What a great way to spend a November morning & afternoon! On this month’s philosophy walk we roamed the trails of Mount Helena whilst talking about nature and the humanities with guest speakers Edward Glowienka & Henry Kramer.
Some of the things we talked about along the way:
- What are the humanities and why are they important?
- How the humanities speak to us & inspire action through story and imagination
- The relationship between the humanities and scientific studies
- Re-enchanting Nature via the humanities & the role of wonder
- What does philosophy have to offer to the conversation?
Audio
Why the Humanities are Important in Discussions About Nature (Ed Glowienka)
The Humanities, Enchantment, and Our Relationship with Nature (Henry Kramer)
Roles of Narrative, Encounter, Attention & Acceptance in the Re-Enchantment with Nature and Imagination and Wonder (Ed Glowienka & Henry Kramer)
The Role of Imagination & Wonder — Follow-Up (Henry Kramer)
What Does Philosophy Have to Offer? (Henry Kramer & Ed Glowienka)
Pictures
About Our Philosophy Walk Guides
Read More About Ed...
Edward Glowienka is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Carroll College. He received his B.A. from the University of Scranton and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Emory University. He specializes in European philosophy of the 17th and 18th centuries and writes and teaches on a broad range of topics in metaphysics and ethics. Ed has twice received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to co-direct a seminar entitled “Re-enchanting Nature: Humanities Perspectives,” the second iteration of which was held earlier this year in July.
Read More About Henry...
Henry Kramer, MA (In Progress) is a Masters student at the University of Montana in both the Environmental Philosophy and Environmental Literature programs. He is also the 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow.
As an undergrad, Henry studied comparative religion and philosophy, with a particular focus on indigenous perspectives and phenomenology. He has traveled extensively, including spending several months in New Zealand studying Maori culture and society.
After graduating, Henry was involved in the creation of Storyeon, a think-tank based out of the Jung Institute in Manhattan, and with them, presented on a panel at the United Nations on the wisdom of myth and story.
Henry is currently writing a thesis on wonder, and the role of wonder in fostering our connection with and ethical treatment of the natural world. In his spare time, Henry enjoys eating vegan food that other people have cooked.
Thank You’s
Thank you to P.L.A.T.O. (Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization), Montana Internet, and BWP Helena Great Northern Hotel for helping support our philosophy in the community programs and making events like this possible! Thank you to our philosophy walk guides Ed Glowienka & Henry Kramer. Thank you also to Michael Chapman for capturing photos of the walk…and to our walk participants who helped to make the day so special with your thoughtful comments, questions, stories, and insights!
