October 2017 Philosophy Walk (Conservation, Hunting & Ethics)

Part 2 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on environmental ethics, conservation, preservation, hunting and hunting ethics, governance/policy and community took place on Tuesday, October 17th at Montana WILD. While a huge storm brewed outside, our group enjoyed a delightful discussion inside about conservation, hunting & ethics! Thank you…

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October 2017 MWA Staff Philosophy Walk

Our October 2017 MWA staff Philosophy Walk took place on Mount Helena amidst unseasonably warm weather — almost 70 degrees! Clad in way too many layers (we were expecting cold!), our group set-off for a walk and talk about conservation & preservation, environmental ethics, technology, beauty, wilderness, and epistemology.  We…

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The Ethics of Hunting: Some Philosophical Questions to Consider

In these two articles, some philosophical questions about the morality of hunting are explored. Article 1 In the first article, “Is Hunting Moral?  A Philosopher Unpacks the Question,” Philosophy Ph.D. candidate, Joshua Duclos, discusses: Some of the rationales for why people hunt — conservation, subsistence, and trophy/sport hunting What bothers…

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The History of Hunting and Conservation: Ethical Dilemmas & Concerns

The relationship between hunting and conservation has a long, complex history and poses numerous ethical dilemmas. On one side of the argument is the claim that hunting fees help fund conservation; on the other side is the claim that these benefits are exaggerated and that killing game animals is wrong. In between…

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Merlin to Lead MWA Staff Philosophy Walk in October

We are elated (and honored) to have been asked to lead a special Philosophy Walk for the MWA staff on the environment, conservation/preservation, stewardship, epistemology & more!

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September 2017 Philosophy Walk (Environmental Ethics, Conservation & Preservation)

Part 1 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on environmental ethics, conservation, preservation, hunting and hunting ethics, governance/policy and community took place on Sunday, September 24th on Merlin Nature Preserve.  And we couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day!  The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and…

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How Philosophy (And Technology) Can Help Us Reconnect With Nature & Why It Matters

How Philosophy (and Technology) Can Help Us Reconnect With Nature & Why It Matters Andrea Houchard & Marisa Diaz-Waian, Public Philosophy Journal (2016) – Under Review. ABSTRACT: The human connection to nature is an important issue in the world today. While it is rarely articulated as matter of public concern,…

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Merlin Philosophy Walks Featured in MWA Newsletter

We love Montana and the great outdoors!  That’s why we are thrilled to announce that we were recently featured in the Montana Wilderness Association‘s Wild Divide Chapter Newsletter! Please click here (or on the image to the left) for news about some important things happening in our area, including desired…

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