How Did We Get Here?: Planet

In this installment of “How Did We Get Here?”, we’ll consider the intellectual history of the idea of “planet” with mathematician, physicist, and astrophysicist Kelly Cline. We’ll start with the ancient Greeks, move to Copernicus, and then sashay into the 20th century. Along the way we’ll learn about how scientific words and their definitions serve as a specific lens through which we can view the world. By scientifically defining words so that they most closely match real categories that exist in physical reality, this makes it easier for us to understand, investigate, and make sense of the universe. As such, this installment of HDWGH and the evolution of how we understand and use the word planet will give us important insights into the nature of science and the foundations of our modern civilization. Learn more & RSVP here.

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Reality & Understanding: Insights from a Buddhist Scholar & Theoretical Physicist

What do we know about the nature of reality & how confident should we be in our understanding of it? This complicated subject is the focus of a video conversation (courtesy of the Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Engagement) between the physicist, Sean Carroll, and the Buddhist scholar, B. Alan Wallace.

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Silent Retreat (Spring 2018)

Our Spring 2018 Silent Weekend Retreat at Deep Bay Center on Flathead Lake was magical.  Mother Nature gifted us in so many ways.  The weather and views were beautiful…and very much in keeping with the hearts and kindness of our retreat-goers. Included below are some retreat reflections and a not…

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May 2018 Philosophy Read-In

Our May Philosophy Read-In was so very special! Much like our maiden philosophy walk in October of 2015 (which consisted of a small but mighty crew), we were honored to have embarked on our maiden philosophy read-in voyage with a wonderfully insightful and kind young lad, named Thomas, and his mother, Janet.

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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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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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A Crash Course on ‘What Is Philosophy?’

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…

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Reflective Equilibrium

reflective equilibrium

Have you ever wondered what it takes to think like a philosopher?  According to many, the capacity for reflective equilibrium is imperative.  According to Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York, it is a fundamental tool in the philosopher’s toolbox.  But what exactly is reflective equilibrium…

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