Howwwwwl! We had such a great time on our Halloween Hayride-Philosophy Walk this year. And what an insightful, inspiring, and energetic bunch of thinkers — kids, parents, and costumed creatures alike!! Check out pictures & all the things we explored here!
Some experiences in life are so significant, so profound, so intense, that after we go through them, there’s a very real sense in which “we’re not the same person we used to be.” That might involve a change in how we understand ourselves or the world, or in what we value or take to be important. In this workshop, we developed some basic concepts and categories, that might help us make sense of these transformative experiences. We also pointed toward some of the bigger philosophical questions that are lurking behind the problem of transformative experience, including rational choice, personal identity, and freedom & the Good. Access the session recording & other resources here!
It is comforting to believe that our behavior is based upon our intentions and chosen beliefs. However, research into implicit bias suggests that this is decidedly not always the case. But what is implicit bias? And why should we be concerned with it? This article explores what is meant by implicit bias, what role it plays in our thinking and behavior, some of the philosophical dilemmas it presents, and offers an opportunity to test your own implicit biases.
Jana Mohr Lone asks the question “what kind of training is needed to teach philosophy and do it well?” and discusses the importance of what she refers to as “philosophical sensitivity.” Read her scholarly article here!
At our Beat the Heat Philosophy Party in August, one of our presentations explored what philosophy is, what it isn’t, and why we should care. This fun video from the Crash Course series provides some additional insight about the matter, including a brief history of philosophy (primarily from a western…
Empathy and compassion are some of the greatest life lessons we can ever hope to learn. While expanding our minds is (and should be) a goal of our educational systems, lessons that help to expand our hearts are often (sadly) less of a focus. In this award-winning documentary, Mr. Toshiro…
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is oft regarded as a satirical, romantic iconoclast. Unlike many philosophers of his era, his prose was lyrical and poetic and the use of pseudonyms, paradox and irony were among his trademarks. Kierkegaard’s works explored such things as personal identity, duty, freedom, objective & subjective truths,…
There is no doubt that positive emotions are worth cultivating. But must we be upbeat all of the time? Is there a healthy side of negative emotions and some value in experiencing them? Many philosophers (Schopenhauer comes to mind here) argue that embracing the full range of our emotions (including…
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Our 2022 Food for Thought Fundraiser raised $9,142 for philosophy in the community. Check out opening performance videos, photos, funds raised & more here!
In this philosophy workshop led by student scholar fellow Julianna Breit, we’ll explore our roles in empathy, questioning the aim of empathetic interactions, and analyzing what empathy looks like when it’s done well. After looking at the aesthetic foundations of empathy, we’ll consider the interplay between savoring the other’s emotion and mitigating our own emotional overload. Learn more & RSVP here!
In this installment of “How Did We Get Here?”, we’ll consider the idea of “species.” Along the way, we’ll gain some useful insights into the role of ideas & abstraction in western scientific thought, reflect on the search for stability in a changing world, & cultivate a deeper appreciation for the ways that we, and our predecessors, strive to classify and categorize — both in the natural world, and in human society and culture. Learn more & RSVP here!
Part of a Humanities Montana series on environmental humanities, this short essay by Merlin Director Marisa Diaz-Waian reflects upon nature, friendship, and this special place called home. Read the essay here!
Want to help bring a new program to the Helena & Mountain West communities? Our Community Hubs project is an innovative vision for public humanities that re-centers community as a place of learning. Learn more about our vision & how you can help support it here!
Think philosophy is impractical, pointless, out-of-reach, or irrelevant? Think again! Want to know more about what philosophy involves
(or what it doesn't) and how it can help you find your way?
