September 2018 Philosophy Think & Drink: Moral Dimensions of Homelessness (Special Topic – Part 2)

In this month’s Philosophy Think & Drink, we continued our discussion on the moral dimensions of homelessness, first, by diving a bit deeper into the concepts of ‘home’ (and homelessness) by way of an appeal to ‘connection’ and ‘belonging’ (or lack thereof) and, second, by examining three common approaches to homelessness. Learn more about what we discussed and access resources here!

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September 2018 Philosophy Walk: The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship (Part 1)

Part 1 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on the environment, ethics & stewardship took place on Sunday, September 9th on Merlin Nature Preserve & Little Falcon Farm. What a spectacular day! The weather was beautiful — soft fluffy clouds, a slight breeze, and warm sunshine — and the conversation and company was equally wonderful! Sponsored in part by grants from The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization & Humanities Montana, this walk explored philosophical and other perspectives related to public vs. private lands and rights (individual, collective, indigenous, other) and featured special guest speakers Shane M. Doyle, EdD and Edward Glowienka, PhD.

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August 2018 Philosophy Think & Drink: Moral Dimensions of Homelessness (Special Topic – Part 1)

In light of the rise in concern about homelessness in Helena, we decided to dedicate our August Think & Drink session (as well as our September gathering — to occur on the 13th) to a philosophical exploration of the moral dimensions of homelessness. Learn more about what we discussed, see photos, and access resources here!

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August 2018 Philosophy Read-In

Our August Philosophy Read-In was so much fun! We read two stories by Byrd baylor and enjoyed wonderful conversation. View pictures, a synopses of the stories, and some of the things we talked about here!

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June 2018 Philosophy Drive-In

We had a wonderful time at our June Philosophy Drive-In.  Our group watched Stand By Me (one of our all-time favorite coming-of-age stories) and enjoyed a great post-film discussion about friendship, change, mortality, vulnerability, and growing up.  Some of the questions we explored included: Is it possible to have a coming-of-age…

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June 2018 Philosophy Walk (Ideas, History, Values & Design)

Our June philosophy walk was such fun. Accompanied by weather that couldn’t quite make up its mind (but was lovely nonetheless), our group headed out at 9:30am from Reeder’s Alley for a fun jaunt around Helena and a delightful discussion about ideas, history, values & urban design with our guest…

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May 2018 Philosophy Think & Drink (squared)

Our May Think & Drink (squared) was good fun. We enjoyed a wonderful discussion about morality & law led by Merlin advisory committee member & volunteer, Ryan Aikin. Click here to view what articles we read to prepare for our philosophical discussion and some other resources!

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May 2018 Philosophy Think & Drink

Our May Think & Drink was lovely. In keeping with our ridiculous issues with taking pictures during our think & drink sessions (we have found it somewhat uncomfortable to sneak a pic and/or ask people to say cheese during “deep thoughts”), we have opted out of pics for this month. We have, however, captured the gist of our discussion here. Beginning with a riveting discussion about llama poop (thanks Thomas & Marie!)…seven questions — all worthy of pondering — were posed. Check out what we landed upon and some of the philosophical things involved here!

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