common Misconceptions
- Philosophy is not simply whatever one believes about a matter. Everyone can have a “philosophy” about something, of course, but this is not the same as philosophy as a discipline, activity or practice (i.e., approaching something philosophically).
- Philosophy is not just concerned with thoughts and ideas. Actions and behavior are important! In other words, philosophy is not just interested in “reflection” or “contemplation.” It also values putting things to the (practical) test. For example, conclusions drawn from philosophical reflection and contemplation can have a significant impact on the structure and success of our government, legal, educational, and healthcare systems.
- Philosophy is not all the same in terms of quality. Scholarship and intent matters. Philosophical activity should be rigorous and be led with the intent of following reason where reason guides us and getting closer to the truth about a matter. As is the case with any discipline…there are better and worse instances of philosophy.
- Philosophy is not simply fancy speech or technical writing. The ability to present an argument clearly and concisely requires a person to have a certain level of command over her speaking (or writing). This may or may not involve “fancy words or “technical speech.” But even if it does, this does not mean that philosophy is nothing more than its speech or writing. In the end, one should remember that a goal of philosophy (regardless of one’s particular style) should be to make the unclear more clear (not the opposite).
- Philosophy is not propaganda and rarely what we see on t.v. There are many cases in pop culture (some propagandistic, others not) where activities are incorrectly referred to as ‘philosophical’ or ‘representative of the discipline of philosophy’…but are not really cases of either (e.g., they might lack the scholastic rigor or have the goal of persuading audiences regardless of an interest in the truth about a matter). This is not to say that there are not legitimate cases of philosophy in pop culture….there are. It is just more of a rarity to encounter these than commonplace.
- Philosophy is not not concerned with answers. While questions can certainly arise as a result of a discussion about a matter (hence leading to more questions than answers), the “north star”(or guiding light) of philosophy is still always reason and getting closer to truth about a matter (an answer) still always a (the) motivating factor. An answer that is in line with reason and supported by evidence is a better answer than one that lacks such qualities.
- Philosophy is not interested in telling people what to believe. Instead, what is of paramount import is helping people discover for themselves what they believe and why (and whether what they believe is justified). While a philosopher may have a particular belief about a matter, and may in the process of discussion share this view, her primary aim is assisting others give labor to thought.
- Philosophy is not the same as debating or arguing. While philosophy involves debate and argumentation, it is not equivalent to such activities. Getting closer to the truth about a matter is an imperative of philosophy. Arguing a position just for the sake of arguing (i.e., engaging in discussion simply to “showcase one’s talents of rhetoric” or without regard to getting closer to the truth about something) is not the same as engaging in philosophy or philosophical discussion.
- Philosophy is not irrelevant to matters of everyday living. While it is true that some of philosophy’s subject matters are (or seem) “somewhat out there,” it is not the case that all (or even any) of its subject matters are removed from matters of everyday living. Philosophy is, at its core, grounded in the here and now, not some otherworld. Its aims include getting closer to the truth about such matters as justice, rights, knowledge, virtue, and happiness…and translating this into action.
- Philosophy is not opposed to passion, feelings, emotion and imagination. There is no doubt that philosophy values the use of reason. It is the driving force behind philosophical thinking. But just because philosophy gives reason preferential treatment, does not mean that it disregards passion, feelings, emotion, and imagination. Passions (as Plato intimates with his horse & carriage analogy) offer an important momentum and “wind” to philosophical reasoning and life. In fact, the process of reasoning — as many researchers have discovered — is extremely emotional, creative, and highly complex. All of these play an important role in critical thinking.
- Philosophy is not just another name for logic. While philosophy uses logic it is not the same as logic. Logic is a tool of philosophy that supports the application of reason. Logic helps us to distinguish good reasoning from bad reasoning and is used in critical thinking.
- Philosophy is not just another name for critical thinking. True…critical thinking is a central component of philosophy. But there is more to it than this. Philosophy is also an art….and way of life. This means, that in addition to critical thinking, we must also embrace (in our approach to matters of thought and experiences in life) certain character-related attributes (or dispositions) and ways of moving through the world.
- Philosophy is not just for the classroom. Many people hold the view that philosophy’s usefulness is confined to the walls of academia. But this is simply not the case. Whether we are discussing topics in a classroom, writing or researching, or enjoying conversation with a friend or a walk along the beach, philosophy is useful and relevant to each and every one of us. Its methods and attributes help us gain clarity, insight, distinguish good from bad arguments, gain perspective, make more informed decisions, and better understand ourselves and experiences.
— Marisa Diaz-Waian
Our Mission
Our organization’s mission (and what it is that we do) is create, develop, and offer a wide-range of unique & accessible opportunities for people to enjoy the fun & joy of doing philosophy together, and the transformative ways that philosophy can improve and enhance our lives in practical, empowering, and meaningful ways.
Our programs are free to the public and support critical, creative thinking, the exchange of ideas, and the application of philosophy to everyday life. More broadly, they are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages (from children to elders) to gather, to learn from and with one another, and to uniquely cultivate their personal and civic selves.
Our Inspiration
The story of Merlin — and why it was founded — is one of love and sorrow. Love is easy enough to grasp. But sorrow is admittedly more opaque. For Merlin’s Founder & Director, Marisa Diaz-Waian, the two intertwine. Merlin was founded in 2014, shortly-after the death of Lee Waian — Marisa’s adoptive father, teacher, mentor, and best friend (buddy)….and for the last 12+ years of his life as he struggled with Parkinson’s, his caregiver.
Love & Sorrow
At the time of her father’s death, Marisa was in grad school working on her Masters in philosophy. The two lived together in Oceanside, CA with the plan of returning to Helena, MT after her graduation.
Philosophy & Transformation
Our History
The idea for Merlin CCC was first conceived in 2012, shortly after the death of the founder’s father, Lee B. Waian. Preliminary steps for its not-for-profit operation began the following Spring and, in the Summer of 2014 with the filing of our Articles of Incorporation, Merlin took flight as a non-profit, and received its tax-exempt status less than a year later in April of 2015.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization our governance & financial documents are a matter of public record. Donations & contributions are tax-deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Tax ID is 47-1479303.
