Philosophy Workshop: Thinking Ecologically About Virtue & Value

In this 3.5-hour “philosophy as a way of life”-inspired workshop led by philosopher David Nowakowski, PhD we’ll look at what it might mean to live a life of virtue from the lens of ecology. Select readings and activities inspired by numerous ancient (and some contemporary) thinkers will be examined and applied with the aim of introducing participants to a variety of philosophical perspectives on virtuous living and practical tools for living well.   No background in philosophy is required to participate in this workshop. FREE. All ages welcome. $20 Suggested donation. Light snacks & hot tea provided. Space is limited. 

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Philosophy Workshop: The Life of Virtue — Lessons from Greek Philosophy

In this 3.5-hour “philosophy as a way of life”-inspired workshop led by philosopher David Nowakowski, PhD we’ll look at what it might mean to live a life of virtue and flourish. Select readings and activities inspired by numerous ancient (and some contemporary) thinkers will be examined and applied with the aim of introducing participants to a variety of philosophical perspectives on virtuous living and practical tools for living well.   No background in philosophy is required to participate in this workshop. FREE. All ages welcome. $20 Suggested donation. Light snacks & iced tea provided. Space is limited. 

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Philosophy Walk

Please join us for our mid-morning philosophy walk on Saturday, August 3rd from 9am-12pm.  Topic:  Reconnecting with Nature. Special guest speakers/philosophers-on-trail — Ryan Aikin (Grants Manager, Youth Homes & Humanitarian) & Henry Kramer (2019 Merlin Student Fellow & Philosopher, University of Montana Missoula). This walk will be a casual, free-flowing conversation about…

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Philosophy Walk

Please join us for this philosophy as a way of life-inspired walk on Saturday, September 14th from 10am-1pm where we’ll be exploring “virtue & ethics: from ecology to ethics.”  Special guest speaker/philosopher-on-trail — David Nowakowski, PhD. To learn more & sign-up for our free meandering, visit our philosophy walks page.

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Philosophy Walk

Please join us for this philosophy as a way of life-inspired walk on Sunday, July 14th from 9am-12pm where we’ll be exploring ethics, “the life of virtue” and hope.  Meeting/Hike Location: Dump Gulch/McKelvey Trailhead (just past the Lime Kilns on Grizzly Gulch Drive). Special guest scholar/philosopher-on-trail — David Nowakowski. This…

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Ancient Greek Insights for Today’s America: A Philosophical Conversation

Sponsored by the Carroll College Philosophy Department and Merlin CCC, this evening program will be an informal conversation about greek philosophical insights and how they relate to can help us navigate our everyday lived experiences. Guest participants will be provided with set questions/topics, not as a debate, but rather as an illuminating conversation. Barry Ferst (Professor of Philosophy, Carroll College) will be serving as the moderator and will aide in directing discussion.

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Science on Tap: Three Thought Experiments that Revolutionized Science

Most people can identify the ideas that have revolutionized science as we know it.  But what about the thought experiments behind those ideas?  The ideas behind the ideas that gave rise to our vision of the world today? This free interactive & theatrical presentation was held on January 31st at ExplorationWorks as part of their Science on Tap project and explored three thought experiments that revolutionized science. Guest speakers Marisa Diaz-Waian (who played the role of the student), Martin Richard (the mad scientist) & Michael Chapman (the philosopher) examined the role of imagination and wonder in scientific and philosophical thinking and invited audience members to share in the fun!  

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Merlin Philosophy Walk on HCTV: Exploring Big Ideas Under the Big Sky

Produced by Stephen Maly and Jeanie Warden of Helena Civic Television, this video offers a snapshot of what you might experience on one our philosophy walks. Featuring guest speakers Ed Glowienka and Shane Doyle, this walk took place on Sunday, September 9th 2018 on Merlin Nature Preserve and Little Falcon Farm, and was part of our 3-part series on the environment, ethics & stewardship.

Thank you to the Helena Civic Television crew for joining us on our outing, capturing such beautiful footage, and adding such heart-warming commentary !  

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