Event

Reading & Discussion Series: Exploring the Republic

Why is it worthwhile to act justly, even if we could “get away” with injustice? Doesn’t the successful thief or tyrant have a life that’s attractive and enviable? How does the kind of society that we live in shape our character, values, and attitudes as individuals? Is it even possible to be a healthy person, in a society that’s profoundingly sick and unbalanced? Over the winter and early spring, we’ll be exploring these and other main themes from Plato’s Republic. For 5 every-other-Wednesday sessions, we’ll balance our time and attention between close reading of Plato’s text, and considering the implications of Plato’s arguments for our own lives and times. Learn more & RSVP here!

Reading & Discussion Series: Exploring the Republic

PLATO Roundtable: Cultivating an Ease with Changing Course

We so enjoyed being invited to open up for PLATO’s Roundtable discussion on cultivating an ease with changing course. Learn more about PLATO and check out the recording here!

Valley Bank Selects Merlin as an Awardee for its Christmas Giving Program

Thank you so much, Valley Bank, for your generous contribution to our organization. What a wonderful holiday surprise!! Your contribution will help to support our philosophy in the community activities for youth, including our “Big Ideas by Little Philosophers” program, our student fellowships, and our youth philosophy walks.

August 2019 Philosophy Walk (Missoula/Huson): Reconnecting with Nature

We had a great time on our first Missoula county Philosophy Walk! Big thank you’s to the 9 Mile Community, Steve King, and Deborah Slicer and to the numerous community members, visitors from out of state (The Kramer clan!), and University of Montana students who came out to participate in the fun! Thank you also to Mother Nature for providing such a beautiful setting for our meandering. Led by 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow & Philosopher, Henry Kramer, and Grants Manager & Humanitarian, Ryan Aikin, on this walk (a “spin-off” of our August Helena Philosophy Walk) we explored the importance of “reconnecting with nature” through the lens of phenomenology and animism. Access resources & photos here!

August 2019 Philosophy Walk (Helena): Reconnecting with Nature

We were blown away by how amazing our August Philosophy Walk was…beautiful weather, wonderful people, great questions, and thought-provoking discussion led by 2019 Merlin Student Fellow & Philosopher, Henry Kramer, and Grants Manager & Humanitarian, Ryan Aikin. Our group of 17 — including 3 delightful young philosophers who joined us for the journey — enjoyed a lovely hike on the Waterline & Rodney Ridge Trails and explored “reconnecting with nature” through the lens of phenomenology, pragmatism, and animism. Access resources & photos here!

$500 Awarded to Merlin from The Fanwood Foundation for their Philosophy in the Community Program(s)

We are so honored to receive an award from The Fanwood Foundation and to be recognized as playing an important part in the world of conservation, stewardship, education, and environmental leadership. Thank you so much, Sara & Tagge, for your belief in our organization and our efforts. And thank you to Bob & Hopie for your friendship, mentorship, and continued inspiration (you are loved and missed).